American Idol To Fire Four? Nigel Lythgoe To Be Replaced

The Wrap reported that American Idol will fire all four judges — Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, and Keith Urban — and will even replace producer, Nigel Lythgoe.

None of the four judges on the singing competition will be asked to return next season, an individual with knowledge of Fox’s plans told The Wrap. Longtime producer Nigel Lythgoe is expected to get the boot. And despite reports to the contrary, Fox isn’t even considering bringing former judge Jennifer Lopez back as a lifesaver for next season.

“All four are gone,” the insider told TheWrap. “They feel they’ve lost their core audience and they want it back.”

All four judges have options to return for another season, but Fox won’t be picking them up, according to the knowledgeable individual, who said: “No more big checks for divas.”

Behind the scenes, Fox Broadcasting chairman Kevin Reilly is charged with “fixing Idol.” And one of the first changes will occur at the top of the food chain: Longtime executive producer Lythgoe is expected to be replaced.

Will changing the judges fix the downhill ratings of Idol?