New year, new gig for Keith Urban, who will be a judge on the 12th season of American Idol.

For Keith, a native of Australia, there's a sense of purpose about the new gig, he tells GAC.

"American Idol really personifies the American Dream,” he said. "It is what brought me all the way to America.

"It completely provides that for someone who’s come from nothing. They just have raw talent and a hunger and a desire to become a real artist, and the show completely gives them that chance.”

See those talented dreamers and vote for your favorites when the new season of Idol starts Jan. 16 on FOX.