In the peak of its popularity, American Idol drew more than 30 million viewers per episode and held the #1 broadcast spot for eight years. It was known as the primary springboard for young artists looking to fast track their path to stardom.
In recent years, the show’s audience has dwindled and is currently drawing an average of nine million viewers each week. As a result, FOX announced that it was pulling the plug on the series after its 15th season next year.
“It was not an easy decision,” Gary Newman, the co-chief executive of the Fox Television Group, told reporters on a conference call, ahead of the network’s presentation of its fall lineup to advertisers. “ American Idol has been such a vital part of Fox for its run.”
The last season of American Idol will air in January, Fox announced on Monday. Host Ryan Seacrest will return and will be joined by current judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr.
Newman described the final season would as a “true season-long celebration.”
