Fox Bosses on the End of AMERICAN IDOL

AMERICAN IDOL will come to an end with the upcoming 15th season (which will launch in January of 2016), but parting with a show that has meant so much to the network wasn’t a move they came to lightly.

“It’s not an easy decision; AMERICAN IDOL has been such a vital part of Fox for its run,” Gary Newman, Co-Chairman and CEO, Fox Television Group, said on a call with reporters. “We spent a lot of time talking with the producers about the future of AMERICAN IDOL, and collectively, we all arrived to the conclusion it was time to bring the show to an end. But we really wanted to do it in a way that felt special and celebratory, and treated the show the way it deserved to be treated. So next year, we’re announcing it is the final season. It’ll be a true season-long celebration. We’re already talking about surprises we can have for the fans to make it feel special, and to send it off in a way that is as significant as the run it has had on our network.”

Among those potential surprises for next season? The potential return of former judges.

And “We would welcome any of them back,” Dana Walden, Co-Chairman and CEO, Fox Television Group, said. “We’re having conversations with [the producers] about anything you can imagine would be celebratory, what would be nostalgic, and all the things you could do that would send the show off in a way that feels memorable.”

“Having spent time very recently with former IDOL judges, there’s a lot of enthusiasm about coming back and paying tribute to a show that launched many, many successful careers,” she continued. “I think there’s going to b a lot of enthusiasm about former judges and contestants being a part of the show.”

(And since original IDOL judge Paula Abdul is now a SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE judge, perhaps she’ll be the first pop back up to IDOL’s final season?)

Even IDOL season 1 co-host Brian Dunkleman isn’t off the table.

“Where is Brian Dunkleman?” Walden asked, when she was questioned if he’d return. “If you get me his number, I will call and find him.”

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