"Dim the lights, here we go!" Recognize that line? That's American Idol host Ryan Seacrest's famous phrase being said every time he announces the show's results. But as of next year, it'll be lights out for one of television's biggest music competition series. American Idol was first introduced to the public back in 2002 in which its concept was based on Britain's "Pop Idol", a talent show that would determine the next pop singer based on the viewers votes.
The whole idea of the show is to find new recording artists, with America deciding who the best one is by casting a vote either by telephone or text message. Throughout the years, winners of the show have included Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood, and Jordin Sparks, just to name a few, and they have all topped the music charts. Aside from the votes, the show's panel of judges can also help influence someone's decision; after all, they are the experts critiquing each performance. In the first season, the original judges were record producer Randy Jackson, singer Paula Abdul, and music executive Simon Cowell (he's the one with the accent).
The success of the show has been phenomenal ever since its first season. Viewers would tune in to watch the show, whether it was to see if their favorite was still in the running or just to hear another one of Simon's rude comments (and who can forget those tight V-neck shirts!).
In 2012, the show's ratings started to drop and many assumed that Simon Cowell's 2010 departure may have had an impact. In addition, the premiere of NBC's "The Voice", another talent competition show, would also be to blame for the fall of "American Idol". Although the show kept changing its panel of judges throughout the seasons (really? Ellen DeGeneres?), at least they've kept the same host for the past 14 years.
Ryan Seacrest has been with the show since day one; he's great at hosting and his good looks don't hurt either. Seacrest has really made a name for himself not only as a TV host, but also as a radio host and producer, and by launching his own production company called Ryan Seacrest Productions. Earlier this week, it was announced that "American Idol" will be going off the air next year, making season 15 its final season. Current judges Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban will be filling those seats for one last time and according to the show, several stars and past judges will also be making an appearance but no names have been confirmed yet.
Source: Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-former-pop-hitmaker-american-idol-to-end-20150511-story.html
