Randy Jackson leaves American Idol after 12 seasons as Judge

Randy Jackson, once referred to by producers as the “barnacle” of the American Idol judging panel, is reportedly stepping down from his role 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.” Jackson added he planned to focus on his company, Dream Merchant 21, as well as “other business ventures.”