Randy Jackson Is Out as American Idol Judge

American Idol has lost another judge: Randy Jackson is also out. However, fans of the “dawg” should not despair because he’ll still be on the show, though not in the same capacity as before.

Jackson has been “demoted” to mentor, TMZ reports, citing well-placed sources, who also reveal some concern that he’ll not be entirely up for the mentor job.

Still, ditching Jackson for good is not a possibility because he’s perceived as “the glue that keeps the show together,” says TMZ.

The same media outlet notes that Nicki Minaj is “99%” on board as Jackson’s replacement, even if that doesn’t sit all that well with Mariah Carey, who was announced officially as judge a short while ago.

“We’re told the honchos are keenly aware Mariah Carey isn’t a fan of Minaj and doesn’t want her at the table... a fact producers LOVE because they think the conflict and tension will be good for the show,” TMZ further says.

A new name has been thrown in the mix as a potential candidate for judge, that of Keith Urban.