Singer Mariah Carey was confirmed to be added to the panel earlier in the summer months of 2012. At one point it was rumored Jackson would be leaving the judges table to act as a mentor, however Fox Network confirmed that he will be returning as a judge for his 12th season on the show.
Furthermore, this season of American Idol will be exciting to say the least, with newly judges with big personalities, such as Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey, we are in for a treat. The diversity of judging panel is spectacular and will be amazing to watch.
-Lindsay Sumpter