"American Idol" is actually ending - has it registered yet?
As fans get ready to say farewell to the show that launched the careers of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Phillip Phillips, it is only right to take time to honor the show's long-running host, Ryan Seacrest.
Seacrest, who hosted the show for all of its 15 years, issued a heartfelt statement about the show's cancellation, calling "American Idol" a "big part of his life for so long" and added that it will be "hard to imagine" his life without it.
"'It's been a remarkable journey, and I feel very fortunate to have been part of a show that made television history in countless ways," he said, according to E! News. "It's a show about chasing and fulfilling dreams, and truth be told, it helped some of my own dreams come true too."
He continued, "All the 'American Idol' producers, judges, crew and everyone at Fox have been heroic in their efforts to create, produce and sustain such a groundbreaking show for so many years. I'm so glad they're going to give us a season-long sendoff. The last season will undoubtedly be a special and emotional one, but first I'm looking forward to closing out Season 14. The finale is always my favorite part-two live shows with lots of surprises, and, of course, one winner!"
The news of "American Idol's" cancellation after season 15 was made on Monday, ahead of Fox's upfronts presentation. Simon Cowell, who exited the show in January 2010 after being a judge for eight years, also released a statement, recalling "great times" on the show.
"We had a blast!" he told People. "Me, Paula [Abdul], Randy [Jackson], Ryan [Seacrest]-and not forgetting Brian [Dunkleman]. Thanks to the fans we were able to make some great shows and found some amazing artists. Fox took a risk on a brand new show and I want to thank them for giving us the opportunity. They really were great times."
The British music producer also took to Twitter to reminisce about his time on the show, writing, "Looking back at my time on American Idol we had a great time. We found great artists. Had fun. And to America. Thank you. It was a blast."
Dunkleman, who co-hosted the reality who alongside Seacrest in 2002, tweeted after the news of the show's cancellation next season.
"I knew American Idol would never last without me #CANCELLED," the 43-year-old television personality tweeted.
Deadline reported that current judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. will return for the final season of the show. Seacrest is also expected to host the show one last time.
"It was not an easy decision," Gary Newman, Fox's chairman and CEO, said about the show. "Idol has even such vital part of Fox for its run. And we spent a lot of time talking with producers about the future of 'American Idol' and collectively all of us arrived at the conclusion that it was time to bring the show to an end."
