Friday, May 31, 2013 2:10am ET by  
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Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey confirm Idol exit

Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey won't be returning as judges on American Idol next season.

International songstress Mariah confirmed on Twitter she will be leaving her post on the popular TV talent show, with 'Starships' rapper Minaj following suit just a couple of hours later.

Carey's Mariah’s publicity firm PMK*BNC  wrote: “W/ global success of “#Beautiful” (#1 in 30+ countries so far) @MariahCarey confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol http://mariahcarey.com (sic)," before Carey retweeted the post.

A spokesperson for Fox and FremantleMedia revealed in a statement that the star will be missed from the programme.

A representative explained: “Mariah Carey is a true global icon – one of the most accomplished artists on the planet – and we feel extremely fortunate that she was able to bring her wisdom and experience to the ‘American Idol’ contestants this season. We know she will remain an inspiration to ‘Idol’ hopefuls for many seasons to come.”

Minaj then took to Twitter just two hours later to also announce her departure from the show.

She wrote: “Thank you American Idol for a life changing experience! Wouldn't trade it for the world! Time to focus on the Music!!! Mmmuuuaahhh!!! (sic)."

Executives wrote in a statement: “Nicki Minaj is a superstar who brought a level of honesty and passion to American Idol and who had a tremendous positive impact on so many contestants this season. Given her extremely busy career, we understand and respect her decision and wish her the best.”

Carey and Minaj sat on the coveted panel of the twelfth season alongside long-serving judge Randy Jackson and country singer Keith Urban.

While Jackson recently announced his exit from Idol, Urban is yet to confirm his future plans.

Meanwhile, rumours are still swirling that former Idol judge Jennifer Lopez will be returning to the show.

She previously revealed: "I don't know. That's the question of the moment. I loved doing the show. I've said that over and over. If it came down to it and things were right and it worked out right - we have a lot going on right now. For an offer to come in and for me to consider it, I would have to sit down and look at my next year.”

 

 

 

 

Watch Minaj talk about her Idol relationship with Carey here: