Randy Jackson leaving 'American Idol'

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Singer Harry Connick Jr., who acted as a mentor for the top 5 finalists in 2010, joined the judging panel of “American Idol” in 2014. Connick, along with Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban, will make up the panel on Season 15 of “American Idol.”

(Frank Micelotta / Associated Press)

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Pop star Jennifer Lopez joined the judging panel for Season 10, left two years later, then returned for Season 13 and will be there to see the show through its final season.

(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

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Keith Urban first appeared on “Idol” during the Season 8 finale to perform his 2009 hit “Kiss a Girl” as a duet with eventual winner Kris Allen.

As a judge, the country star’s quiet and kind demeanor has made him a fan favorite. He’ll be a judge for the show’s final season.

(Evan Agostini / Invision / Associated Press)

4/13

Years on the show: 12.

Musician-producer Randy Jackson was the longest-lasting judge on the show, ending his run after Season 12.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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Years on the show: 1.

While Carey was initially excited to land a seat at the judges’ table, “Idol” fans criticized her bland presence and on-screen spats with Nicki Minaj.

(Michael Buckner / Getty Images For BET)

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Years on the show: 1.

Nicki Minaj stood out on the panel for her flamboyant personality -- and for her ongoing feud with fellow judge Mariah Carey, which sometimes overshadowed the talent competition.

The rapper-singer also flaired tempers by showing up nearly 15 minutes late to “Idol’s” first live show of the season.

(Ben Gabbe / Getty Images)

7/13

Years on the show: 8.

Paula Abdul chose to leave the top-rated show rather than accept a salary below her asking price. Though Abdul later reunited with Simon Cowell briefly on “X Factor,” she was overhauled in yet another reality judge shakeup.

(Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

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Years on the show: 2.

Kara DioGuardi joined the judges’ panel in Season 8 of the Fox juggernaut. She departed from the show in 2010 when her contract wasn’t renewed, leaving Randy Jackson as the only returning judge for the following season.

(Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

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Years on the show: 1.

Ellen DeGeneres, second from left, was brought on for the ninth season as a replacement for Paula Abdul, who exited in a contract dispute. Some fans enjoyed DeGeneres’ lighthearted quips, but she was attacked by many “Idol” fans for having no background in the music industry and adding little to the show. She announced her departure in July 2010.

(Michael Becker / Associated Press)

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Guest judge: Lionel Richie was a guest judge during Season 2.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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Guest judge: Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino was on the show as a mentor and guest judge in Season 3.

(Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times )

12/13

Guest judge: “How I Met Your Mother” star and Tony Awards host Neil Patrick Harris sat at the judges’ table to help weigh in on the singers during the Season 9 Dallas auditions. Harris was part of a slew of guest judges who included Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Joe Jonas and Kelly Clarkson.

(Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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Mary J. Blige was a guest judge during the selection phase of Season 9 in Los Angeles.

(Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

By Patrick Kevin Day

May 9, 2013 3:26 PM PT

Randy Jackson, the only judge who has been on “American Idol” since the beginning, is leaving the show.

In a statement to the press, Jackson confirmed that, “After 12 years of judging on ‘American Idol’ I have decided it is time to leave after this season. I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry. It’s been a life changing opportunity but I am looking forward to focusing on my company Dream Merchant 21 and other business ventures.”

Jackson’s departure comes a day after a report that all four “Idol” judges would be let go before the next season. The once-mighty singing competition series has been on the wane in recent years, with this season bringing the second straight year of double-digit declines in audience.

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The other current judges are Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban. Jackson has been a steady presence on the show, which has seen quite a bit of upheaval at the judge’s table in recent years. Original judges Paula Abdul left in 2009 and Simon Cowell departed in 2010 to focus on his own competing series, “The X Factor.”

Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler have also joined the jovial Jackson as judges.

While other judges have gained reputations for being harsh (Cowell), unpredictable (Abdul) or bringing outside drama onto the show (the reported Carey-Minaj feud), Jackson has remained upbeat and largely drama-free.

While Fox has not commented on the reports of the judges leaving, the network is presenting its new lineup to advertisers next week in New York City and could address the show’s future at that time.

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