The last member of the pioneer judging panel will not be coming for 'American Idol' season 14!
After starting out as a judge then as an in-house mentor, Randy Jackson finally decided to exit the Fox survival program just a few months before the 14th season airs. Former original members of the judging panel, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul already left the show several years ago.
Ryan Seacrest will be the only cast of 'American Idol' who will stay for the 14th season.
"After 13 seasons, I felt now was the perfect time to leave," Jackson reportedly told Deadline.
He added, "I'm proud to have been a part of a series that discovered some incredible artists and will go down in history as one of the most successful television shows ever. A true original, 'Idol' started it all. Onto what's next."
He had previously decided to take his leave after 12 seasons but eventually had to come back after in-house mentor Jimmy Iovine left the position open in season 13.
Subsequently, the same position has once again been opened with Jackson's exit. Who will be advising the contestants for their performances now?
In past seasons, the show's alum, Chris Daughtry, David Cook, and Adam Lambert, helped mentor newer contestants. Lambert, in particular, will be coming back as a guest judge for the upcoming season's New York auditions as a sub for Keith Urban.
According to past reports, Lambert was also offered to become a judge last season, but ended up as a guest advisor instead. Harry Connick, Jr. eventually joined Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban on the table.
Seeing as this is the case, could Fox offer Lambert the in-house mentor position?
Although this would be a dream for Lambert's fans, the Grammy nominee still has to complete his obligations with a certain legendary rock group. Not to mention his own album that he's currently working on.
His collaboration tour with Queen has been positively reviewed by critics and garnered a high demand for tickets. Organizers had to add several more shows to accommodate the fans for the UK tour.
Despite his busy schedule, do you want Adam Lambert to become a permanent fixture in the show? What else do you think will change now that Randy Jackson will not be joining 'American Idol' season 14?
