(Newser)
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Randy Jackson's career as an American Idol judge is over. He'll stay on with the show in some capacity as a "mentor," because its bosses believe he's the "glue that helps keep the show together," as TMZ puts it. It's not clear who will replace Jackson, the show's longest-term judge, according to the New York Daily News. But it's looking like Nicki Minaj is close to a deal. Mariah Carey wouldn't much like that—but that tension reportedly makes Minaj all the more appealing to producers. There will also be a fourth judge again, and the show is hoping for a country music star, says TMZ.
