Randy Jackson departs 'American Idol' after dismal season

Randy Jackson (c) and Simon Cowell (r), two former judges on the FOX reality series "American Idol," pose with the show's host Ryan Seacrest. REUTERS/Fred Prouser

"American Idol" judge Randy Jackson will not return to the show this January, FOX announced Tuesday.

Jackson was one of the singing competition's original castmembers, and completed 13 seasons on the programme.

"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," Jackson said in a statement. "A true original, Idol started it all. Onto what's next."

Jackson is a successful music producer, artist manager, A&R, singer, and musician. He served as a mentor to the "American Idol" contestants last season, signaling a removal from his role as judge.

"Idol" has suffered from steadily declining ratings since season six, with season 13 bottoming out with record lows. The May 1, 2014 airing received a 1.5/5 rating—the lowest in the show's history—and 7 million viewers.

At its peak, "American Idol" had an average rating of 12.6. That climactic fifth season featured original judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson, and introduced the country to "Idol" winner Taylor Hicks, and runner-up Katherine McPhee.

Kara DioGuardi was added as a judge in season eight, and the lineup of judges has changed frequently since that year. Ellen DeGeneres, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr. have taken turns at the judges table, but despite the producer's varied combinations, the ratings have only gotten worse.

The current judges are Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr., and Keith Urban. Ryan Seacrest has been the show's host since its inception, although co-host Brian Dunkleman appeared on the first season.

"American Idol" Season 14 will premiere on January 14, 2015.

News
Tears and prayers for Christian camp girls swept away by Texas floods
Tears and prayers for Christian camp girls swept away by Texas floods

Christians have been praying after heavy downpours caused the Guadalupe River in Texas to burst its banks on Thursday night, deluging a Christian all-girls summer camp. 

Illinois community coming together to purchase Pope's old home
Illinois community coming together to purchase Pope's old home

Debt-hit town in Illinois is looking to buy the Pope's childhood home.

Fear, denial and control: Why the Cuban government prohibits the most natural responses to the country’s dire humanitarian needs
Fear, denial and control: Why the Cuban government prohibits the most natural responses to the country’s dire humanitarian needs

It may be hard to fathom how such pettiness plays into the government’s wider crackdown on FoRB and other fundamental human rights, or how on earth it could justify extending its repression to children, but ultimately it all comes down to fear.