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The latest rumor linking a celebrity to the judges' table on the next season of "American Idol" has Kanye West in the running for a seat next to Mariah Carey. "Idol" producers recently reached out to the rapper, asking him to fill one of the open slots left by Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, according to TMZ.

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The musician, 35, often referred to as "Yeezy," would expect his paycheck to "at least match Mariah's salary" of $18 million, but he's still "on the fence" about joining the talent show, according to TMZ. Calls to West's people by the gossip news website have not been returned.

There's still some doubt whether longtime judge Randy Jackson will make a return to the show, and there is also the possibility of a fourth judge being added to the mix. Enrique Iglesias and country stars Keith Urban and Brad Paisley are all rumored to be in the running.

In more behind-the-scenes "Idol" drama, recent unconfirmed reports that Nicki Minaj is to join the show mean Carey's commitment might be in jeopardy. TMZ sources say Carey "hung up the phone" when she was told that Minaj was up for a place at the judges' table, reporting that Mariah had been assured that she would be the only woman on the panel.