Randy Jackson to exit ‘American Idol’ after 13 seasons

Randy Jackson is leaving “American Idol” -- and this time, it’s serious.

The 58-year-old singing judge and musical mentor will not return for the show’s 14th season in January, Fox confirmed Tuesday.

Jackson, who had been with “Idol” since its 2002 premiere, had sharply cut back his role lately to move from the judges’ table to a mentoring role. In recent years, his return for each new season of “Idol” had often been a question mark, but in the end, he and the producers settled on terms for a comeback.

Not this time, though.

“Randy has been such an integral part of ‘American Idol’ since Day One, both as a judge and mentor,” a joint statement attributed to Fox, “Idol” and the producers said. “We wish him all the best in his next chapter. Randy will always be part of our ‘Idol’ family and we hope he’ll visit from time to time.”

Jackson was the last original judge to cut ties with “Idol.” Paula Abdul left in 2009; Simon Cowell called it quits the following year.

Ryan Seacrest is the sole on-air personality to have remained with the show since the beginning. However, he co-hosted the first season with Brian Dunkleman.

What do you think of Jackson? Will you miss him on “Idol”?

Twitter: @scottcollinsLAT