Randy Jackson, the last remaining original judge from the hugely popular American Idol is leaving the show. Contestants can prepare to hear a lot less “dogs,” (or “dawgs” if you prefer) in their judgments.
Jackson broke the news to E! News, who quotes him as 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,” he says. “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.”
He also tweeted confirmation:
I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry. It’s been a life changing opportunity #idol
— Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) May 9, 2013
It’s unclear whether this Ryan Seacrest tweet is related to the news:
Idol has gone to the dogs. instagram.com/p/ZGmEywFWQH/
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) May 9, 2013
Here’s the Instagram pic that links to:
Fox has yet to comment on Jackson’s departure, but E! says one of its sources says there has been more chaos with American Idol this year than ever, which likely contributed to the events that have unfolded. There had already been talk that Fox wanted to replace all four judges on the show next season anyway.
