Randy Jackson’s “dawg” days aren’t over—he’ll be sticking around to judge “American Idol” hopefuls for another season.
Deadline reports that Fox brought Jackson back to the judges’ table after a deal with Latin crooner Enrique Iglesias, who was negotiating the gig, fell through.
“The network already had an option on Jackson, so the deal-making was relatively straightforward and was wrapped quickly after talks with Enrique Iglesias broke off,” reports the site. Deadline’s sources say that the move away from Iglesias was not strictly financial.
Former “AI” judge Simon Cowell welcomed the news. He tweeted yesterday: “Just heard randy is back on idol. Right decision.”
Last month, Page Six reported that the “AI” veteran was off the judges’ panel and was offered a smaller mentor-like role instead. Sources told us at the time that the show may be forced to bring Jackson back if they couldn’t find another big-name male judge with an R&B background.
With Jackson and Mariah Carey officially signed on, Fox is set to unveil the remaining two judges. Nicki Minaj’s contract is almost signed, but as Page Six revealed, her deal with Pepsi is holding it up. Execs are hoping to go country with the remaning judge, and are hammering out details with Keith Urban.