While a bevy of superstar names have been bandied about as potential new judges on “American Idol,” original show judge Randy Jackson is keeping mum on his “Idol” future.
Randy stopped by the “Today” show for an interview with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb on Monday morning, where the “Dawg” dodged questions on whether he’ll return.
“Listen, ‘Idol’ is an amazing show,” Randy said when asked if he was still going to be a judge. “My friend Mariah Carey is there, I think she’s going to bring a lot of excitement to it, and you know, let’s see what happens!”
Late last month, TMZ reported that Randy would not be returning as a judge, but would remain on the show in a mentor role.
As for who could take over at the judges’ table, Nicki Minaj has been the name most widely believed to be set as a new face on the show (as well as Nick Jonas, Keith Urban and Enrique Iglesias, who have all been mentioned) – however, no deals have officially been announced by FOX.
When asked about Nicki, Randy continued to play coy.
“I don’t know who else has been confirmed yet or not…. I don’t really know. But I know Mariah is there!” he added.
Following his appearance on “Today,” Randy visited the ladies of “The View” where he continued to shrug off inquires about his “Idol” fate.
“Are you staying with the show? Are you going to be in a different position?” Barbara Walters asked him.
“It hasn’t been worked out, let’s see what happens… In the next couple of weeks, it will all be worked out,” Randy hedged.
Meanwhile, Nicki herself shrugged off the rumors, when she spoke with Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson at the MTV Video Music Awards last week.
“You know what? At this time, I have no comment on that one,” Nicki told Shaun at the time.
The one name fans will see – Mariah Carey, who FOX confirmed as a new judge back in July.
The new season of “American Idol” returns this winter on FOX.
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