Brian Dunkleman: 'Leaving Idol was mistake'

Former American Idol co-host Brian Dunkleman has admitted that it was a mistake to leave the reality competition after a single season.

During an appearance on The Joy Behar Show, Dunkleman conceded that departing the Fox series was not a wise career move.

"I have what many people refer to as 'poor judgement'," he jested. "Listen, I'd like to say I was just young and stupid, but the truth is, I really wasn't that young."

The presenter also explained that he decided not to return for American Idol's second season because he wanted the freedom to pursue his interests in stand-up comedy and acting.

"The other thing was, I didn't like watching those kids being brought to tears like that. I didn't understand why they had to do it, I didn’t get it," he asserted.

After Dunkleman departed the series in 2002, Ryan Seacrest became American Idol's sole host.

American Idol airs on Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox.