Nicki Minaj & Mariah Carey Leaving "American Idol"

It's Nicki Minaj's turn to kiss her judging career bye-bye.

Two weeks after "American Idol's" 12th season finale, Minaj becomes the third judge to leave the national singing competition.
Rumors have been swirling for weeks that all four judges would be out at the end of this season.

Earlier Thursday, Mariah Carey confirmed she was leaving to also focus on her music and start a world tour. Veteran judge Randy Jackson, who has judged every season, confirmed before the finale that it would be his last year with the show.

That leaves Keith Urban, who has not confirmed his intention for next year's "Idol" installment.

It's not clear if Minaj's on-air feud with Mariah Carey had anything to do with either diva's departures. Minaj, 30, reportedly made $12 million as an "Idol" judge.

The network Fox and "Idol" producer FremantleMedia said in a statement Minaj is "a superstar who brought a level of honesty and passion" to the contest.

Despite the star power of its judges, "Idol" has been slipping in the ratings. The Fox show had a record low audience of 14.2 million for its May 16 season finale.

An announcement has yet to come about next year's judges or the future of the show.




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