PASADENA, Calif. (AP) – Fox is calling this the farewell season of “American Idol,” but the stars involved with the singing contest sound unconvinced.
“I think the Eagles had at least three farewell tours,” judge Keith Urban told a TV critics’ meeting Friday.
Given the show’s record of success and heritage, “does that mean this is the end?” long-time host Ryan Seacrest said. “I’m not so sure.”
Fellow judge Jennifer Lopez said a return is possible, adding later, “I’ll always be there when they call.”
Executive producer Trish Kinane declined to address why Fox decided to end “Idol” after 15 seasons. But the expensive-to-produce show’s ratings have steadily eroded in recent years, with the 30 million-plus viewers it attracted at its 2006 peak a distant memory – hence Fox’s announcement last May that this season would be its swan song.