Television May 11, 2015
It’s Official: ‘American Idol’ Ends in 2016
After launching the careers of superstars Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson, FOX has confirmed that 2016 will be the last season for “American Idol.”
The network noted in a press release that the final season will pay tribute to the show's previous 14 years.
“Idol" launched in 2002, and paved the wave for other music competition shows, including “The Voice” and “X Factor.” The competition show drew more 30 million viewers in 2006, but since its peak, ratings have fallen nearly every season, with a series-low this year of 11.6 million viewers.
Judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr., along with host Ryan Seacrest will be back for the final season in January 2016.
