'American Idol' rumor roundup: Randy Jackson, Kanye West, and more

When we’re not busy trying to figure out what is going to happen on Breaking Bad, we’re consumed with constant stories about what is going to happen on none other than American Idol. Honestly, if you thought The Real Housewives had drama, you’ve been missing out.

The latest rumor surrounding the evolving cast of the reality singing competition stars a familiar face: Mr. Randy Jackson, who served as a judge on the show for the first 12 seasons before leaving last May.

According to Deadline, music producer Jimmy Iovine is leaving his post as an in-house mentor, a position he’s held for three seasons, and will “likely be replaced” by Jackson. Deadline claims Fox chairman Kevin Reilly had previously mentioned that Jackson “will be back in some capacity.” So maybe Idol hasn’t lost its top dawg after all.

But Jackson isn’t the only name being thrown around the Idol rumor mill:

Us Weekly reports that Jennifer Lopez is returning as a judge, — a situation that seems likely, but isn’t certain — and that she would “love” to have Scooter Braun sit next to her and Keith Urban on the judging panel. Braun is the manager of young superstars Justin Bieber, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Ariana Grande, among others.

But Braun might have some competition for that open judging spot. Deadline reports that producer-songwriter Dr. Luke is being discussed as a potential candidate. Fox’s Kevin Reilly reportedly confirmed that there were “discussions” including Dr. Luke’s name, whose list of hits include Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” and Katy Perry’s “I Kissed A Girl.”

According to Us Weekly, Sean Diddy Combs was interested in becoming an Idol judge before he heard the news that Lopez planned to renew her seat on the panel. However, a rep for Combs reportedly denied the rumors.

And last but not least, the Daily Mail claims that Kanye West turned down being a judge so as to not hurt his street cred. Well, he might have a point there.

When asked about the many rumors and/or upcoming judge news, FOX had no comment.