Ryan Seacrest On 'Idol' Finale

Ryan Seacrest from Season 1

Ryan Seacrest is looking to the future now that Fox announced the end of American Idol after next year's 15th season. He released a statement on Monday (May 11th) to reflect on his time with the show which he has hosted since season one in 2002.

The statement read:

"American Idol has been a big part of my life for so long. It's frankly hard to imagine my life without it. 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. It's a show about chasing and fulfilling dreams, and truth be told, it helped some of my own dreams come true too. I'm so glad the network is going to give us a season-long send off. The last season will undoubtedly be a special and emotional one, but first I’m looking forward to closing out Season 14. The finale is always my favorite part -- two live shows with lots of surprises, and, of course, one winner!"

Ryan also shared a photo of himself from the first season of the show on Twitter and wrote, "you guys I was 27 when we started idol...just a kid."

• Former Idol judge Randy Jackson tweeted about the announcement writing, "One of greatest talent shows ever. Gave us all huge careers and birthed sooooo many stars of today. #idol. Many have tried to imitate it but there will never be anything like #idol Thanks fans & talent Yall made it possible. Lets b bout the future."
• Simon Cowell tweeted, "Looking back at my time on American Idol we had a great time. We found great artists. Had fun. And to America. Thank you. It was a blast."
• Former judge Paula Abdul has not weighed in.

Fox revealed in their announcement that judges Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr., and Keith Urban will be back for the final season.