“American Idol” will end after its the 15th season ends in 2016, Fox announced Monday during the network’s yearly pitch to advertisers.
The TV show — responsible for discovering Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson — has been on the decline over the past several years. Though it once averaged over 30 million viewers in a season, it’s lately only garnered a couple million, last month drawing in only 6.5 million.
The primetime show debuted in 2002, and quickly became one of the most watched entertainment shows. Its ratings have been hurt by multiple spin-off shows like “The Voice.”
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Ryan Seacrest will host the final season, with Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. continuing to judge during the season that will celebrate the show’s overall success. (RELATED: Ryan Seacrest Is The Only Person Who Hasn’t Abandoned ‘American Idol’)