Randy Jackson leaving 'American Idol'

Published May 09, 2013

Associated Press

• 

  FILE - In this Jan. 8, 2013 file photo, Randy Jackson arrives at the Winter TCA Fox All-Star Party at the Langham Huntington Hotel, in Pasadena, Calif. Jackson, the 56-year-old "American Idol" judge says he won't be returning to the Fox talent competition after serving 12 seasons on the show's judging panel. The record producer says in a statement on Thursday, May 9, 2013, he's leaving "Idol" to focus on his record label and other business opportunities. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, File)

LOS ANGELES –  Randy Jackson out.

The 56-year-old "American Idol" judge says he won't be returning to the Fox talent competition after serving 12 seasons on the show's judging panel.

The record producer said in a statement Thursday that he's leaving "Idol" to focus on his record label and other business opportunities.

Jackson became famous for his easygoing "yo, dawg" rapport with contestants. He first appeared on the panel alongside Simon Cowell and Paul Abdul when the competition debuted in 2002, and currently judges the show with Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban.

Jackson's exit comes amid reports the entire panel will be replaced next season. A spokeswomen for Fox and spokesman for "Idol" producer FremantleMedia declined to comment.

The current 12th season concludes next week.

View the original article here

Jay Leno leaving 'The Tonight Show,' Jimmy Fallon taking over in 2014

NEW YORK –  Conan O'Brien will believe it when he sees it.

Jay Leno is officially leaving "The Tonight Show" in 2014, NBC announced on Wednesday. 

Comedian Jimmy Fallon will replace the long-time "Tonight" host, in a move that has been rumored to be in the works for several weeks. 

Back in 2009, Leno stepped down when O'Brien hosted the show for several months, but the veteran late-night star eventually reclaimed his hosting gig in 2010. 

But this time, it seems Leno will be done with "Tonight" for good. 

In a statement sent to FOX 411 he said: “Congratulations Jimmy. I hope you’re as lucky as me and hold on to the job until you’re the old guy. If you need me, I’ll be at the garage.” 

Fallon, 38, released a similar statement, saying: “I’m really excited to host a show that starts today instead of tomorrow.”

The 62-year-old Leno took over "Tonight" from Johnny Carson in 1992. 

Steve Burke, Chief Executive Officer of NBCUniversal, called Leno an "entertainment icon" and said the timing of the move couldn't be better. 

“We are purposefully making this change when Jay is #1, just as Jay replaced Johnny Carson when he was #1," he said. "Jimmy Fallon is a unique talent and this is his time."

Over the past several weeks, many speculated Leno was on the way out as he mocked NBC execs on air, leaving viewers wondering if tensions were running high behind the scenes at "The Tonight Show."

"You know the whole legend of St. Patrick, right? St. Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland -- and then they came to the United States and became NBC executives," Leno joked on on a recent episode of the show.

In the announcement on Wednesday, NBC confirmed rumors that the show would move from Burbank, Calif., to New York City and be filmed once again in the 30 Rock studios. 

"As part of the transition, 'The Tonight Show' will be returning to its original home in 30 Rock in New York and will be executive-produced by Emmy Award winner Lorne Michaels ('Saturday Night Live,' '30 Rock')," the NBC announcement stated. 

In the April issue of GQ magazine, "Late Night" producer  Michaels said a transition to Fallon had "an inevitability to it," adding that he was "the closest to Carson that I've seen of this generation."

Related Stories

Jimmy Fallon: 'Who cares' if I get the 'Tonight Show' gig

Source: Leno has no intention of making early 'Tonight' exit, staff concerned about jobs

View the original article here

Elisabeth Hasselbeck not leaving 'The View,' Barbara Walters says

NEW YORK –  Barbara Walters refuted reports that Elisabeth Hasselbeck was being fired from "The View."

Early on in Monday's episode of the talk show, Walters discussed rumors that Hasselbeck was being pushed off the show because of the conservative opinions she often voices. 

"There’s a particularly false story that keeps getting picked up about Elisabeth’s alleged departure saying we don’t approve of her conservative views," Walters said. The truth is... we value and appreciate her point of view, it’s important to us, because it helps give the show perspective and balance." 

Walters made it clear the show wasn't planning on getting rid of Hasselbeck, but the news veteran did curiously add that she would support Hasselbeck should she ever choose to leave.

"We have no plans for Elisabeth to leave the show. Having said that to all of you, Bill [Geddie] and I have always said that when one of you make the choice to leave, that’s your choice, and we will support your decision.” 

US Weekly was the first to report the longtime co-host would not be returning for the 17th season of the daytime chat show.

They quoted a show insider who said she was being dropped because she was too politically conservative for viewers.

Hasselbeck, 35, joined the show in 2003. 

Several reports stated that her contract would be up after this season of "The View." A rep for the show would not comment on the status of Hasselbeck's contract, telling FOX 411 "we do not discuss contract details." 

Rumors of her departure came just days after Joy Behar confirmed she would not be returning to the show.

The 70-year-old comedian will leave show at the end of the current season in August. The network said in a statement that it wishes Behar "all the best in this next chapter, and are thrilled that we have her for the remainder of the season."

Walters echoed the network's sentiments during Monday's episode, but she said Behar's departure would be difficult for her.

"When you announced this last week it was very bittersweet," she said. "I want what’s best for you-- I want what’s best of all of you. But I will miss you."

Behar has co-hosted the show for 16 seasons. She was among the first co-hosts with co-creator Walters when the series debuted in 1997.

A rep for Hasselbeck did not immediately return FOX 411's request for comment. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

View the original article here