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Music producer Jackson, 58, was one of the show's original
three judges along with Paula Abdul, who departed the show in
2009, and Simon Cowell, who left in 2010. Jackson left the
judges' panel after 12 seasons, but continued as a mentor in the
13th season this year.
"He's provided great advice and support, shaping the success of
so many Idols we have discovered over the years," the network
and show's production companies FremantleMedia North America and
19 Entertainment said in a statement.
"We hope he'll visit from time to time," the statement added.
"Idol," once one of the top ratings hits on Twenty-First Century
Fox Inc's Fox Broadcasting with more than 30 million viewers at
its peak, has seen a drop in viewership despite its high-profile
judges.
The show hit a series low of 10.6 million viewers tuning into
the season finale earlier this year.
Current judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr.
will all return for the show's 14th season next year, as well as
host Ryan Seacrest, who has been with the show since its
premiere in 2002 and has become one of the highest-profile U.S.
television hosts.
Fox recently slumped to last place in ratings among the major
U.S. broadcasters, and the network's top entertainment executive
Kevin Reilly stepped down from his role. Fox said "Idol" will be
scaled back next season from about 50 hours to 37 hours.
(Reporting by Piya Sinha-Roy; Editing by Mary Milliken and Lisa
Shumaker)
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