MUMBAI: Singer-musician-producer Randy Jackson has announced his exit as judge from long running singing reality show ‘American Idol’.

Jackson, who has been with the show for 12 seasons since its launch in 2002 said he needed to focus on his other business ventures.

"Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on American Idol I have decided it is time to leave after this season," Jackson said in a statement.

"I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry. It's been a life changing opportunity but I am looking forward to focusing on my company Dream Merchant 21 and other business ventures," the record producer said.

His announcement comes amid falling ratings and rampant rumors about the future makeup of the celebrity panel. Ratings have slumped this season for ‘American Idol’, which last year lost its eight-year crown as the most-watched show on US television.

Reports were rife that producers were considering a major shake-up of the panel after the end of the season on May 16.

Other judges of the show Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and country artist Keith Urban, who were brought in this year in a bid to refresh the show, would all be replaced as judges for the 2014 season.