EXCLUSIVE: Wylleen Might, who has labored on American Idol since its launch over twenty years in the past, has been let go by producer Fremantle.
Government in Cost of Manufacturing Might has been on the present for 22 years, having stewarded it throughout its preliminary run on Fox in addition to its reboot on ABC.
She left after the latest run, season 22 (or season 7, per ABC), which ended on Might 19.
“It’s exhausting to specific the gratitude I’ve to the staff at Fremantle and American Idol, the place I knew as house for the final 22 years. It might sound cliche, however it was my absolute honor to work day in and day trip with folks I think about to be among the most gifted, devoted, and devoted within the enterprise. I’ll miss you terribly,” she stated in an announcement to Deadline.
She continued, “That being stated, I’m unhappy to be leaving. I’ll perpetually cherish my time with Idol, and hope I’m remembered for my expertise, ardour, and dedication to my function. All we would like for ourselves is to know that our work had a long-lasting impression. I’m excited for my subsequent journey, and what that may carry. Typically you want a little bit push ahead, and I’m grateful for all of it – starting, center, and finish.”
Might’s departure comes after an HR investigation on the finish of final 12 months.
“Sadly, my exit has been the topic of hurtful hypothesis and innuendo. Sure, on the finish of 2023, I used to be the topic of an HR investigation following a grievance about how I interacted with sure members of my staff. I totally and utterly cooperated with this investigation, and it was closed shortly with none motion taken. The choice to maneuver on from me to a brand new EIC just isn’t associated, and any implication in any other case is totally deceptive and inaccurate,” she added.
“Wylleen has performed an important function in serving to construct the lasting legacy of American Idol over the course of twenty-two seasons. She steered the manufacturing to enduring success, and we’re deeply grateful for her contributions and dedication to the present. The choice to make staffing modifications for the following season was not based mostly on the conclusion of any investigation,” a Fremantle spokeswoman advised Deadline.
Might, who has additionally labored on exhibits together with So You Assume You Can Dance, has seen numerous modifications on the present, which started on Fox in June 2002.
Created by Simon Fuller, American Idol, based mostly on a British format, started with judges together with Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell with Ryan Seacrest as host.
That trio remained for all however the ultimate three season on Fox, with Keith City, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. coming in for these. The present ended on Fox after 15 seasons in April 2016.
It was subsequently picked up by ABC, which launched its first season (and season 16 total) with Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan as hosts. Perry lately introduced she was stepping down after the latest season and there’s a search presently underway for her alternative.
The singing competitors, which was one of many most-watched exhibits within the U.S. between 2003 and 2011, has spawned stars together with Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken, Adam Lambert and Jordin Sparks.
Megan Michaels Wolflick has served as showrunner since season 5 on ABC; Trish Kinane was showrunner for the ultimate season on Fox and the primary 4 on ABC.
Fremantle produces alongside Sony Photos Tv’s 19 Leisure. Michaels Wolflick additionally exec produces the present alongside Fremantle’s Jennifer Mullin, with Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman serving as government producers for 19 Leisure.
