While Randy Jackson will not be a judge on the next season of Fox’s American Idol, he will reportedly be back as a mentor for the contestants. He will be replacing legendary music executive Jimmy Iovine, who has had the role since season 10.
Deadline reported on Wednesday that the Interscope Records co-founder and current chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M will be leaving Idol. Jackson will be coming in as the in-house mentor, giving contestants advice on their performances.
Iovine was brought in during season 10, which was the first season without Simon Cowell. Feeling that the show still needed a no-nonsense edge that the new judges couldn't provide, executives brought Iovine in as a replacement.
Jackson confirmed in May that he wouldn’t be back for Idol’s 13th season. Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey have left as well, leaving Keith Urban as the only returning judge. It’s expected that Jennifer Lopez may sign on any day now, but there’s still no word on who will fill the last judge’s chair.
Idol returns on Fox in January. The network has not commented on Deadline's report.
image: Fox