Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj have announced they will not return as American Idol judges next season.
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"Nicki Minaj is a superstar who brought a level of honesty and passion to American Idol and who had a tremendous positive impact on so many contestants this season. Given her extremely busy career, we understand and respect her decision and wish her the best," the network reportedly added.
Fox made its statement after Carey and Minaj both announced their Idol departures via Twitter.
"Thank you American Idol for a life changing experience! Wouldn't trade it for the world! Time to focus on the Music!!! Mmmuuuaahhh!!!" Minaj tweeted Wednesday.
"W/ global success of '#Beautiful' (#1 in 30+ countries so far) @MariahCarey confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol," Carey's public relations firm PMK BNC tweeted yesterday.
Carey and Minaj served as members of Idol's twelfth-season judging panel alongside longtime judge Randy Jackson, who was the first judge to confirm he's leaving the show, and Keith Urban, who has stated he would like to return as a judge next season if given the opportunity.
It remains unclear whether Urban will be invited to come back.
Reports have been circulating for weeks as to who will fill the open spots on the panel. Names being tossed around by Fox reportedly include Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert, and Clay Aiken.
Earlier this month, Fox had confirmed prior reports that the network was considering a drastic shakeup that could replace American Idol's entire judging panel for the show's upcoming thirteenth season in an attempt to boost its steady-declining ratings.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
