LOS ANGELES, Ca. – After 15 seasons, “American Idol” will come to an end. Fox Television announced today that the most popular music reality show in U.S. television history will end after next season.
Once a ratings powerhouse, the show launched the careers of many singers, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson. At it’s best, the show was watched by more than 30 million viewers but has seen a ratings decline and an aging audience in recent years. Last season, “Idol” averaged just 10 million viewers each week.
All three current judges, Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick, Jr. and Keith Urban will return for the final season, which is set to start airing in January 2016. Host Ryan Seacrest will also return for the final season.
Over the show’s 14 year run, there have been 11 different judges and more than 300 Billboard No. 1 songs. The network said on its website, that it is planning a season-long “celebratory event” to send off “Idol.”
