Randy Jackson comments on American Idol cancellation

He was one of the OG judges when American Idol made its debut in 2002, but with the news on Monday that Fox is officially canceling the show after more than a decade as a cultural and ratings juggernaut, Randy Jackson is speaking out about how he feels about its end.

“One of the greatest talent shows ever,” Jackson, who left the show after season 12, tweeted Monday. “Gave us all huge careers and birthed soooo many stars of today.” In a follow-up tweet, he added, “Many have tried to imitate it but there will never be anything like #idol Thanks fans & talent Yall made it possible. Lets b bout the future”

After the season finale airs on Wednesday, Idol will return with judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. for one more season, American Idol XV, in 2016.

In a conference call with reporters on Monday, Fox co-chair Gary Newman said the final go-round will feature plenty of big surprises. “Next year, it’s going to be a true season-long celebration,” he said. “We’re already talking about surprises we can have for the fans to make it feel special and send it off [in a way] that makes it as significant as the run it’s had on our network.”

Might those “surprises” include returns from Jackson, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul—and one-time co-host Brian Dunkleman?

“We would welcome any of them back,” co-chair Dana Walden said, referring to the trio of judges (and not Dunkleman). “We’re having conversations about anything you can imagine about what would be celebratory, what would feel nostalgic, and anything you might do to send the show off in a way that feels memorable.”