First, Steven Tyler. Then, Jennifer Lopez. Now, American Idol has officially cleaned its judging house.
Sources confirm to TMZ that Randy Jackson will not return in 2013 as a panelist on the Fox competition. Instead, as rumored for weeks now, he will move in to a mentoring capacity.
With Mariah Carey on board, this means at least two – possibly three if the show expands to four judges – openings are available.
Insiders continue to say that Nicki Minaj is incredibly close to closing her deal, with Keith Urban a favorite for the third spot. Other names bantered about include Diddy, Lenny Kravitz, Nick Jonas and even Kanye West.
But let’s take a moment to look back before we look forward. Will you miss Randy Jackson as a judge?