Posted by | Ray Cornelius
Long time American Idol judge Randy Jackson is calling it quits…well sorta!
According to BET.com, Jackson has officially stepped down from his position and will serve only as a mentor in this upcoming season. He is the last of the show’s original judges and the last of the current group to leave the show. As previously stated, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler will not be returning.
With Jackson gone, Idol now has two seats to fill and there is word that the show may be looking for a fourth.
So far the latest rumor has Nicki Minaj coming on board as a judge. TMZ is reporting that Minaj’s deal with the show is about 99% done. However, negotiations are being held up because of Minaj’s connections to Pepsi, who sponsors her and her tours; Idol is supported by rival company Coca Cola. Other rumored celebrities include Keith Urban, Kanye West, Diddy, Nick Jonas and even Lenny Kravitz.
As it stands, Mariah Carey is the only confirmed new judge who announced her involvement with the struggling reality show last month.