With American Idol's ratings at record lows and Fox execs either openly calling for a major overhaul of the show or leaving the network completely, the fate of perpetually feuding Idol judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj was all but certain.
Today, both women made it official — Carey through her PR firm, and Minaj via her Twitter account:
W/ global success of “#Beautiful” (#1 in 30+ countries so far) @MariahCarey confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol http://t.co/ww2q8xmocr
PMK•BNC
@PMK_BNC
W/ global success of “#Beautiful†(#1 in 30+ countries so far) @MariahCarey confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol http://t.co/ww2q8xmocr
Thank you American Idol for a life changing experience! Wouldn't trade it for the world! Time to focus on the Music!!! Mmmuuuaahhh!!!
Nicki Minaj
@NICKIMINAJ
Thank you American Idol for a life changing experience! Wouldn't trade it for the world! Time to focus on the Music!!! Mmmuuuaahhh!!!
Longtime judge Randy Jackson confirmed his exit from the show before the Season 12 finale.
Reps for Fox did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the status of the lone judge still standing, country music star Keith Urban. When asked after the Idol season finale whether he would return to the show, however, Urban gave a practiced non-answer.
.@KeithUrban says he doesn't know if he'll return next season to #AmericanIdol, but he notes he'll have a new album & tour soon. "Onwards."
Adam B. Vary
@adambvary
.@KeithUrban says he doesn't know if he'll return next season to #AmericanIdol, but he notes he'll have a new album & tour soon. "Onwards."