mentor

The new season of American Idol is going to look a little different. The three judges from last year’s season will not be returning to judge. However, Randy Jackson, dubbed as ‘the glue’ of the show will no longer be a judge of the hit singing competition. Instead, he is moving to a mentor role.

Mariah Carey has already joined the panel and Nicki Minaj is now ‘nearing the deal’ to take one of the seats at the judge’s table.

TMZ has the report.

The dawg days are over at “American Idol” … TMZ has learned Randy Jackson is officially LEAVING the judge’s table … but will still remain a part of the show as a “mentor.”
Sources connected to “Idol” tell us … there’s some concern among the brass that Jackson is not well-suited for the mentor role … but they feel they need him because he’s the glue that helps keep the show together.

As for his replacement … sources tell us Nicki Minaj’s deal is 99% done … but still not a sure thing just yet.

We’re told the honchos are keenly aware Mariah Carey isn’t a fan of Minaj and doesn’t want her at the table … a fact producers LOVE because they think the conflict and tension will be good for the show.

And … we now know A.I. will once again go with a 4th judge …  we’re told producers are gunning for someone from the country music world for the third seat.  Seat number 4 is up in the air.