US Magazine is reporting that Mariah Carey is in serious talks with American Idol peeps to join the panel, while her manager, Randy Jackson may downgrade to mentor.
Now, a source tells Us Weekly that Tyler and Lopez’s fellow judge Randy Jackson is also making a big move — with plans to leave the judges’ panel but remain involved with a mentoring role on the show.
“[Show producers] think they need to freshen everything up now,” the source explains.
One very likely new judge? Mariah Carey, whose manager is Jackson himself, and who could fill a similar judge’s role assumed by fellow superstar Lopez, 42.
“They are in serious talks with Mariah and it’s very close to being a done deal,” the source says. “And they will move Randy into a more mentoring role.”
The insider added that show producers are scrambling to fill the other two slots alongside Carey; other celebs who have been considered to sit at the judges’ table include Fergie and Adam Lambert.
Hm. Transforming Randy into a mentor may be an excellent option for him! One of the things I appreciate about Randy is the way he’s taken some Idols under his wing–Casey Abrams and Brooke White are two that come to mind–after the show. He did an excellent job overseeing the post Idol careers of BOTH of those Idols. As a mentor, Randy would have the opportunity to shine. It could definitely work. And to be honest, with all the changes, it would be nice to have somebody stay behind to anchor the show in the past.
