After 15 seasons, American Idol, America’s one-time beloved competition, will come to an end.
According to Adweek, the music reality show, which launched the careers of Carrie Underwood, Fantasia and Kelly Clarkson, will end its run in the 2015-16 season.
Fox Television Group chairmen and CEOs, Dana Walden and Gary Newman said last season’s runaway hit, Empire would kick off the new season with 18 new episodes to be split in the fall and spring.
“Our strategy with these bold creative swings is simple: schedule them strategically, market them relentlessly and create events that break through and captivate viewers across every platform,” said Walden and Newman.
Fox fell to fourth place with viewers aged 18-49 last season. American Idol, which once brought in blockbuster numbers, also suffered slumping ratings. After speaking with the show’s producers, Walden and Newman decided to bring the show to an end.
“It just felt it was the right time to bring the run to a close,” said Newman
Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, Ryan Seacrest and Harry Connick Jr will return for the final season.
*sad emoji face American Idol is coming to an end*