Randy Jackson to Exit AMERICAN IDOL After 12 Years

According to E!, judge Randy Jackson announced today that he is officially leaving FOX's American Idol at the end of this season.

"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," Jackson told E! News. "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."

Read the original report here.

Jackson has been with American Idol since its inception -- the only original judge to do so. At this time, his current fellow judges Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey have not signed on for IDOL's next season. Jackson's Exit adds more fuel to the rumors that FOX will be dropping all four of the current judges (including Keith Urban) in an attempt to revamp the show next season.

Jackson is currently working on a new book, his branding business, which deals with clothing accessories as well as guitars, and several film and TV deals.

About AMERICAN IDOL: They come from America in search of One Dream. When American Idol's 12th season debuts in January 2013, superstar judgeMariah Carey - the best-selling female recording artist of all time - and returning judge Randy Jackson, a Grammy Award-winning producer whose expertise and beloved persona have been instrumental in discovering Idol talent from the beginning, will be joined by two new judges: quadruple-platinum singer, songwriter, rapper and fashion icon Nicki Minaj; and Keith Urban, a four-time Grammy Award winner who has sold more than 15 million albums.