Has the Dawg left the building?
Randy Jackson will not return as a judge on "American Idol," but will remain involved with the show and its contestants as a mentor, TMZ reported on Friday.
PLAY IT NOW: Jessica Sanchez Talks Dating Fellow Idol Alum DeAndre Brackensick
A source for the website reportedly claimed execs at the reality hit are concerned Randy may not actually be "well-suited for the mentor role," but feel his presence is necessary in some form as he's "the glue that helps keep the show together."
Previously, multiple outlets, including the Associated Press, reported that Nicki Minaj was set to fill one of the vacation judges' chairs, but TMZ claimed on Friday the deal is close, but still not completed.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: American Idol Team Over The Years: Then & Now
Another change? "Idol" will reportedly go with four judges again this year, the website reported.
If Randy does indeed leave, the entire panel for Season 12 will be filled with new faces as former judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez announced they were leaving the FOX series in July.
Reps for Randy and FOX were not immediately available for comment on Randy's reported "Idol" exit when contacted by Access Hollywood on Friday.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: American Idol: Top 10 Most Shocking Eliminations Over The Years
-- Erin O'Sullivan
Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Mariah Carey: From ‘Someday’ To Mom & ‘Idol’ Judge