"American Idol" has been cancelled. FOX announced on Monday that the network is not renewing the reality-based singing competition after Season 15. Adam Lambert is one of the first Idol alumni to react to the news.
The two-part "American Idol" Season 14 finale is set to air on May 12 and 13. Judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. are seeing the final leg of the competition. Incidentally, reports are saying all three will return for the farewell season next year.
"They had a great run. And thank you, Idol, because I wouldn't be here without you," Adam Lambert was quoted as saying in this Billboard feature. Lambert was the runner-up to Kris Allen in "American Idol" Season 8.
Billboard also got a quote from "American Idol" Season 5 alum Melinda Doolittle, who has been reviewing the Idol episodes and contestants with TVLine's Michael Slezak. Doolittle took the news from different points of view. As quoted on Billboard, she said:
"American Idol changed the face of television and music forever! As a fan of the show, I'm definitely sad. As a former contestant, I'm forever grateful. And as an optimist, I can't wait to see what this last season will hold!"
CNN noted the report of the "American Idol" cancellation could bode well for the finale ratings of the penultimate season. The same report noted that viewership has dropped to nine million this year, from 31 million viewers recorded in 2006.
Rocker Nick Fradiani, pop musician Jax Miskanic and classics belter Clark Beckham are the three finalists left standing at the end of the Top 4 hometown show episode on May 6. The three will compete on May 12, and the "American Idol" 2015 winner will be announced on May 13.