The newest American Idol judging rumors are that producers are planning on firing all four judges; Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban at the end of this season.
They reportedly won’t stop there – as executive producer Nigel Lythgoe will also get the boot, according to some unidentified sources.
"All four are gone," a source told The Wrap of the judges. "They feel they've lost their core audience and they want it back."
Although Fox declined to comment, the source said that they won’t even be looking to public favorite Jennifer Lopez to fill one of the open slots. Their contracts to have the option to go another season, but the network won’t pick them up.
"No more big checks for divas,” the insider said.
According to The LA Times, the big changes ahead for Idol are the result of back-to-back ratings declines in seasons.
Much of Idol’s downfall is attributed to the success of NBC’s The Voice, which recently beat out the veteran show in both total viewers and the 18-49 demographic. The show also replaced Idol in getting nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Reality Competition category.