Although Randy Jackson confirmed he won’t be sitting at the judges table when American Idol airs next winter, rumor has it he may still have a role on the show! New reports say that contestant mentor Jimmy Iovine is leaving Idol for Season 13, and will be replaced by the show veteran.
Jimmy joined the show in Season 10, after Simon Cowell’s departure. Besides just mentoring, his record label also took over the handling of finalists’ albums. After being part of the show for 12 years, it is certainly a void that Randy will be able to fill with his experience.
As for the show’s judges, so far, Keith Urban is the only person confirmed to return next season. However, rumors have been swirling for months that Jennifer Lopez will be making her return to the judge’s table (she took a break in Season 12), and her boyfriend Casper Smart even admitted to E! News that she would be back.
Although Idol went with four judges last season, they reportedly want to return to three this time around. For the last spot, artists like Will.i.Am, Kanye West and Diddy have been considered. Now, though, the front-runner is allegedly songwriter/producer Dr. Luke.
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