Another Sign The ‘American Idol’ Franchise Is In Trouble

After an almost unheard of 13-year run, another major sponsor has pulled the plug on 'American Idol,' this one probably the most-visible of all.

Coca-Cola which has long been front and center on the show, providing the drinking glasses for the panel of judges, has pulled the plug on its sponsorship of Fox Television's 'American Idol.'  Variety.com reports that in a statement Coca-Cola said, “After 13 years, we feel it is the right time for the Coca-Cola brand to venture into new spaces and pursue other opportunities to connect with teens and leverage music as a passion point.”

Advertising on the show has dropped nearly 50 percent in the last three seasons and Coca-Cola's departure follows AT&T parting ways earlier this year.

The 15th season of 'American Idol' will be only 41 hours on Fox, down from 55 a season ago when its ratings dropped more than 20 percent for the third consecutive season. It debuts January 7th with the entire panel of judges returning, including Keith Urban.