Is American Idol Returning?

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FILE - In this April 7, 2016 file photo, former judges Randy Jackson, from left, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell appear at the "American Idol" farewell season finale in Los Angeles. The show is receiving the TV academy’s 2016 Governors Award for its impact on television. The academy said Friday, Aug. 19, that the Fox singing contest was more than a hit, citing its use of social media, influence on the pop-culture conversation _ and the talent-show imitators it spawned. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, File)
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Its 15th and final season wrapped on April 4, 2016 amid a tearful reunion for past judges and winners. Now original American Idol judge Randy Jackson has confirmed that he would be happy to return to the talent show if a new version gets off the ground.

“Of course,” the 60-year-old said in answer to questions from a TMZ reporter about the future of the show, as he arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday. Idol will not be back in 2018 despite a bidding war between Fox and NBC for the rights to a reboot after networks put in bids to Fremantle Media, which owns the show. NBC wanted the show to solve a problem with its own The Voice, which it fears is getting over exposed in its twice yearly cycle. So it would cut it back to once a year, with American Idol also playing once a year, according to TMZ.

Despite canceling it amid falling ratings, Fox is still interested in the pricey property but reportedly would have brought in a new panel of talent on lower salaries.

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