Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are going to bring 'heat' to the new series of 'American Idol'.

The two singers have joined Randy Jackson on the panel after previous judges Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres left the show but Randy thinks this year's contestants are even more talented than in previous seasons and says the new series will be better than ever.

He said: "It's gonna be hot. You're gonna love it. I'm telling you, trust me. There's lots of new talent.

'Heat, that's what they're going to bring. Watch, you're going to love them. Steven is mad cool. I love him."

Along with a new panel Randy joked he has some other changes planned for the show, including a live performance and album collaboration between him, TV host Mario Lopez and rapper Lil Wayne.

He added in an interview with RadarOnline.com: "Mario's gonna sing. We're gonna do a hip hop album with Mario. Me and Mario and Lil Wayne are doing this crazy album. The only problem, we just gotta call Lil Wayne first."

Jennifer Lopez has previously revealed she is excited about the talent so far - even though the lengthy audition process did take its toll.

She said: "We've put a bunch of people through - probably more than they have in the past.

"We have about 15-20 real superstars, people who could be recording artists.

"I've cried. We get a lot of elation when we put them through and devastation, almost, when they're not. But it's been a ball."