American Idol (season 13) runner-up. There were a number of other major changes in the season, from the judges to the format of the show itself including the opening intro, which used the "Gyroscope 2.0". On May 9, 2013, Randy Jackson announced that he would no longer serve as a judge. On May 30, 2013, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj also announced they would not return to the judging panel. On August 1, 2013, it was confirmed that Keith Urban would return as a judge for another season. Executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick were succeeded by Per Blankens, previously of "Idol", the
American Idol run, Idol's contestants have sold more than 60 million albums in the US, resulting in more than 80 Platinum records and 95 Gold records. Its participants have generated more than 450 Billboard No. 1 hits and sold more than 260 million digital downloads. The impact of "American Idol" was also strongly felt in musical theatre, where many of "Idol" alumni have forged successful careers. The striking effect of former "American Idol" contestants on Broadway has been noted and commented on. The casting of a popular "Idol" contestant can lead to significantly increased ticket sales. Other alumni have gone on to