American Idol Ends with Season 15

Fox announced the last season of American Idol premiering January 2016.

Fox announced today that American Idol that the 15th season will be last season of the long running talent show. Fans of American Idol can start say good-bye this January on FOX. A season-long celebratory event, AMERICAN IDOL 15 will feature host Ryan Seacrest and judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr., as they search for the final American Idol and pay tribute to the past 14 seasons of contestants and the millions of fans who tweeted, texted and championed their IDOLs.

The first season American Idol premiered on June 11, 2002. Kelly Clarkson was the first winner of the American Idol casting show.

Fox is not changing anything on the final season and sticks with the current cast of judges. The continued decline of ratings is the reason for Fox to pull the plug. The Simon Fuller created casting show has seen its best days under judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.

TV programming is now full with lots of different casting shows that dilute the genre. 

Fox has announced their primetime slate for the 2015-2016 television season to the national advertising community during its annual Programming Presentation at the Beacon Theatre.

“Building on the phenomenal momentum created by GOTHAM, THE LAST MAN ON EARTH and, of course, EMPIRE, we’re infusing next season’s schedule with new ambitious dramas, smart comedies, aspirational unscripted series and big live events and specials – all from the best creators in the business,” said Walden and Newman. “And our strategy with these bold creative swings is simple: schedule them strategically, market them relentlessly and create events that break through and captivate viewers across every platform.”