Many rumors have surfaced regarding the current American Idol judges’ fate, and now Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj have both confirmed they will not be back for a second season.
Minaj took to Twitter after Carey did, thanking Idol for the experience but confirming she wants to just focus on her music. She wrote:
Thank you American Idol for a life changing experience! Wouldn't trade it for the world! Time to focus on the Music!!! Mmmuuuaahhh!!!
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) May 30, 2013
Carey was the first to confirm she won’t be back, retweeting a tweet from her publicist that read “W/ global success of “#Beautiful” (#1 in 30+ countries so far) @MariahCarey confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol.”
“Mariah Carey is a true global icon -- one of the most accomplished artists on the planet -- and we feel extremely fortunate that she was able to bring her wisdom and experience to the 'American Idol' contestants this season,” said Fox, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment in a statement, Huffington Post reports. “We know she will remain an inspiration to 'Idol' hopefuls for many seasons to come.”
The news of Carey and Minaj’s departures come after Jackson confirmed earlier this month that this past season would be his last.
Keith Urban is the only judge left, and he has expressed interest in returning.
Fox reportedly wants to revamp the show, and rumors of past contestants like Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson becoming judges have been running ramped.
image: NBC