American Idol producer Wylleen May will not return for season 23 of the popular singing competition show.
May has been in charge of production since the show’s inception in 2002.
She was let go by Fremantle, the production company behind American Idol, after season 22, which ended on May 19.
“It is difficult to express the gratitude I have to the team at Fremantle and American Idol, the place I have known as home for the past 22 years,” May said in a statement to Deadline on Wednesday.
“It may sound cliché, but it has been an absolute honor for me to work day in and day out with people who I consider to be some of the most talented, dedicated and dedicated people in the industry. I will miss you terribly.’
American Idol producer Wylleen May will not return for season 23 of the hit singing competition show; Judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan with host Ryan Seacrest in 2024
She shared her gratitude for being able to contribute to the lasting legacy of American Idol, but admitted that she is “sad to leave.”
“I will forever cherish my time on Idol and hope I will be remembered for my experience, passion and dedication to my role. “All we want for ourselves is to know that our work has had a lasting impact,” she continued.
“I’m excited about my next journey and what it will bring. Sometimes you need a little push, and I’m grateful for that – beginning, middle and end.”
May made sure to address circumstances surrounding the HR investigation she was involved in in late 2023, following her alleged interactions with team members.
“Unfortunately, my departure has been the subject of hurtful speculation and innuendo. Yes, at the end of 2023 I was the subject of an HR investigation following a complaint about the treatment of certain members of my team.’
She continued, “I cooperated fully with this investigation, and it was quickly closed without any action being taken.
“My decision to transfer to a new EIC has nothing to do with that, and any other implication is completely misleading and inaccurate.”
A spokesperson for Fremantle is said to share the company’s gratitude for its service to the series, while confirming its comments that the HR investigation has nothing to do with the decision to change the EIC’s position.
“Wylleen has played a pivotal role in building the lasting legacy of American Idol over the course of 22 seasons. She has led the production to continued success and we are deeply grateful for her contributions and dedication to the show,” the spokesperson said.
Like May, Fremantle also insisted that ‘the decision to change the staffing levels for the following season was not based on the conclusion of any [HR] research.’
May has been with the American Idol team since its original launch prior to its June 2002 premiere on Fox, as well as the series’ revival on ABC in March 2018.
This most recent season 22 also marked the end for Katy Perry, who has worked as a judge with Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan since ABC’s reboot.
May has been in charge of production since the show’s inception in 2002; Judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell with host Ryan Seacrest in 2005
This most recent season 22 also marked the end for Katy Perry, who has worked as a judge with Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan since ABC’s reboot of the show.
So far, there has been no official word on who might be named as Perry’s replacement.
American Idol, created by Simon Fuller and based on a British format, began in 2002 with judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, along with Ryan Seacrest as host.
The original trio of judges remained intact for the first eight seasons, but the panel eventually saw several changes, including brining the likes of Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, Mariah Carey, Nicki Ninaj, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr. until its cancellation after the 15th season in 2016.
When the show was revived by ABC in 2018, Perry, Richie and Bryan were brought in as the new judges.