Zoe Ambrozewska
Staff Writer

Following a massive decline in American Idol ratings this series (22%!) and a season low last Thursday night, its no surprise the show is looking to shake things up a bit! New reports now claim that all four judges, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson, are to be axed from the programme, with long-time executive producer Nigel Lythgoe’s future also in doubt.

A source has told The Wrap that “all four are gone… they feel they’ve lost their core audience and they want it back” – this desire to attract younger viewers explain recent links with Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and P!nk in judging roles! Further to this, the current judges’ huge salaries may also be influencing this decision, with an insider reporting there is to be “no more big checks for divas.” Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is also rumoured to be on the chopping block, with the chairman at Fox Broadcasting who is hoping to “fix idol” looking to eliminate him.

As well as changing WHO will be on your screens, the show’s format is also being modernized! Although the renowned audition episodes are to remain the same, the tribute nights will be no more, with more updated designs will also be implemented.

Fox, Fremantle and representatives for Carey, Minaj, Urban and Jackson have yet to comment on these rumours.

UPDATE: Randy Jackson announced this evening via E! News that he is indeed out next season. “Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on American Idol I have decided it is time to leave after this season,” Jackon shared with E! News. “I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry. It’s been a life changing opportunity but I am looking forward to focusing on my company Dream Merchant 21 and other business ventures.”

But what do you think? Does American Idol need to completely switch things up to gain back their core audience? Why did you stop watching the show? Or are you still a fan? Let us know your thoughts!

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