After 12 years of judging on the hit competition show, the head dawg has decided to leave the show.

Randy revealed to his good friend Ryan on On Air with Ryan Seacrest that his decision to leave now was simply because: “It was just time, honestly. You reach that point where you go, ‘Ok, so what do I want to do next?’ You know 12 seasons honestly, Ryan, we’ve done it … [it's time to] get on a different roller coaster.”

So does Randy know what that next roller coaster will be? No. But he doesn’t have second thoughts about leaving Idol.

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“I’m kind of one of those weird ones. When I’m ready, I’m ready. But it takes me a while to really get there.”

As for the video tribute that played on the finale, Randy joked, ”What is so startling for me is to see from Season 1 and 2, just the dramatic weight loss. How I went from this huge guy to the supermodel I am. It’s freaking crazy. I was like, ‘Yo dawg, you are like a third of yourself’ and Ryan and Simon [Cowell] inspired me to do that.”

Since Randy has sat at the judges table for 12 seasons, he’s seen all the changes over the years, but what are his feelings about this season’s panel? “This wasn’t the best in terms of chemistry panel, but no listen, for real … when I look at the talent on the stage and who won and what happened up there, I’m just like whatever people say about the judges – good, bad, indifferent – you look at the talent and I’m proud of us.”

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But on Wednesday’s performance show, Angie Miller appeared to stand out from all the rest. Between her rendition of “Cry Me A River” by Julie London and “Who You Are” by Jessie J, the 19-year-old brought the judges to their feet. “ She is in it to win it,” judge Randy Jackson told the audience. “Angie wins the night, hands down!”

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Which female contestant will have to say goodbye? Plus, what is the surprise Ryan Seacrest was teasing us about all through the night? Make sure to watch the results show Thursday night at 8 p.m. on Fox.

Randy admits: “Dude, I’m telling you the girls are killing it week in and week out.”  Adding, “if a girl doesn’t win this year I don’t know when a girl is going to win.”

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Aside from the girls, America is also loving Lazaro Arbos personal journey. Randy explains Lazaro as: “He’s got an amazing story. This kid is like a test of wills. If he can overcome the odds and do what he’s doing, anybody can.”

American Idol on Fox tonght at 8/7c.

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On Thursday night, the final 10 male singers fought for one of the last remaining spots. Lazaro Arbos impressed the judges with a cover from Keith Urban while Gurpreet Singh Sarin struggled with his James Morrison song choice. In the end, some of the judges argued the girls might just be a little better than the boys.

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“There’s been this feeling that the girls have the edge this year,” Keith said. Randy Jackson agreed.  ”I think the girls are a little stronger than the boys.” Are they right? Tune in Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as the final contestants battle for your votes.

On American Idol:
“This has always been a fun, dysfunctional, crazy, wild, lovable show,” he says. “We’re all kind of wild, crazy people.”

On Keith Urban:
“I’ve known Keith quite awhile, maybe 7 or 8 years,” Randy tells us. “Cool dude, man. We love him. Very talented. So smart. Kind of sexy…Admit it, you look at those t-shirts and go mmmm, damn.”

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On Using The Word Pitchy:
Randy has used this word so much throughout the seasons, that executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has said he doesn’t want to hear it anymore. But what does the term mean? “I kind of coined the phrase…the term is really just to let people know that it’s basically out of tune because it’s between flat and sharp, which is the two polar sides that tell you if the note is squarely on the note. So, it’s an easier way of saying it was out of tune,” Randy explains. So, how does he feel about Nigel’s request? “There’s a couple of letters I could put in there.”

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Tonight at 8:30 p.m. EST / 5:30 p.m. PST,  join judges Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban along with host Ryan Seacrest for a nationwide, interactive Q&A session. You will be able to watch the live event here in just a few short hours!

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Fans can submit questions now on “Idol’s” official Facebook page or through the show’s Twitter account using hashtag #Idol. Catch the two-night premiere of “American Idol” January 16 and 17 only on FOX.

On The Next Season of American Idol:
“I’m still so amazed, the talent is so hot and I think a lot of people will be surprised. Because each season the talent is different… it’s different kids that show up every year. So, I’m loving that. I think it gives the show real legs. I think people are going to be having a good time and be very surprised at the level of the talent,” Randy tells us. “I think the live shows are really going to be cool. I think there is going to be a lot of cool energy.”

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On The ‘Idol’ Judges:
“I think the panel is really gelling. I think we’re having a good time. I think most importantly, we’re finding some amazingly talented, interesting, charismatic kids. I think we’re on fire right now, I’ve got to admit I’m feeling good.”

On The Randy Jackson Guitar Collection:
“These play so great. I spent a lot of time designing them. I’ve been doing this my whole life, so if I know anything it’s something about music and guitars,” Randy says. “This is a great gift. It’s a great stocking stuffer. There’s acoustics, electrics…great guitars and the best guitar you will get for the price.”

Randy will be live on HSN this Sunday with the new guitar collection.