Mariah Carey is officially leaving “American Idol,” the singer’s publicists announced via Twitter on Thursday.
The news follows Randy Jackson’s recent departure from Fox’s reality juggernaut, with fellow judges Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban yet to announce their plans regarding next season. (Minaj is also reportedly set to exit, but has yet to confirm.)
Despite Carey’s vocal pedigree, she and fellow judging newcomers Minaj and Urban failed to reinvigorate the aging franchise, with “Idol” hitting an all-time ratings low for its recent Season 12 finale.
Many contend that Carey’s highly publicized, season-long feud with Minaj soured viewers to the new panel and contributed to the ratings erosion, resulting in rumors that Fox executives and “Idol” producers attempted to replace Carey with former judge Jennifer Lopez to stem the flow of departing fans.
Even before Carey’s exit, there were rumblings that “Idol” producers planned to replace all four judges and start fresh for Season 13, potentially with a judging panel made up of “Idol” alums such as Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson and Adam Lambert.
SOURCE: HuffingtonPost.com
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