American Idol to end in 2016, Fox announces
11 May 2015
From the section Entertainment & Arts
Judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr will return for the final season
Long-running US talent show American Idol will end after its 15th and final season, which will be broadcast next year, US TV network Fox has confirmed.
Current judges Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr and Keith Urban will return, along with host Ryan Seacrest.
Fox said the last season would act as a “celebratory event” paying tribute to former contestants, winners and fans.
American Idol was launched by Simon Fuller and Simon Cowell in 2002, based on their hit UK series Pop Idol.
The show, whose original judges were Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, paved the way for a wealth of TV talent contests including The X Factor and The Voice.
It launched the singing careers of inaugural winner Kelly Clarkson and stars including Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks and Adam Lambert.
The show’s celebrity judges have included Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Steven Tyler, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres.
Fox has said the final season will celebrate the show’s history
American Idol also propelled host Seacrest to fame. He began by co-hosting with Brian Dunkleman.
The singing competition drew 36 million viewers in its heyday in 2006, but ratings have fallen every year since then.
Viewing figures for the current season – which is set …read more
Source:: BBC Entertainment
