Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj Leaving 'Idol'
The rumors of a new "American Idol" judges panel are proving to be true! Now, Mariah Carey's team has confirmed that the singer will not return to the FOX TV show next year.
"W/ global success of "#Beautiful" (#1 in 30+ countries so far) @MariahCarey confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol," her PR firm said via Twitter. Carey's publicist, Cindi Berger, also tell ABC News that Carey, who is currently finishing an album, will also appear the movie "The Butler," which premieres in August, and that her tour will kick off in Asia in October.
Carey has already begun to perform again, kicking off the GMA concert series with Miguel last week.
And though it had been reported that Nicki Minaj was also not planning to return next season, she hadn't confirmed it until Thursday.
"Thank you American Idol for a life changing experience! Wouldn't trade it for the world!" she tweeted. "Time to focus on the Music!!! Mmmuuuaahhh!!!"
Just a few days ago, Randy Jackson, who announced that he would also be leaving the singing competition, told ABC News that after 12 years, "I just think I've been through a lot of iterations of the show."
However, Keith Urban said that he would like to do another season on the program, possibly making him the only returning judge.
"I literally enjoy coming to work every day," he said of his time on "American Idol." "That's a rarity."