Randy Jackson has officially been kicked from his seat on American Idol, and we ain’t dawgin’ you…

TMZ reports the longtime judge will return to the show but only as this season’s mentor. Sources reveal execs didn’t want to drop Randy altogether because he’s the glue that holds the show together.

While no official replacements have been named, word is Nicki Minaj’s deal to join the show is 99 percent complete ““ whether or not already named new judge Mariah Carey likes it or not.

Reportedly, Idol hopes the tension between the two will make for good TV.

As for the next seat, Idol has confirmed to TMZ the show is gunning for someone from the country world. Keith Urban has been rumored to already have accepted the gig. No official word from the show on that yet.

The show also confirms a fourth judge will join the show next season. But as for who the fourth judge it will be, any guess it good.

The rumor mill is Enrique Iglesias will take the seat. American Idol’s twelfth season premieres January 2013.