Randy Jackson Page 2

'American Idol''s last original judge Randy Jackson is finally stepping down from the show after an impressive 12 year stint as both a judge and a mentor. While there's been reports in previous years of his ever impending departure, this time it's for good.

Randy Jackson finally leaves 'American Idol'

The former musician and record producer has been a constant fixture of the TV singing competition since 2002, where he worked alongside Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell on the judging panel. As of 2014's Season 13, his role was changed from panel judge to in-house mentor, but now it's finally time to say goodbye. 'After 13 seasons, I felt now was the perfect time to leave American Idol', Randy Jackson announced in a statement to Deadline. 'I'm proud to have been a part of a series that discovered some incredible artists and will go down in history as one of the most successful television shows ever.'

Continue reading: Randy Jackson Finally Says Farewell To 'American Idol' Family

Randy Jackson's wife has reportedly filed for divorce. Erika Jackson has filed the paperwork to end their 18 year relationship citing irreconcilable differences.  

Randy Jackson and his wife Erika are reportedly divorcing.

Read More: On The Red Carpet At American Idol Season 13 Finale.

Continue reading: Randy Jacksons Wife Reportedly Files For Divorce After 18 Years Of Marriage

Caleb Johnson has been crowned the winner of American Idol Season 13! The 23-year-old was pitted against 17-year-old Jena Irene but was successful in his efforts on Wednesday (21st May). 

Caleb Johnson won American Idol season 13.

As USA Today reports, this is the third time Johnson auditioned for American Idol but the first time he got past the audition rounds. Yet third time's a charm and Johnson has proven critics wrong by winning the 13th season of American Idol. 

Continue reading: On The Red Carpet At 'American Idol' Season 13 Finale [Pictures]

Things are coming to a head on this week’s episode of American Idol. The finale is next week, so naturally, the contestants are pulling out all the stops at this point. To top it all off, Caleb Johnson, Alex Preston and Jenna Irene also had the added pressure of performing on the show’s 500^th episode. No biggie.

Despite his vocal issues, Caleb Johnson delivered a couple of showstopping performances.

To amp up the nostalgic spirit, the show kicked off with a montage of the greatest moments in Idol history. There was Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aken , the transformation of Clay Aiken, KEITH!, William Hung  Bikini Girl (?) and even a video of Simon Cowell that time he was spot on about Carrie Undewood’s record sales. Ah, the good old days.

Continue reading: American Idol Recap: Anniversary And Homecoming

Randy Jackson thinks American Idol is regaining its form. Sure, the head mentor of the original TV singing competition has a vested interest in promoting the show regardless of its quality, but he really thinks it’s good again, honest. Jackson admitted in a conference call that by last season, Idol was getting a little bit stale. But it got a revamp and now everything is ok. Right…

Jackson thinks the show got the much needed kick in the rear this season.

“But now it’s Idol 2.0,” he said. “It needed a refresh, and it got it.”

Continue reading: Randy Jackson Thinks "American Idol" Is Out Of The Woods, Ratings Beg To Differ

Forget sweatshops in India and slave labour camps in North Korea, Mariah Carey has seen for herself what working in supposedly hellish conditions is like. The R&B singer was interviewed by HOT 97 radio on Wednesday and, as she sipped her Champagne, she relived the atrocities of her single season on Fox's talent searching show.

Mariah Carey Compares 'American Idol' To Hell & Nicki Minaj To Satan.

"Honestly, I hated it," Carey said of her turn at judging the long-running singing contest. Speaking to Angie Martinez, she explained: "I thought it was going to be a three-person panel. They gave me a nice dangling monetary moment, and I was just like, 'Okay. Randy Jackson will be there; I've known him forever. He used to play bass for me. Like, this isn't a big deal. This will be nothing.'"

Continue reading: Take It From Mariah: If American Idol Is Hell, Is Nicki Minaj Satan?

Well, it looks like the American Idol mayhem is all over. We can all breathe a little easier, knowing that the American Idol set won’t feature two empty chairs next season, driving poor Keith Urban to such a state of lonely desperation, that he ends up pushing a hidden button under his Coke cup, which causes the entire set to explode in a massive fireworks display announcing the death of America’s original televised talent show, while Mariah Carey’s 'Hero' blasts out of the sound system.

Say hello to Harry Connick Jr.!

It would have been spectacular to behold, but so is the new jury lineup, which consists of Urban, of course, in the company of Idol veteran Jennifer Lopez (three cheers for J.Lo and her top bun!) and, the new face nobody was expecting – former Idol mentor Harry Connick Jr. Idol’s resident nice guy – Randy Jackson – returns in the role of mentor.

Continue reading: Revamped American Idol Judging Panel Brings Back Harry Connick Jr. And J.Lo

Turns out Jennifer Lopez’s time on American Idol really has been the show’s most entertaining run to date. It’s no wonder that the show is bringing back the opinionated singer (hopefully with her majestic top knot in tow). According to a report by Deadline, Lopez has just signed a $15 million deal with Fox to return to the next season of Idol, along with longtime judge Keith Urban and of course everyone’s favorite Idol host Randy Jackson.

Jennifer Lopez made for one of Idol's most entertaining seasons to date.

Lopez and Idol have a long and storied history together. The singer came on Fox’s talent competition in 2010, at a low point in her own career. She managed to save the show’s ratings after the departure of the judge everyone loved to hate, Simon Cowell. Now, Fox seems to be hoping for the same kind of turnaround, after the network wasted some extremely high paychecks on Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj last season. All the diva spats in the world couldn’t save American Idol from a ratings nose dive and almost losing the competition to NBC’s brand new shiny contender, The Voice.

Continue reading: American Idol's Next Season Will Be A Blast From The Past, With Jennifer Lopez Back On The Judging Panel

Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey are bothleaving American Idol after just one series on the Fox talent show.The announcement comes in the same month that original judge Randy Jackson left the panel, while the future of Keith Urban now looks increasingly uncertain.Rapper Minaj told her 16 million Twitter followers: "Thank you American Idol for a life changing experience! Wouldn't trade it for the world! Time to focus on the Music!!! Mmmuuuaahhh!" while Mariah's departure was also announced on Twitter.

Reports suggest Mariah Carey earned $18 million for her year on the show, while Minaj took home $12 million, though neither gelled. According to the Hollywood Reporter, show bosses were keen to replace Mariah with previous fan-favourite Jennifer Lopez midway through the twelfth season, but Carey's considerable legal team put the stoppers on the deal. 

In a joint statement with American Idol's production company, FremantleMedia, Fox said, "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," adding that Mariah Carey was a "true global icon." Despite the nice goodbyes, it's no secret that Idol bosses will be glad to see the back of both stars, having suffered in the ratings over the past year. The show's ratings fell to its lowest point in 12 years this series, which was won by soul singer Candice Glover. 

Continue reading: The Great American Cull: Mariah Carey And Nicki Minaj Leave 'Idol'

The Inquisition has commenced at Fox’s American Idol and Randy Jackson, the only remaining original judge will be the first to go. To be fair, Jackson is leaving on his own accord, or at least the head honchos at Idol are letting him make it seem so. Earlier this week he announced his graceful exit: “Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on ‘American Idol’ I have decided it is time to leave after this season,” he said.

“I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry,” said Jackson, who has been on the show since its inception in 2002. The bets are now being placed on who will be next. It’s no secret that ratings have been lower than ever this season (New York Daily News reports a 25% drop since last season). It’s also a widely known fact that should the changes continue, the judging panel to be the first to go. Nicki Minaj addressed the commotion on Ryan Seacrest’s show this Thursday, saying: “That’s a million-dollar question. I have to say this all the time, but I want people to know it’s genuinely from my heart. I love the people on ‘Idol.’ I genuinely do. If I had to do this all over again, I would have done ‘Idol.’ Because it’s fun, it’s laughs.” In might be, but not for very much longer.

The original judge was the first to go.

Continue reading: American Idol's Overhaul Has Begun With Randy Jackson, But Probably Won't Stop There

There’ve been rumblings about an American Idol cull of judges and crew and it looks like the first has been told to go, with the show’s only original judge Randy Jackson confirming that he is to leave the reality singing contest after 12 seasons. Let the axe swinging commence.

The Wrap had hinted that this week that Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Jackson would all be leaving the show, along with producer Nigel Lythgoe as Fox bosses sought to make sweeping changes for a show that has lost 22% of its audience in season 12 and is now being eclipsed by NBC rival The Voice. A full cull hasn’t been officially confirmed as yet by Fox, but with Jackson now officially on his way out it looks well on the cards. According to the BBC, Jackson issued a statement that read "To put all of the speculation to rest, after 12 years of judging on American Idol, I have decided to leave after this season. "I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry."

The show’s host, Ryan Seacrest had hinted at his departure at the beginning of Thursday's elimination episode in the US: "A little later on, we'll be revealing who's leaving our show," he joked as he swivelled Randy Jackson around in his chair towards him. "Maybe a head's up?"

Continue reading: Is This The Beginning Of The Cull? Randy Jackson Leaving American Idol

Angie Miller - the favorite to win American Idol since the Hollywood rounds - was sensationally booted out of the competition on Thursday (May 9, 2013). Miller stunned the judges earlier in the competition with a performance of her original song 'You Set Me Free' and even changed her name from 'Angela' to 'Angie' as audiences warmed to her.

However, Miller's run on Idol ended at the top three after her elimination last night. It followed Wednesday night performances  of Elton John's 'Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word,' Pink's 'Try' and Emile Sande's 'Maybe' after which she was deemed to be the round one winner. Following her shocking elimination, she was often unable to sing the lyrics to her exit song after being overcome with emotion.

Miller's exit paves the way for a final including Candice Glover and Kree Harrison, slightly underwhelming for Idol audiences. Once this year's victor is crowned, the show looks set to undergo a major overhaul with veteran judge Randy Jackson already announcing his exit. According to industry website The Wrap, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban are also set to get their marching orders are a season of poor reviews and worse ratings. 

Continue reading: How On Earth Did Angie Miller Get Eliminated From American Idol?

Randy Jackson has confirmed that he is leaving American Idol, adding credence to reports that he and the three judges, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban have been axed from the show in a dramatic shakeup. In a devastating cull, Idol bosses have decided to start over and reportedly told all four judges they would not be returning next season.

"Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on American Idol I have decided it is time to leave after this season," Jackson said in a statement, "I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry," he said. "It's been a life changing opportunity but I am looking forward to focusing on my company Dream Merchant 21 and other business ventures."

An insider told The Wrap on Thursday (May 9, 2013) that Fox plans to start the show from scratch after the current season came in for the worst reviews and ratings of the series so far. The website also reported how executive producer Nigel Lythgoe may not be returning, though Ryan Seacrest will probably stick around.

Continue reading: Randy Jackson Leaves American Idol, Carey, Minaj And Urban To Follow

Thursday’s American Idol yielded a bit of a surprise to viewers (spoiler ahead) as the latest contestant to go home was, rather shockingly, Angie Miller. Miller rose to the level of a favorite in the competition early on, when she performed an original song on the piano in the show’s Hollywood rounds. She quickly became an audience favorite and the judges loved her as well. However, while she kept receiving praise for most of her performaces, Angela (who quickly became “Angie” to both judges and fans, never quite matched the success of that first big performance). Now, the two finalists, who will press on have been decided – Kree Harrison and Candice Glover. Their fate will be decided during the two-part finale on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Meanwhile, as tensions run high onstage, behind the scenes everything is just as hectic, as the departure of the audience’s favorite judge, Randy Jackson, has been made official. The official story is that 56-year-old Jackson is leaving the show to focus on his record label and other business opportunities, but with rumors swirling about the network planning a complete overhaul on Idol, lots of sources are speculating that his departure might not have been entirely Jackson’s idea. In any case, with falling ratings and Fox’s apparent anxiety over the show, we can probably expect a brave new Idol as of next season.

The producer/bassist, who has been on Idol since Day 1, has confirmed his departure. 

If there’s any word to describe what’s going on behind the scenes of American Idol right now, annihilation comes to mind. The ever popular talent competition hasn’t been as popular lately, which has led to the latest news – that Idol will be firing, pardon, replacing, all four of its judges and an executive producer next season.

The big shots over at Fox apparently hoped that the explosive combination of Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey would get the show back on its feet, but instead, it seems to have paralysed it completely, with ratings at an all time low. The Wrap reported the show’s plans to start from scratch next season – without even bringing back fan favorite Jennifer Lopez, as some previous reports speculated. "All four are gone," the insider told The Wrap. "They feel they've lost their core audience and they want it back."

The core audience in question? Young people. The 16-24 demographic, who haven’t exactly been on the edge of their seats for this season of Idol. In a desperate bid to bring them back, Fox execs will also bring major changes to the format of the show. No more themed tribute nights with music from your aunt’s vintage record collection. The show’s look will also undergo a complete overhaul. 

Continue reading: Heads Will Roll Over At American Idol - Four Judges And A Producer All Getting The Boot

Mount Pleasant's Shubha Vedula was axed from American Idol on Wednesday night (February 20, 2013) after being told she sounded like a cross between Christina Aguilera and the "Gangnam Style guy," by influential judge Nicki Minaj. Vedula - still a student - tried her hand at Lady Gaga's Born This Way, but the results were not good.

"It's a bit comical because you have a beautiful strong voice but it's a mash up between Christina Aguilera and that Gangnam Style guy," Minaj told Vedula, with her publicist later confirming to Michigan's Morning Sun that she will not progress into the female Top 20. "She already knows where she stands in the competition," she said. The 17-year-old had sailed through to the latter stages following her performance of Aguilera's 'Something's Got A Hold On Me' in front of judges Randy Jackson and Keith Urban earlier in the month, though it appears she lacked the star-power required to make it through to the knockout stages.

Vedula remained upbeat on her Facebook page following her exit. "American Idol has been one of the highest moments in my life," she said. "I have no regrets! I have enjoyed it every step of the way! Never have I felt so much love and support from my community."

Continue reading: Was American Idol's Shubha Vedula A Cross Between Aguilera And Psy?

Kim Kardashian's nude dress was a major talking point at the opening of Sir Philip Green's new Topshop and Topman stores in Los Angeles this week. Kardashian, 32, wore a nude black lace dress, feathery skirt, leather leggings and black pumps to celebrate the opening of flagship stores in West Hollywood. She was joined on the red-carpet by boyfriend Kanye West and mother Kris Jenner, while Ryan Seacrest, Derek Hough and Randy Jackson also made appearances.

Though Kardashian's nude dress did a wonderful job of embracing her pregnancy without being too revealing, the reality star had some major competition in the form of Welsh mezzo-soprano and recent Dancing with the Stars contestant Katherine Jenkins. The singer, 32, opted for a fitted strapless dress at the ritzy Cecconi's venue for the after-party, and matched it with gold heels and jewellery.

Sir Phillip Green has been planning the Topshop, Los Angeles stores for a while, and has aligned himself with the right people in Kim Kardashian etc as he brings his British clothing empire across the pond. He was the man behind Kate Moss' hugely successful line for Topshop in the UK and has called on the fashion forward Kate Bosworth to deliver a similar range for the Los Angeles store.  The Superman Returns actress was also in attendance at the opening, opting for a gold mini-dress with cross-bar neckline.

Continue reading: Kim Kardashian Nude Dress Steals Show At Topshop Opening, Los Angeles

With a new panel and a whole new dynamic, this season of American Idol is going strong so far.

It looks like the driving force behind the revival are mostly the ladies – after the obligatory fight/feud/general beef (what’s the trendy term these days?) Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj seem to have reconciled in their mission to let as many hot guys as possible through the qualifying round. Nicki is her usual larger-than-life self, complete with eye-popping colour palette, (mostly) witty banter, and a ready comment for every contestant. Maybe her energy is exactly what the talent competition needed to get back on its feet. But the reason that Miss Minaj’s whole persona works on the show, is that it works with the other judges.

Mariah balances out Nicki’s zany personality with her calm, serene appearance (seriously, does anyone know what they have in those cups?), while Keith Urban is the nice guy every judging panel needs, in order for the viewer not to hate them. Meanwhile, Randy Jackson is just there to stir up the occasional spat, by egging on contestants and judges alike. It’s always clear, however, that any drama is mainly for the cameras and in overall, they all just get along. Just like one big, mismatched, reality TV family.

Nicki Minaj has been caught cussing at Mariah Carey on American Idol. It was never going to be long before the two divas came to blows but we thought Carey would be the first to lose her cool. Apparently not! TMZ have posted footage of Nicki Minaj ranting at American Idol’s production staff and at Mariah herself. The footage is a little blurry and TMZ had to bleep out quite a large portion of what was coming out of Nicki’s mouth. You can see Keith Urban sat between Nicki and Mariah looking exasperated and Randy Jackson is stood at the end of the table, equally powerless.

Not all of the rant is audible but you can hear Nicki saying “I told them I'm not f**kin' putting up with her f**king highness over there. Figure it the f**k out. Figure it out… I'm not gonna sit here every f**king minute to have you come down and harass me every minute everyday.” According to the report, Nicki also threatened to “knock out” Mariah but said it before the camera was recording.

It’s hard to know what the American Idol bosses will be thinking about this latest drama between Nicki and Mariah. In essence, it will probably be good for the show as it’s bound to get more and more viewers intrigued and tuning in. After all, one of the main reasons they revamped the judging line-up was too boost falling viewer figures. What better than a foul-mouthed rant from a rapper in a pink wig to do that?