American Idol: Secret Plan To Replace Mariah Carey With J. Lo. Rumored

American Idol executives had a secret plan to replace Mariah Carey mid-season and replace her with J. Lo., but the plot was allegedly thwarted by Carey’s legal team.

The rumored secret plan to replace Carey was in response to Idol’s drop in the ratings, The Hollywood Reporter noted. The report says that Carey responded with a threat to sue American Idol, leading producers to drop the plan.

Though Idol’s secret plan to replace Carey may have been avoided this season, the judge could still be on her way out once this iteration of the show has ended. Insiders said there will be another turnover in judges this year, with a search to replace Mariah Carey and possibly Nicki Minaj as well.

The show’s producers shot down rumors of the Idol secret plan to replace Carey with Jennifer Lopez.

“This is just another ridiculous Idol judge rumor, likely started by talks of Jennifer performing on the finale,” a Fox spokeswoman tells THR in a statement.

Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj seemed to get off on the wrong foot, with rumors of a feud behind the scenes even as the show was in its early stages of production.

Minaj has also been a distraction throughout, showing up late to a live performance and giving off-the-cuff interviews on the show’s contestants. Back in March, she seemed to disparage the show’s remaining male contestants (who have since been eliminated).

Speaking by phone to reporters, Nicki Minaj was asked if there was any chance a boy could win American Idol.

Her answer was direct: “NO!” After a silent moment, she added: “No. Absolutely not. Not a chance.”

With the bad press caused by both Carey and Minaj, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the ratings-challenged show cut ties and go in a new direction.

Do you think there’s any truth to the rumor that Idol had a secret plan to replace Mariah Carey?