American Idol judge Randy Jackson will not be returning as a judge for season 12, entertainment gossip site TMZ reported.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Jackson, who has been a longstanding judge in the singing competition, is expected to return to the show as a mentor to contestants. TMZ also reported that executives for the show do not believe Jackson will be "well-suited for the mentor role" but are keeping him because he is "the glue that helps keep the show together."
Until now, the only confirmed judge for the upcoming season is singer Mariah Carey, who confirmed the news in July. Rumors have circulated about several celebrities joining the judges' panel but none have been confirmed.
Earlier this month, singer Nicki Minaj was said to be joining as a judge. TMZ reported that the deal with Minaj is close to being done but that nothing is official yet. According to the gossip site, American Idol will have four judges this up coming season.
Entertainment Weekly reported that if judge selections go as plan, Australian country musician Keith Urban will take over as a third judge and Spanish crooner Enrique Iglesias as a fourth judge. Other reports signal that singer Nick Jonas and N.E.R.D rapper Pharrell Williams are also being considered.
Previous judges include founding judges Simon Cowell, 52, and Paula Abdul, 50, along with Kara DioGaurdi, 41, Ellen DeGeneres, 54, Jennifer Lopez, 43, and Steven Tyler, 64.
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