“It Is Time to Leave” – American Idol Judge Confirms Departure

Randy Jackson has confirmed that he will not return for the next series of American Idol.

The singer and producer, who is the only one left from the original judging line-up, revealed that he is in fact leaving the talent show.

Randy Jackson has been on the judging panel since the beginning.

He told E! Online: "To put all of the speculation to rest, after 12 years of judging on American Idol I have decided it is time to leave after this season.

"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."

Mariah Carey's future on the show has also been determined.

And it appears that Randy might not be the only one who will not be back on next year's panel.

Mariah Carey has ruled herself out for a return but rumours also have it that Fox are considering getting rid of all of the current judges including Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban.