Paula Abdul: ‘American Idol’ Has ‘Changed Many Lives,’ But ‘Run Its Course’

“American Idol” will end after Season 15 and according to original judge Paula Abdul, the time is right for the show’s swan song.

“Like a boxer, you don’t want to leave when you’re broken down. You want to leave when you’re at your best,” Paula told Access Hollywood on Monday.

“The show has done so amazing. It’s created amazing superstars in the music business,” she continued.

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Despite the Fox show’s success, Paula feels an end is appropriate.

“I feel like maybe it’s time, it’s run its course,” she told Access.

Paula explained that she loves the show’s current judges – Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban – but also noted that the changes to the reality competition over the years have taken its toll.

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“The audience feels something that’s so familiar to them and then when there’s tweaks and changes, it changes,” she explained.

Adding, “It has changed many lives… [during my time on the show] we picked up rocks in some cities to find the gems.”

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, J.Lo, Harry and Keith – along with host Ryan Seacrest – will appear on the show’s final season, which will debut in January on Fox.

— Jesse Spero