The latest from TMZ. Randy Jackson to move to a mentoring role. Diddy and Kanye are out. Idol honchos loving the fact that Mariah Carey is unhappy about Nicki Minaj joining the panel–they look forward to the tension. And, there will definitely be a 4th judge.
UPDATE: From EOnline, “”Negotiations are still in progress and nothing has been decided yet. If he chooses to stay Randy is mulling over what he would like his role to be on the show. This will all be resolved hopefully very soon,” a source tells E! News.”
UPDATE: From THR: Elsewhere on the judging front, THR hears Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban have yet to sign their Idol deals but are both expected to early next week. As previously reported here, the show is also pursuing Enrique Iglesias for a fourth spot.
UPDATE: From TMZ: Keith Urbanis in deep negotiations with “American Idol” but the deal has NOT been signed”Idol” sources tell us, the country singer is in the final negotiation stages with producers to take the third judging spot on the show — alongside Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, who replaced Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.
ETA: Not crazy about the addition of a 4th judge. But, if you think about it, it was inevitable. Idol seems to be taking their cues from X Factor and Voice, which both have 4 member panels. Plus, I suspect Idol will go to a permanent 2 hour performance show. There will be plenty of time to kill. Ugh.
As far as Randy stepping down from the panel. I’m totally OK with that. He had ceased to bring anything fresh to the table years ago. If the panel is going to be shaken up, might as well go all the way. As far as the 4th spot. I would love a record executive type in that spot, but I have a feeling it will be another artist. A white gay–maybe a young teen Idol type. Or Enrique to add some Latin flavor.
TMZ has learned Randy Jackson is officially LEAVING the judge’s table … but will still remain a part of the show as a “mentor.”
Sources connected to “Idol” tell us … there’s some concern among the brass that Jackon 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.
As for his replacement … sources tell us Nicki Minaj‘s deal is 99% done … but still not a sure thing just yet.
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.
And … we now know A.I. will once again go with a 4th judge … we’re told producers are gunning for someone from the country music world for the third seat. Seat number 4 is up in the air.
Finally, altough “A.I.” wanted Diddy or Kanye West … we’re told they are definitely out of the picture.
Also, the National Enquirer claims Idol offered Justin Bieber 25 million dollars to be judge, but that he turned it down. And that this happened even before FOX announced that Steven Tyler would be leaving Take with a grain of salt. National Enquirer.
