Los Angeles — The swan song of “American Idol” has arrived.
Fox’s once-blockbuster singing contest, which launched the careers of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson, has seen its audience dwindle and age.
“Idol” will return next year for its 15th and final season with returning judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr., Fox said Monday.
The series, which debuted in 2002, also helped launch the careers of Clay Aiken, Jordin Sparks, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery and Phillip Phillips.
Recently, original judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson left the show.
Several other singing competitions followed “Idol,” including “The Voice” and “The Sing-Off.”
At its peak, American Idol attracted 30 million viewers, but has seen its ratings drop in the past couple of seasons.
Reaction to the news was mixed on social media.
American Idol got canceled? What? I mean, I don’t love it…but it’s just weird.
— Andrea Broadwater (@oarandrea) May 11,2015
Finally they pulled the plug on American idol
— Jess Henderson (@jtsnum1fan1988) May 11, 2015
@AmericanIdol was obsessed with American Idol when I was younger! Some great singers were made from this series :)
— dann » follow me, H? (@libertylouis) May 11, 2015
