It’s curtains for American Idol

Former American Idol judges, from left, Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick jr.

Former American Idol judges, from left, Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick jr.

Published May 12, 2015

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'American Idol' is ending after 15 seasons.

Producers Fox have confirmed judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. will take their seats at the panel for the final time in January, with the series set to be a “celebration” of the previous 14.

It hasn't yet been confirmed how long the series – which will again be hosted by Ryan Seacrest – will run, but it is believed to be shorter than in previous years.

Jennifer – who joined the show for two seasons in 2011 before returning last year – recently spoke of how much she enjoys looking for a “new superstar” on the show.

She said: “I love it, it's a great musical journey,. We get to talk about music and we get to hopefully find a new superstar, and that's always exciting.”

The show debuted in June 2002 with Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul on the judging panel, with Kelly Clarkson crowned the first-ever winner.

Past judges have also included Nicki Minaj, Ellen DeGeneres, Mariah Carey and Steven Tyler, while other contestants who have gone on to enjoy career success include Jordin Sparks, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert.

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Cowell says he “had a blast” on 'American Idol'.

The music mogul was one of the original judges on the talent show and he has paid tribute to producers Fox for “taking a risk” on the programme following yesterday's news that it is to end next year after 15 seasons.

Simon – who was joined on the judging panel in the first seasons by Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson – said in a statement: “We had a blast! Me, Paula, Randy, Ryan [Seacrest, host] – and not forgetting Brian [Dunkleman, season one co-host]. Thanks to the fans, we were able to make some great shows and found some amazing artists.

“Fox took a risk on a brand new show and I want to thank them for giving us the opportunity. They really were great times.”

Simon – who quit the show in 2010 to launch 'The X Factor' in America – also thanked the entire country for enjoying the show for so long.

He tweeted: “Looking back at my time on American Idol we had a great time. We found great artists. Had fun. And to America. Thank you. It was a blast.(sic)”

Meanwhile, Ryan Seacrest finds it “hard to imagine” life without 'Idol'.

He tweeted: “next year will be our final season of @AmericanIdol :( this show's been a big part of my life for so long... hard to imagine it w/out it (sic)”

Original co-host Brian Dunkleman managed to see the funny side of the show's cancellation.

He tweeted: “I knew American Idol would never last without me #CANCELLED (sic)”

 

Entertainment Reporter and Bang Showbiz

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