No one is safe on American Idol — and that apparently includes the current panel of judges. After the conclusion of season 12 on the ratings-challenged FOX reality competition, newcomers Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and even veteran judge Randy Jackson will all be fired, a new report on The Wrap claims.
"All four are gone," one insider is quoted as saying, adding that rumors of former judge Jennifer Lopez's return are inaccurate. "They feel they've lost their core audience and they want it back."
As producers supposedly build the new judges' panel from scratch, they plan to adopt a more economic approach to recruiting talent. "No more big checks for divas," the source told The Wrap, after Carey netted a reported $18 million for one year, Minaj nabbed $12 million, and Lopez made $15 million.
The once-unstoppable singing show saw its worst-ever ratings performance last Thursday, when only 11 million fans tuned in. The report also claims that Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe will also be replaced.
Reps for Jackson, Carey and Minaj did not reply to The Wrap's request for comment. Reps for Fox and Urban declined to comment.
