LOS
ANGELES Randy Jackson, the only judge who has been on American Idol since the beginning,
is leaving the show. In a statement to the press, Jackson confirmed that,
"After 12 years of judging on 'American Idol' I have decided it is time to
leave after this season. I am 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."
Jackson's
departure came a day after a report that all four Idol judges would be let go
before the next season. The once-mighty singing competition series has been on
the wane in recent years, with this season bringing the second straight year of
double-digit declines in audience.The other current judges are Nicki Minaj,
Mariah Carey and Keith Urban. Jackson has been a steady presence on the show,
which has seen quite a bit of upheaval at the judge's table in recent years.
Original judges Paula Abdul left in 2009 and Simon Cowell departed in 2010 to
focus on his own competing series, The X Factor.
While
Fox has not commented on the reports of the judges leaving, the network is
presenting its new lineup to advertisers next week in New York City and could
address the show's future at that time.
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