'American Idol' is Coming to an End

After nearly 13 years on-air, FOX’s most popular competitive program American Idol is nearing its conclusion. As Miss Info notes, TMZ is reporting that the Ryan Seacrest-hosted show will film its final season next year. Miss Info adds that American Idol ”averaged nearly 30 million viewers a season,” making it one of the most successful shows of its kind. Artists ranging from Nicki Minaj to Jennifer Lopez have sat on its panel of judges, which transformed the careers of industry figures such as Simon Cowell from behind-the-scenes businessmen to household names and pop culture icons. Huge, high-profile stars such as Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks and Carrie Underwood have received their start thanks to the show, and the success of the program’s premise has inspired many similar reality shows. Plus, as a result of American Idol, Ryan Seacrest is on his way to achieving a Dick Clark-level of popularity and prestige. Despite the series’ plummeting numbers in recent years, American Idol has made an undeniable mark on pop culture and television in general. Once the curtains close on American Idol, the series will have lasted for 16 seasons.