Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj are leaving American Idol after one season as judges on the talent show.
The announcement comes in the same month as original judge Randy Jackson also left the panel.
Nicki 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!”
Mariah Carey’s departure was also announced on Twitter.
Her spokesperson said the singer was now working on a world tour.
Mariah Carey, 43, and Nicki Minaj, 30, joined country singer Keith Urban and Randy Jackson for the show’s 12th season.
It is unclear whether Keith Urban will return for the show’s next series.
Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj are leaving American Idol after one season as judges on the talent show
Mariah Carey reportedly earned $18 million while Nicki Minaj’s salary was reported to have been $12 million.
American Idol‘s ratings fell to their lowest point in 12 years this series with 14.2 million watching the season finale, which was won by Candice Glover.
Fox, which broadcasts the show, said Mariah Carey was a “true global icon” and that they felt “extremely fortunate” that she was part of the show.
In a joint statement with American Idol‘s production company, FremantleMedia, the network added: “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.”
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Nicki Minaj has threatened to quit American Idol on live TV during Thursday’s edition.
Nicki Minaj was furious to learn that her favorite contestant Curtis Finch Jr. – who at one point was being tipped as a possible winner – had landed in the bottom two of the Top 10.
Curtis Finch Jr. and Devin Velez received the fewest votes from viewers.
And when she discovered that the 24-year-old from St Louis, Missouri might be out, Nicki Minaj said she would quit the show.
“I definitely think Curtis should not be in the bottom two. I mean, I love Devin but I think that Curtis, if you look at every one of his performances, I mean – come on, America, are you kidding me?” she said.
“I didn’t think that your performance last night was your best, I think it was your worst.”
“Curtis, if you go home, I go home,” the singer said.
Fellow judge Keith Urban agreed in part, saying he was “a little shocked”.
But Nicki Minaj’s fears were realized after it was revealed that Curtis Finch Jr. actually got the fewest votes of all the contestants.
The revelation caused Nicki Minaj to jump out of her seat and approach the stage, only to seemingly be advised to return to the judge’s panel by Randy Jackson, who could be seen shaking his head, and beckoning her back.
Nicki Minaj was furious to learn that her favorite American Idol contestant Curtis Finch Jr. had landed in the bottom two of the Top 10
Curtis Finch Jr. was then able to sing one last time to save himself – but only if all four judges agreed unanimously to keep him on.They didn’t – and he was kicked off the Fox show.
Curtis Finch Jr. gave a heartfelt and emotional performance of R Kelly’s I Believe I Can Fly, showing off his impressive vocal range.
He previously sang the song on the show to get him into the top 10.
Nicki Minaj looked like she was sulking as Randy Jackson and Keith Urban had an intense discussion on either side of her, while Mariah Carey concentrated on his make or break performance, that saw the audience go wild.
“The judges have got to be unanimous,” said Ryan Seacrest, who explained that they can “save” only one contestant once throughout the season.
“Save, save, save,” chanted the crowd.
“I’m completely shocked that this is where we’re at,” said Mariah Carey.
“This entire situation has been about Curtis, in a lot of ways, for me. We have had a connection. We still do, no matter what happens.”
“We are not unanimous, unfortunately,” Randy Jackson revealed, as some of the audience members began to boo.
The previous night Nicki Minaj had missed Curtis Finch Jr.’s singing because she was late to the live show in Hollywood, blaming bad traffic.
The show claimed over 26 million votes had been cast. But producers changed up the usual format by first revealing who was in the top three, but not what order they came in.
It was good news for Candice, Kree and Angie.
In fourth place was Lazaro Arbos. Amber Holcomb came fifth, while Janelle Arthur came in sixth place.
Burnell Taylor came in seventh place, followed by Paul Jolley.
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On last night American Idol it was a four-judge blow up – leading to Nicki Minaj storming out in a torrent of F Bombs.
After a long day of auditions in Charlotte, North Carolina, tempers were wearing thin.
The argument exploded after the usually placid judge Keith Urban got irritated by a contestant’s comments about country music.
“Where do you see yourself as a singer?” Keith Urban asked Summer Cunningham, a 20-year-old student from Warner Robins, Georgia, after she had sung Lean on Me by Bill Withers.
“I did the country thing so maybe a soulful county thing is what I have been doing,” she said nervously.
“I always get thrown when people say they have <<done the county thing>>, it’s like saying you <<did the brain surgeon thing>>. Either you are a brain surgeon or you’re not,” said Keith Urban moodily.
“When you said you <<did the county thing>> you annoyed Keith,” smiled Mariah Carey who gave praised the girl and gave her a “yes”.
On last night American Idol it was a four-judge blow up at the show auditions in Charlotte, leading to Nicki Minaj storming out in a torrent of F Bombs
As the other judges debated the best genre for Summer Cunningham, Nicki Minaj grew visibly annoyed before throwing her hands in the air.
“Why are we picking her apart because of a country comment? You guys make comments about everybody in popular music all day,” she jibed.
“Not you Keith… Randy and Mariah,” berated Nicki Minaj, staring daggers at the Butterfly hit-maker.
“Oh really, is that what I do?” said Mariah Carey incredulously.
“I’m trying to help her as opposed to just talking about her outfit,” she retorted as the judges bickered on top of each other.
“I’m just trying to help you, a little bit, 30 years. Insight,” said Randy Jackson, drawing attention to his long career in the industry.
“Oh, you’re right. I’m sorry I can’t help her. Maybe I should just get off the f****ing panel,” said Nicki Minaj, throwing her seat out behind her and making a dramatic exit in her white mini dress.
“Let me get off the panel,” she chipped on her way out.
“That was my move. I was gonna do that the next time she bagged on me,” joked Mariah Carey sarcastically.
“Shut the f*** up,” screeched Nicki Minaj from the sidelines.
“Finish the show. I’m done.”
But fortunately the feud didn’t hinder the judges’ ability on the panel and Summer Cunningham joined a host of other southern contestants making it through to Hollywood.
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