Headlines: Randy Jackson on The End of Idol

A behind-the-scenes peek as ‘American Idol’ tunes up for its final bow – Although it’s been years since the show’s heyday, when “Idol” regularly topped more than 30 million viewers, its effect on pop culture has been undeniable — just look at “The Voice,” “America’s Got Talent” and numerous other franchises born in its shadow. Ahead of the show’s finale, The Times was embedded at “American Idol” headquarters at CBS Television City in Los Angeles. The following is a look at one of the final weeks of the landmark series. – Read more at LA Times

‘American Idol’ Contestant Emily Brooke Can’t Get Tickets to Season 15 Finale – What’s a girl gotta do?! Emily Brooke, a semifinalist on American Idol’s final season, took to Twitter on Tuesday, March 29, to reveal she can’t get tickets to the finale. “So this upcoming week is sad. 1) dont have tickets to the @ACMawards & 2) dont have tickets to @AmericanIdol finale #musicdepression,” the top 24 finalist of season 15 tweeted. – This is so silly. Always and forever only the finalists were invited to the finale by the show – Read more at US Magazine

Randy Jackson on ‘American Idol’s’ End, Haters, and Why Iggy Pop Is ‘Idol’ Material – YAHOO MUSIC: So can I assume you will be at the American Idol finale? RANDY JACKSON: Oh yes. I’ll be there. The show definitely changed after new judges started coming in. Yeah, you have to remember, Simon and I weren’t famous before the show. It’s different when it’s celebrities [as judges]. Do you think a celebrity is really going to say, “Oh here, let me give you this #1 single, I don’t want it, you can have it. Let me hand you my spot on the charts.” They’re in competition with these people! It’s a whole different thing. But people like me and Simon, we want to help you. We want to help you find that #1 song.- Read more at Yahoo.com

Catching up with North Carolina’s ‘Idols’ – Ten years ago, “American Idol” was at its peak – and so was North Carolina’s presence on the show. In and out of the winner’s circle, The Old North State has always been an “Idol” player, going back to Clay Aiken, runner-up in Season 2, and Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino in 2004. In fact, five of the all-time top-selling 11 “American Idol” contestants are from North Carolina. Another half-dozen performers from the state have made the top 24, including Raleigh native Jordan Sasser this year. – Read more at NewsObserver

Say farewell to ‘American Idol’ – Eight years ago, the biggest show on TV was “American Idol,” and the biggest celebrity in Utah was David Archuleta. The teenager from Murray was one of the favorites to win the Season 8 competition, which drew tens of millions of viewers for each of 42 episodes that aired over four months. But “Idol” has faded. The 2015 season finale — when Nick Fradiani (who?) was crowned the winner — drew barely 8 million viewers. In 2008, 31.7 million people tuned in to see David Cook beat Archuleta, garnering 56 percent of 97 million votes cast by viewers. That was down from a peak of 38.1 million who watched in 2003. Cook remains somewhat surprised to this day. – SLTrib.com

Justin Guarini, Jordin Sparks, Kimberly Locke Get Ready for the Idol Finale!