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Dawg Training: Randy Jackson Could Rejoin ‘American Idol’ as Mentor

american idol, randy jackson, judge, mentor

American Idol may be too mainstream for Kanye West, but that’s apparently not an issue for Randy Jackson, who might be returning to the singing competition series next season. As Deadline reports based on unnamed sources, Interscope CEO Jimmy Iovine is leaving the FOX television show where he’s served as “in-house mentor” for the past three seasons, and Jackson will probably replace him.

Back in May, Jackson announced he was stepping down from his position at the judges’ table, confirming months of insider speculation. Even as far back as last August, there was talk that Jackson would abandon his judging post to take on Iovine’s mentoring duties. In recent weeks, network exec Kevin Reilly confirmed that the 57-year-old Idol vet would be “back in some capacity.” Welcome home, dawg.

Meanwhile, American Idol is still short one judge following the departures of Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey, who served on the show’s most recent season. Us Weekly‘s unnamed sources say Dr. Luke — the producer and songwriter who’s worked with Ke$ha, Katy Perry, and Britney Spears — is being eyed for the position, along with Justin Bieber’s manager, Scooter Braun. No word yet on a final decision, but whoever nabs the third seat will be joining returning judges Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez.