Say it ain't so, dawg!

It looks like "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson is headed for the showers. The only remaining original panelist to offer opinions on all 11 seasons has survived five years of upheaval that has had him sitting next to everyone from songwriter Kara DioGuardi, to talk show host/comedian Ellen DeGeneres and Jennifer Lopez.

But TMZ is claiming that [article id="1689515"]long-running rumors[/article]
 that he might be changing roles are now confirmed. According to the site, sources claim that Jackson has officially moved from the judge's table to a mentoring role. At press time, a spokesperson for "Idol" had no comment on the reports.

Jackson, who co-manages newest judge, [article id="1690397"]Mariah Carey[/article]
, has not spoken publicly about the report, but if it's true it would signal the first-ever wholesale judging change in the show's history.

Reports persist that Nicki Minaj is close to signing a deal to join Carey, who is reportedly not keen on the idea of sharing the spotlight with the attention-grabbing rap star. TMZ also reported that "Idol" is considering a return to a four-judge panel, with a country singer being eyed for the third seat and no leading contenders announced for the final place.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Minaj and country star Keith Urban are very close to signing deals and the show is pursuing Enrique Iglesias for the final slot.