Randy Jackson and Crew; Done with Idol after Season 12

It’s hard to believe that American Idol has been around for a decade now, holding strong with a huge fan base, and gracing us with some of pop, country, and R&B’s past and recent chart-toppers such as Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson,  Clay Aiken,  and Fantasia Barrino, to name a few.  Randy Jackson has announced that after season 12 he will be leaving to pursue other business opportunities.  Other current Idol judges, Mariah Carey, Nikki Minaj, and Keith Urban will all also be leaving after season 12, according to reports by The Wrap.

In a statement to E! News yesterday, Jackson, the last original judge, addresses the rumor by saying, “Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on ‘American Idol’ I have decided it is time to leave after this season.  I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry. It’s been a life changing opportunity but I am looking forward to focusing on my company Dream Merchant 21 and other business ventures.”

Fear not, American Idol fans, the show has not announced any plans to end airing additional seasons, and will undoubtedly boast a whole new set of celebrity judges that will offer critique and the opportunity to gain National and global fame to American Idol contestants and hope-fulls.

We wish Jackson the best of luck in his future business endeavors and will always remember his contribution to the show!