'American Idol' Ending In 2016; Final Season Will Be Extended Tribute; Simon Cowell Reacts

American Idol judges — Judges Harry Connick Jr. (left), Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban react during the "American Idol XIII" finale in Los Angeles, May 21, 2014. Reuters/Mario Anzouni

The Fox television network has released its official list of prime-time TV shows for the upcoming 2015-2016 season and one major bomb has been dropped. In January 2016, the legendary talent show “American Idol” will begin its final season. After 15 years on the air, one of the longest-running and most successful reality shows will finally close the curtains.

The network describes the 15^th season to be “a seasonlong celebratory event.” The show will continue to feature the now iconic host Ryan Seacrest. He joined the show from the first season and has since become a household name in the entertainment industry worldwide. Seacrest has since also become a successful producer and will no doubt find other adventures to pursue once “American Idol” wraps up. The host tweeted an emotional message just after the news was announced.

next season will be emotional yes, but next season will be unforgettable i can't wait #idol
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) May 11, 2015

The announcement also confirmed the return of this season’s panel of judges, composed of Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr.

“American Idol” has gone through a series of changes over the years, including changes in the judging lineup. One of the original judges, who has also now become an international superstar, is Simon Cowell. His name was synonymous with “American Idol” for nearly decade before he decided to leave in 2010. He took the time to share his thoughts and to thank the fans who supported the show:

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.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) May 12, 2015

The 15^th and final season of “American Idol” is meant to be a tribute to all the individuals who were part of the first 14 seasons. This includes the judges, contestants, the winners and most of all, all the fans who painstakingly kept track of every show. They took the time to tweet, call, text and promote their respective contestants over the years and supported their careers once they left the show.

“American Idol” started airing in 2002. It became one of the most successful reality TV shows and talent competitions in history. Some of the most notable alumni from the show are multiple Grammy Award-winning superstar Carrie Underwood, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson and of course, the original Idol, Kelly Clarkson.

For questions/comments regarding the article, please contact the writer at: c.caparras@ibtimes.com.au

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