Randy Jackson Out As American Idol Judge

Randy Jackson will no longer be a judge on American Idol, but will remain with the show as a mentor.  End of an era!

Per TMZ, "sources close the show" have confirmed that the last remaining original Idol judge will be leaving the judging panel for season 12, but will stay with the show in a "mentor" role.

They add that while producers don't think Jackson is particularly suited to the job of mentor (ouch!), they wanted to keep him on in some capacity, because he is "the glue that helps keep the show together."  Rickey.org shout out?

The word on his replacements is that the deal with Minaj is "99% done" and that the producers are well aware of and thrilled about Mariah's displeasure at having Nicki on the panel.  Apparently they are drooling at the prospect of on air drama between the pair.  Shocking!

Their sources also confirm that there will be a fourth judge, but that spot is still "up in the air."  However, they did confirm that both Diddy and Kanye West are off the table.

I think this will end up being a good move on the part of the show and hopefully a chance for Randy to do something new with his career.  I've seen a number of people calling for the show to bring in another record producer as a fourth judge, but so far all the names being bandied about have been singers.  I wouldn't object to seeing Jimmy I. on the panel, but I think we are probably going to end up with a Jonas brother.