Two Fangas: Randy Jackson Is Departing American Idol

With Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler chucking up the deuces after a one hitter quitter season with American Idol, veteran judge Randy Jackson is following suit and leaving as well. Mariah Carey is the only person on board thus far to judge the talent show but TMZ is reporting the ink on Nicki Minaj's deal is almost dry, which Mariah isn't happy about, to judge as well and Randy will stay on as a mentor.

The dawg days are over at "American Idol" ... TMZ has learned Randy Jackson is officially LEAVING the judge's table ... but will still remain a part of the show as a "mentor."
Sources connected to "Idol" tell us ... there's some concern among the brass that Jackson is not well-suited for the mentor role ... but they feel they need him because he's the glue that helps keep the show together.

As for his replacement ... sources tell us Nicki Minaj's deal is 99% done ... but still not a sure thing just yet.

We're told the honchos are keenly aware Mariah Carey isn't a fan of Minaj and doesn't want her at the table ... a fact producers LOVE because they think the conflict and tension will be good for the show.

And ... we now know A.I. will once again go with a 4th judge ...  we're told producers are gunning for someone from the country music world for the third seat.  Seat number 4 is up in the air.

Finally, altough "A.I." wanted Diddy or Kanye West ... we're told they are definitely out of the picture.

I say can the whole dayum show! Anytime a person like Nicki Minaj is brought onto a show of this caliber it has to be a joke and I'm not even talking Nicki's talent here. This show isn't about the contestants showcasing real talent in an effort to live out their dreams anymore, it's a cash machine. Nicki Minaj is entertaining and she should she stick to that, not giving her opinion on an industry she barely knows her dayum self!

Hell, at least try and hide the fact that it's all about ratings and money!