Kanye West Rejects ‘American Idol’ Role

Kanye West has reportedly turned down the chance to appear on American Idol as part of a revamped judging panel.

It had been predicted that West would appear alongside Keith Urban, after Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Randy Jackson each left the show.

However, West decided to turn down the show’s advances because he believed that it would destroy his credibility in the music industry.

A source told Us Weekly, “He didn’t want to go that mainstream. He didn’t want to lose any street cred. So he turned it down.”

Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey quit their roles on the show after just one series.

Minaj confirmed that she’d left the role, which saw her earn $12 million, on Twitter, writing, “Thank you American Idol for a life changing experience. Wouldn’t trade it for the world! Time to focus on the Music!!! Mmmuuuaahhh!!!”

Fox released a statement after her decision, that read, “Nicki Minaj is a superstar who brought a level of honesty and passion to American Idol and who had a tremendous positive impact on so many contestants this season. Given her extremely busy career, we understand and respect her decision and wish her the best.”

The insider then revealed that Idol producers have also met up with Rodney Jerkins, Will.i.am, and Sean “Diddy” Combs to offer them a spot on the show, however their top choice is Dr. Luke, a songwriter and record producer.

In the past, Dr. Luke, has worked alongside the likes of Ke$ha, Katy Perry, and Britney Spears, and he will become the third judge on the reality show. Dr. Luke will appear alongside Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez on the panel, both of whom recently signed on to reprise their roles on the show.

Earlier this week it was confirmed that West won’t face felony charges after a photographer accused the musician of assaulting him at LAX airport in July.