AMERICAN IDOL ninth season judges on FOX. Pictured L-R: Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Ryan Seacrest, Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell. CR: Michael Becker / FOX

It had to happen. Fox has finally decided to shrink American Idol’s telecast to 90 minutes for the competition and 30 minutes for the results show beginning next year.

The reality series has seen a steady decrease in viewers over this season with an average loss of 1 million a week (though it finally stabilized at the 19 million viewer range).

The net claims that it was viewer feedback that prompted the decision to shorten the show.

Still no word on who will replace Simon Cowell next year. Though his departure is sure to have an impact on viewers as well. Fox chairman Peter Rice says they’ll begin the search for a replacement after the upfronts (where the networks unveil the plans and new shows for the upcoming season).

Cowell announced earlier this year that the current season would be his last judging Idol and that he’s concentrating his efforts on his new Fox show, The X Factor, which is scheduled for fall 2011.