Randy Jackson Announces: “I’m Leaving American Idol”

Whoa. Judge Randy Jackson announces to E News that he’s leaving American Idol.

“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.”

Better to quit than to be seemingly pushed. Let the bloodletting begin. After The Wrap reported that all 4 American Idol judges’ jobs are on the chopping block, will there be more announcements forthcoming in the next few days?

And I thought Randy would outlast both a nuclear holocaust and the zombie apocalypse. Holy cow.

Via E News

UPDATE: More from E News:

“Yes, we want to do a whole new panel—but, just like last time around, it depends on who we get,” a Fox source confirmed Wednesday to E! News in response to a report that all four judges will be leaving after this season because the now 12-year-old show is in need of a massive jolt of new energy.

For starters, there will be “definitely no Mariah” next season, that’s “absolutely certain,” our insider says. “The others, it depends who we get [to take their place].”

The source also tells us that there’s been talk, if The X Factor is ever canceled “way, way in the future,” of trying to bring back the original big three: Randy, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.

Does that mean it’s possible Nicki and/or Keith could be returning?

About mj santilli 35170 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!