Talk about a shakeup!
On Thursday, Steven Tyler confirmed that he's leaving American Idol after just two seasons as a judge on the FOX smash; earlier in the day, Jennifer Lopez hinted (as long suspected) that she's splitting as well.
Now, a source tells Us Weekly that Tyler and Lopez's fellow judge Randy Jackson is also making a big move — with plans to leave the judges' panel but remain involved with a mentoring role on the show.
"[Show producers] think they need to freshen everything up now," the source explains.
One very likely new judge? Mariah Carey, whose manager is Jackson himself, and who could fill a similar judge's role assumed by fellow superstar Lopez, 42.
"They are in serious talks with Mariah and it's very close to being a done deal," the source says. "And they will move Randy into a more mentoring role."
The insider added that show producers are scrambling to fill the other two slots alongside Carey; other celebs who have been considered to sit at the judges' table include Fergie and Adam Lambert.
Tyler, 64, explained of his sudden departure in a Thursday statement: "After some long…hard…thoughts…I've decided it’s time for me to let go of my mistress 'American Idol' before she boils my rabbit . . .I strayed from my first love, AEROSMITH, and I'm back – but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I've got two fists in the air and I’m kicking the door open with my band."
He added: "IDOL was over-the-top fun, and I loved every minute of it."