Randy Jackson, the last original “American Idol” judge, announced Thursday that he would be leaving the hit singing competition program after the current season ends.
He gushed saying
To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on ‘American Idol,’ I have decided to leave after this season,” Jackson said in a statement, released through his representative.
Along with Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, the musician and producer was one of three judges when the Fox show debuted in 2002.
It soon became a national sensation, topping the Nielsen charts as the nation’s most watched program for eight years running.
In 2011 — more than a year after CNN and others reported on the program’s ratings “slide” — the “American Idol” Wednesday night show still topped the Nielsen yearly chart. No. 2? “American Idol’s” Thursday program.
Even if the reports are true that Fox wants to replace all four judges on American Idol next season, it doesn't matter to Randy Jackson.
Fox representative Jill Hudson says the network has no comment on Jackson’s announcement.
In his statement Thursday, Jackson said he was “very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry.”
“It’s been a life-changing opportunity, but I am looking forward to focusing on my company, Dream Merchant 21, and other business ventures,” he added.
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