One of the original judges who later became a mentor on the FOX singing competition will not return for the upcoming 14th season.
- Nov 12, 2014
AceShowbiz - Randy Jackson exits "American Idol" again. The music producer who has been with the veteran singing competition since the first day has decided to leave the show after 13 seasons, opting not to return for the upcoming 14th season.
FOX and Idol producers FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment released a statement to announce the news. "Randy has been such an integral part of 'American Idol' since day one, both as a judge and as a mentor," they said. "He's provided great advice and support, shaping the success of so many Idols we have discovered over the years. We wish him all the best in his next chapter. Randy will always be part of our Idol family and we hope he'll visit from time to time."
Randy is one of the original judges on the FOX reality series. He left the judges' panel after season 12, but later was invited back to serve an in-house mentor in season 13, replacing Jimmy Iovine. With his departure, host Ryan Seacrest is now the only on-camera talent from the original team staying on the show.
The 14th edition of "American Idol" will have last year's judges, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr., returning.
