'American Idol' ending after 15 seasons

NEW YORK, May 11 (UPI) -- American Idol is ending its 15 season-long run in 2016.

E! News reports that the long running, singing competition show is finally coming to an end due to declining viewership.

During it's prime years, the show had 38 million people tune in to see who would become the "next American Idol." Ratings have since been dwindling as audience numbers now hover around 9 million. Since Idol's introduction in 2002 it has been responsible for an array of spin-off singing competition shows and for jumpstarting the careers of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Katherine McPhee.

Fox announced the news on Monday, before their upfront presentation, where they will reveal the upcoming fall lineup. Longtime host Ryan Seacrest and judges, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. will all be back for the final season, set to premiere in January.