This rumor has been flying around all season that the judges panel will be revamped do to low ratings and now the truth is out. Mariah Carey and “American Idol” are parting ways. After one season, the pop diva has officially announced her exit from Fox’s singing competition.
Mariah isn’t the only judge leaving the show. Randy Jackson previously announced his departure after 12 seasons and Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban are also rumored to be out. According to TMZ, Jennifer Lopez is in talks to return next season.
Her PR rep made the announcement. “W/ global success of ‘#Beautiful’ (#1 in 30+ countries so far) @MariahCarey confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol,” tweeted PMK-BNC.
In addition to a world tour, Mariah is also working on a new album, due this summer. The first single “#Beautiful” featuring Miguel is currently No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Moments after Mariah Carey announced her departure from “American Idol,” Nicki Minaj has also officially confirmed that she is leaving the show.
The platinum rapper took to Twitter to share the news. “Thank you American Idol for a life changing experience! Wouldn’t trade it for the world! Time to focus on the Music!!! Mmmuuuaahhh!!!” tweeted a gracious Nicki.
Producers for the singing competition released a statement confirming her exit. “Nicki Minaj is a superstar who brought a level of honesty and passion to ‘American Idol’ and who had a tremendous positive impact on so many contestants this season. Nicki has been in New York filming scenes for the revenge comedy The Other Woman starring Cameron Diaz. She is also working on her third album, which will mark a return to her hip-hop roots.
Top Dawg! Randy Jackson, the lone remaining original "American Idol" judge, won't be returning to the Fox talent competition next season.
"Idol" host Ryan Seacrest only hinted at Jackson's impending departure at the beginning of Thursday's elimination episode. "A little later on, we'll be revealing who's leaving our show," joked Seacrest as he swiveled Jackson around in his chair toward him. "Maybe a head's up?"
pparently, Seacrest -- who's been with the show as long as Jackson -- found out along with the rest of the world Thursday when the 56-year-old producer and bassist announced his departure. Jackson said in a statement that he's leaving "Idol" to focus on his record label and other business opportunities.
"To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on `American Idol,' I have decided to leave after this season," he said. "I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry."
Jackson has served as a judge on all 12 seasons of "Idol." He first appeared on the panel alongside Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul when the competition debuted in 2002, becoming famous for his easygoing "yo, dawg" rapport with contestants.
Jackson currently judges the show with pop royalty Mariah Carey, R&B diva Nicki Minaj and country star Keith Urban. His exit comes amid reports the entire panel will be replaced next season. A spokeswoman for Fox and spokesman for "Idol" producer FremantleMedia declined to comment.
Ratings for "Idol," once a TV juggernaut, have plummeted this year. The show has been the most popular entertainment program in prime time for nine years running, but it's likely "Idol" will lose that distinction this season. It's now regularly behind the NBC singing competition "The Voice" in the weekly ratings. The current 12th season is set to conclude next week with a showdown between 23-year-old R&B vocalist Candice Glover of St. Helena Island, S.C., and 22-year-old country crooner Kree Harrison of Woodville, Texas.
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