DSDS: Dieter Bohlen surprises with a surprising decision

After 20 years, Dieter Bohlen emigrates to RTL

Bohlen leaves DSDS - Pietro Lombardi is said to be his successor

After 20 years, Dieter Bohlen is leaving the jury of "Deutschland sucht den Superstar" (DSDS). The 68-year-old announced this on Tuesday evening (March 7) on Instagram. "After a long time of thinking, I have decided that this is the right time for me to say goodbye to DSDS.

"It has not been an easy decision for me," continued Bohlen. "I have had so many great moments on this show and I am very grateful for the time I have spent there." He did not give any specific reasons for his departure.

RTL has not yet officially confirmed Bohlen's departure. However, according to information from the "Bild" newspaper, Pietro Lombardi is to succeed him as a juror. The 30-year-old won the eighth season of DSDS in 2011 and has been a guest juror on the show several times since then.

Bohlen's departure is a major blow to DSDS. The 68-year-old was one of the faces of the show and his often polarizing comments were a trademark of the program. It remains to be seen how RTL will fill the gap he leaves behind.