One last Idol! FOX announced on Monday, May 11, that after 13 years, American Idol has finally been canceled. The long-running competition show will be sent off with a final showdown for the country's hottest talent.
"American Idol will begin its 15th — and final — season this January on FOX," the network wrote in a release. "A season-long celebratory event, American Idol XV will feature host Ryan Seacrest and judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr., as they search for the final Idol superstar and pay tribute to the past 14 seasons of amazingly talented contestants and the millions of fans who tweeted, texted and championed their Idols."
Seacrest, 40, has been the one constant in the ever-changing lineup of the singing show. The host made his debut on American Idol's June 2002 premiere, going solo with the second season canning of original co-host Brian Dunkleman.
Just announced! @AmericanIdol will begin its 15th – and FINAL – season this JAN on @FOXTV?! http://t.co/DLJmi9U3Ff pic.twitter.com/KQffQPjMvn
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) May 11, 2015
The TV personality first introduced judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson, going on to work alongside Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, Lopez, Steven Tyler, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Urban, and Connick, Jr. The trio of Lopez, Urban, and Connick, Jr. has been in place since 2014's 13th season of American Idol.
The announcement from FOX was made as Idol's 14th season approaches its finale. The latest iteration has seen a continual fall in ratings over recent weeks, and will pit top three Jax, Nick Fradiani, and Clark Beckham against one another for the title of American Idol.
Previous winners, finalists, and semi-finalists have seen a mixed bag of success over the years, with original Idol Kelly Clarkson topping the charts alongside later competitors such as Oscar winner and 7th runner-up Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Fantasia Barrino, runner-up Clay Aiken, and Jordin Sparks, just to name a few.
