Randy Jackson is leaving American Idol! The music producer – who has been on the panel of the show since it began – will instead become a “mentor” behind the scenes, as producers still want him involved.
A source said: “There’s some concern among the brass that Jackson is not well-suited for the mentor role … but they feel they need him because he’s the glue that helps keep the show together.”
Mariah Carey has already signed on to be a judge on the show – after Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler quit – and Nicki Minaj is expected to be another new addition.
Carey is not thought to be a fan of Minaj’s, although producers are delighted at the prospect of conflict between them both. Currently it is hoped there will be four judges this year, with the third seat taken by a country music star and the fourth unknown.
