Randy Jackson Leaving ‘American Idol’

Randy Jackson is leaving American Idol.

Jackson, who was the only original judge remaining on the show, announced today that he was leaving American Idol after 12 years.

Jackson told Us Magazine: “Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, 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.”

Rumors are currently circulating that American Idol is looking to get rid of all four of their current judges. Jackson didn’t comment on what was going to happen to Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban or Mariah Carey.

American Idol has gone through plenty of changes behind the judge’s table since it started in 2002. The show started with Jackson, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. Since then, Ellen Degeneres, Kara DioGuardi, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez have all sat in one of the judge’s chairs.

In addition to losing his job at American Idol, Jackson also recently lost one of his most high-profile clients. Jackson and his former co-judge Mariah Carey announced today that they are no longer working together.

Are you surprised that Randy Jackson is leaving the show? Do you think Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, and Mariah Carey will follow?