Mariah Carey Leaving 'American Idol' for World Tour, Singer Confirms [VIDEO]
Mariah Carey is officially out at American Idol, the singer confirmed Thursday, reported The Washington Post.
Carey re-tweeted her public relations firm's initial tweet annoucing her departure:
"W/ global success of " #Beautiful" (#1 in 30+ countries so far) @MariahCarey confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol," the tweet said.
"Mariah Carey is a true global icon - one of the most accomplished artists on the planet - and we feel extremely fortunate that she was able to bring her wisdom and experience to the 'American Idol' contestants this season," Fox network and Idol production house FremantleMedia said in response to Carey's tweets.
Rumors of Carey's departure intensified after she parted ways with her fellow judge and longtime manager Randy Jackson on May 8. Carey's husband Nick Cannon had also indicated the pop diva was leaving Idol, so the news did not come as a surprise for many.
On May 9, the day after the show's finale aired, Jackson, one of the show's original judges, announced he was leaving Idol after 12 seasons.
There is no official word on whether Idol will fire the remaining judges, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban, although rumors have circulated about Minaj's departure as well.
There is speculation that the producers have abandoned the celebrity judges approach and are hoping to hire former Idol stars, such as Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken, Adam Lambert, and Kelly Clarkson, for the judges panel.
Carey's single with Miguel will help anchor her recently announced international tour, her first since the Angels Advocate Tour in 2009.
Season 12 was the show's lowest-rated since its first and some TV experts say this may indicated that audiences may be getting tired of the singing competition.
Check back for updates on the future of Idol and Carey's world tour.
View Carey's performance on the season finale of Idol below.
