Then There Was One: Two More Judges Make Their Exit From 'American Idol'
FOX television show "American Idol" is down to one judge.
Country star Keith Urban appears to be the only judge left at the judge's table of "American Idol". After veteran judge Randy Jackson announced that he wouldn't be returning to 'Idol' during the finale of the latest season, news has come that two more judges won't be returning to the show next season.
Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj announced their departures after only one season on Thursday night.
Carey's latest single "#Beautiful" was released May 6th, and has gone number one in more than thirty countries so far. Her publicist took to the social media site Twitter to announce the singers success of her single and departure from Idol.
"W/ global success of "#Beautiful" (#1 in 30+ countries so far) Mariah Carey confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol https://mariahcarey.com" Her publicist said.
The network and the show's producers issued a joint statement regarding Carey's departure:
"Mariah Carey is a true global icon -- one of the most accomplished artists on the planet -- and we feel extremely fortunate that she was able to bring her wisdom and experience to the 'American Idol' contestants this season," the statement by Fox, 19 Entertainment and Freemantle Media said. "We know she will remain an inspiration to 'Idol' hopefuls for many seasons to come."
Shortly after Carey's departure was announced, fellow judge and musician Nicki Minaj's followed. She took to twitter as well saying, "Thank you American Idol for a life changing experience! Wouldn't trade it for the world! Time to focus on the Music! Muah!"
The network also issued a statement regarding Minaj's departure as well:
"Nicki Minaj is a superstar who brought a level of honesty and passion to 'American Idol' and who had a tremendous positive impact on so many contestants this season. Given her extremely busy career, we understand and respect her decision and wish her the best," Fox and producers FreemantleMedia and 19 Entertainment said in a statement.
Rumors of a complete judges' overhaul has been running rampant as the show continued to lose viewers. Recent reports suggest the show may be bringing back former contestants to fill out the judges' panel next season.