'American Idol' Alum React to Cancellation News

The alumni of American Idol are speaking out about the show’s cancellation news after nearly a decade and a half on the air.

It was just announced that the series will have its final season next year and producers have even hinted that former judges might be returning for the farewell season.

Now, some of the former contestants from the show have spoken to Billboard to reveal what they think about the show ending after all these years.

Here is what Adam Lambert had to say: “They had a great run. And thank you, Idol, because I wouldn’t be here without you.”

Click inside to read all the reactions from American Idol alumni…

Taylor Hicks (Season 5 winner): “Idol was groundbreaking television. I am very fortunate to have won the show at the time. Idol changed my life and I am thankful. Looking forward to an entertaining final season.”

Constantine Maroulis (Season 4): “I will be sad to see American Idol go. It’s meant the world to me on so many different levels. It still has a great fan base, and still is a great show for the whole family. It’s a show about dreams and it is still a productive show. Phillip Phillips is all over the radio. It’s still a great vehicle for young talent. It will go down as one of the biggest shows in television history and being a part of it is so cool. All good things come to an end, for sure, and I think the program looks great. I think the production is great, but again when something is so successful for so long and those first nine seasons were dominating, eventually there are going to be other spin-offs and shows like The Voice, and the internet and the interest is going to wane. But you can’t name anyone off those other shows. American Idol is still a great brand. Everything is cyclical. There have always been talent shows from the beginning of time. It will go away and when I am old and grey, it will come back and be new again.”

Melinda Doolittle (Season 5): “American Idol changed the face of television and music forever! As a fan of the show, I’m definitely sad. As a former contestant, I’m forever grateful. And as an optimist, I can’t wait to see what this last season will hold!”

Didi Benami (Season 9): “It’s the end of an era. Idol changed the face of television and I’m so honored to have been a part of it. There will never be another American Idol. I’m sad to see it go- but I’m grateful for the opportunities and friendships forged along the way. All the former idols are a part of this amazing, unique family, and I treasure the bond we share. I know we’re all going to miss the show.”

Kimberly Caldwell (Season 2): “It has been a good long run and I am so proud to have my name attached to this show…this machine! Idol gave hope to so many artists that just needed a chance and worked as a stepping stone for so many of us. I could never put into words the gratitude I feel for being an Idol kid.”

Jon Peter Lewis (Season 3): “The few months I spent on Idol were some of the most profound and pivotal moments of my life. I certainly had no idea what I was getting into at the time and maybe would have done some things differently in retrospect, but I suppose there are far worse places to start. Idol started me down a career path that has brought me some incredible experiences and immense joy. Despite not winning the competition, many of my boyhood dreams have sprung out of it. I’ve performed on television to millions of viewers, rocked out with thousands of screaming fans, written songs, released records and become a z-list celebrity (really, the best kind of celebrity. Some of the perks, none of the hassle). Fleer even made me into a trading card and Monopoly gave me piece on their board… It was an interesting ride.”