Fox announced today that the original TV talent show American Idol has been renewed – but for one final season, its 15th. With the season 14 finale coming up this week and Clark Beckham, Jax and Nick Fradiani preparing to battle it out for the crown and a contract with Big Machine, the network revealed that while the show provided a loyal fanbase over the years, falling ratings meant it was time to call it a day. The move had been expected for some time, particularly since the landscape is now crowded with similar shows, and Idol has often struggled to remain relevant in the past.
The show began in 2001 with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson (remember those days?!) and Ryan Seacrest hosting, but Ryan has been the only mainstay as the line-up has undergone several changes. The last two seasons have seen it settling down with a praised line-up of Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick, Jr and our very own Keith Urban, but Keith did previously have to put up with the diva drama of Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey.
Still, one final season of American Idol doesn’t come without cuts. It’s been reported that the judges’ salaries have been significantly lowered while the show will receive fewer hours in Fox’s schedule.
So after this week, that’s just one more season of Keith Urban judging talent on our screens. Will you miss seeing him week on week? Are you glad the show is finally bowing out? Sound off in the comments!
