Nicki Minaj Not Returning to 'American Idol'

By
Getty Images

Hours after Mariah Carey confirmed that she would be leaving American Idol after her first season, Nicki Minaj has also unveiled that she will be not be returning to the show.

The 30-year-old rapper revealed the news via Twitter, writing:


PICS: The Complete List of 'American Idol' Winners

"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," FOX, FremantleMedia, and 19 Entertainment said in a joint statement. "Given her extremely busy career, we understand and respect her decision and wish her the best."

Minaj and Carey, who replaced two-season judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, were known for their tense relationship on the show, which often turned the media spotlight on them.


PICS: Fashion Wildchild: Hip Hop Queen Nicki Minaj!

With the two departed and last original judge Randy Jackson having uttered his last "dawg" at the American Idol judges' table, Keith Urban is the only Season 12 judge who may return for the singing show's thirteenth season.

Urban says he has yet to be informed of his future on the show.