Of all the judges who should leave American Idol, Randy Jackson probably would have been my last choice.
Jackson announced last night that this season of American Idol would be his last. The judge tweeted, “I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry. It’s been a life changing opportunity #idol.” For Jackson’s full statement, check out Entertainment Weekly. He was the last of the original judges to remain on Idol. With Jackson’s departure, host Ryan Seacrest is the only remaining fixture from the original 2002 season.
Randy Jackson is most known for his vocabulary, which includes a whole lot of “yo, yo, yo’s,” “dawg’s,” and even some “yo dawg’s.” Jackson has sat through numerous awkward Paula Abdul / Simon Cowell feuds, not to mention the more recent Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey spats (ugh). He’s also been joined by the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, and Keith Urban at the judging table. You wouldn’t know it from all the press Minaj and Carey get, but Urban is actually a judge on the current season of Idol…although probably not for long.
A recent article from The Wrap reveals that Jackson’s exit might be the first of many for the show. There are rumors that Fox is executing a major shake up for the 13th season, which includes four ALL NEW judges and maybe even a new producer. This past season of American Idol saw all time series lows, so the Fox show needs a major reboot or it will likely be laid to rest for good.
Major props to Randy Jackson for lasting TWELVE years on a show that should have stopped after six.
