Randy Jackson - Randy Jackson Leaves Idol To Make Way For Nicki Minaj?

According Tmz.com, there's still some concern amongst Idol top-brass that Jackson is not well suited to the mentor role, though he's kept American Idol firmly together in recent years and executives will need a safe pair of hands on the forthcoming season. The Nicki Minaj deal is described as being "99 per cent done", though head honchos are acutely aware that Mariah Carey does not want her at the table. Nevertheless, producers are rubbing their hands together, hoping the tension will translate to conflict on the show and make great television. American Idol will go with a fourth judge this year, with someone from the country music world their preferred choice. According to Tmz.com, P Diddy and Kanye West are definitely out of the picture after some early discussions.

Idol bosses have been forced to bring in the heavyweight names on this year's show, after Simon Cowell pulled off a huge coup in landing Britney Spears for The X Factor USA. The hugely popular Demi Lovato also sits on the panel, with L.A. Reid and Cowell himself.