New York, May 11 (EFE).– The Fox television network announced Monday that it will end its popular musical program “American Idol” after 15 seasons.

The 15th and last season of “American Idol” will begin in January with host Ryan Seacrest and with Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. as the panel of judges, the network said in New York upon presenting its new programming lineup for next season.

“It’s been a remarkable journey, and I feel very fortunate to have been part of a show that made television history in countless ways,” Seacrest said in a statement.

Fox began airing the iconic talent show in 2002 and over the years it became one of the key elements of U.S. popular culture and one of the TV shows raking in the most advertising earnings, according to Forbes magazines.

Out of the contests mounted on “American Idol,” which follows a similar format to “Operacion Triunfo” in Spain and the British “Pop Idol” reality show, have come some of the most popular U.S. singing stars, including Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

At the peak of its popularity, in 2006, the contest had a media audience of some 30 million viewers, exceeding rival TV shows like “The Voice” on NBC. EFE