American Idol

Kanye West is negotiating with producers to become an "American Idol" judge ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the production tell TMZ, "Idol" honchos reached out to Kanye recently about filling one of the open judging spots ... and Kanye expressed interest.

But that doesn't mean he's on board -- we're told Yeezy is still unsure about accepting the gig. The way it was put to us ... "He's on the fence," because he's not sure if "A.I." is in his wheelhouse.

And there's another big hang up -- cash. Informed sources tell TMZ ... "Idol" would "at least match Mariah's salary" -- a cool $18 mil a year.

It looks like Nicki Minaj is either close to signing a deal or has signed one to become a judge, but we're told producers may well add a 4th judge. As we reported, the frontrunners are Keith Urban, Brad Paisley and Enrique Iglesias, but Kanye would clearly trump them all.

Nicki Minaj may well become a judge on "American Idol," but it will be at the expense of Mariah Carey, who we're told hung up the phone when she was told Nicki was the top candidate.

Sources connected with "Idol" tell TMZ ... Mariah was led to believe she would be the only woman on the judge's panel. Choosing Nicki would not only crush that expectation, it would add insult to injury because Nicki (29) is a lot younger than Mariah (42).

As for the composition of the judge's panel, we're told by no means is it a done deal. There are 2 scenarios being played out. First, it's unclear if Randy Jackson will come back as a judge or a mentor. If he leaves the judge's panel, there will be another spot to fill.

The second scenario ... we're told some of the honchos believe it's a mistake to have 2 women and a man on the panel, and a 4th male judge would be necessary.

As for who's still in the running, we're told Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Enrique Iglesias are leading the pack.

If you thought "American Idol" forked over big bucks to land Mariah Carey ... they're going to have to back up a bank truck to Diddy's front door to get him to sign on for next season.

Diddy is the latest superstar rumored to be joining the show since the departure of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.

We spotted Diddy at JFK yesterday and while he professed his love for "Idol," he gave a very telling answer when asked how much it would cost to get him to sign on the line which is dotted.

Nigel Lythgoe's niece is now England's idol, after winning her second gold medal in the Olympics this morning.

Charlotte Dujardin rode her way to victory in the non-sport of dressage ... a fancy term for horse dancing.

As for the connection between the famed "American Idol" honcho and Charlotte, she's his ex-wife's sister's daughter. Translation -- even though Nigel calls her his niece, it's really his ex-niece.

Nigel tells us, although he hasn't spoken to her in 9 years, he sponsored her for a year in dressage before he got divorced.

Nigel tells TMZ when he found out Charlotte won for a second time this AM, he actually cried.

Hopefully, we'll see Charlotte on Nigel's next show ... "So You Think You Can Horse Dance."

"American Idol" could finally be going to pot this fall -- because spliffmaster rap legend Snoop Dogg says he'd LOVE to fill the last remaining judging spot on the show.

During an interview this week, Snoop -- recently reincarnated as reggae artist Snoop Lion -- reportedly said, "I'll do 'American Idol'"

TMZ broke the story ... Jennifer Lopez' judging spot has been filled by Mariah Carey -- who inked a record $18 MILLION contract for her first year on the show. So far, Steven Tyler's spot is still up for grabs.

"Idol" spokesman Neil Schubert would not comment on whether Snoop was being considered to fill the empty seat.

Yeah dogg.

Mariah Carey just became the HIGHEST PAID JUDGE in reality television ... because her one-year deal with "American Idol" is worth close to $18 MILLION ... this according to sources connected to "Idol."

Carey's deal dwarfs the contract Jennifer Lopez signed when she joined the judge's table -- J.Lo only scored a measly $12 mil for her first year on the show.

Carey also blows past Britney Spears ... who's making $15 million on "X Factor."

Somewhere ... Nick Cannon is smiling.

Just a day or so before being named the newest "American Idol" judge, Mariah Carey was hanging out with some of her biggest competition ... "X Factor" judge L.A. Reid.

Mimi and L.A. were spotted cruising around the Hamptons together this weekend and sources tell us he was key in convincing her to take the "Idol" gig.

Although they are now on rival TV shows, the music heavyweights go way back as Reid used to be the CEO of Mariah's record label.

Mariah Carey was a "nightmare to work with" during her brief stint as a guest mentor on "American Idol" in 2008 -- this according to sources on the show.

Sources tell TMZ, Mariah -- who made her mentor cameo on "Idol" Season 7 -- was incredibly late for her shoot at the Beverly Hills Hotel," not very nice at all," and ridiculously nitpicky about tiny details.

In contrast, the same sources agree J.Lo was a pleasure -- "night and day" compared to Mariah. We're told J.Lo was all about business, in and out, no mess, no fuss.

4:55 PM PT -- Mariah Carey will actually make a record $18 MILLION for her first year on "American Idol" -- more than J.Lo made before her ... and more than Britney on "X Factor."

It's official ... Mariah Carey has joined "American Idol."

The announcement was made moments ago at the TV Critics Association Summer Press tour in Beverly Hills.

The 42-year-old singer is rumored to have signed a deal worth $12 million for her first year ... the same amount of $$$ Jennifer Lopez made during her first year with the show.

Jon Bon Jovi's ass will not be sliding into Jennifer Lopez's old seat at the judge's table on the next season of "American Idol" ... this according to sources extremely close to the singer.

Lopez threw Bon Jovi's name into the mix during her farewell media blitz this week ... telling ABC News she'd like to see someone like Jon ... or Mick Jagger or Bono take over her spot.

But one Bon Jovi source, who is definitely in a position to know, tells TMZ ... "With all systems go for a new album and a mega-tour on the horizon, Jon wouldn't be able to give those aspiring singers the guidance they deserve."

The source adds, "Jon wouldn't commit to anything unless he can give 100%. With planning for the next album already underway, he's focused on the band."

The search continues ...

If "American Idol" wants Mariah Carey to be one of their new judges, they are going to have to break the bank ... this according to Mr. Carey himself, Nick Cannon.

Mariah is one of the big names that has surfaced since Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler announced they were not coming back to "Idol" next season.

Cannon told our photog yesterday that it's going to take a HUGE payday to get Mimi to fill Lopez's vacant seat. He told us, "I don't know if they can afford Mariah Carey. That's a lot of money. If they gave JLo $20 million, they might have to double that!"

Money seems to be an ongoing theme when it comes to divas and singing shows. As TMZ previously reported, Britney Spears based her "X Factor" salary on what JLo made on "Idol" (which we hear is less than the $20 mil Cannon seems to think).

With "American Idol" judges dropping like flies, it's quite interesting that Randy Jackson caught up with old pal Simon Cowell over dinner in West Hollywood last night.

The former co-workers posed for a pic with a fan before grabbing a little late dinner at Ceconni's, showing up around 11:30 PM. It's unclear what the topic of conversation was, but we're told Randy and Simon have remained good friends since Simon jumped ship in 2010.

Dry your tears, "Idol" fans -- Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are out, but something even better might be in store for you ... Aretha Franklin is officially putting her hat in the ring to be the next judge.

The Queen of Soul herself sent out an email Saturday saying, "Yes, I am interested as a judge," when asked about a future role in the singing competition.

The 18-time Grammy winner would come as a replacement judge for the next season after both Tyler and Lopez bowed out last week.

Neither Fox, nor Freemantle Media -- the honchos behind "Idol" -- have commented on the legendary singer's interest ... yet.

Jennifer Lopez just announced ... she will NOT be returning to "American Idol" next season.

JLo called in to Ryan Seacrest this morning, saying, "I honestly feel like the time has come that I have to get back to doing the other things that I do."

She said, "Something has to give" ... adding, "We had an amazing run."

Obviously, producers now have to make a decision that will make or break the show.

Steven Tyler will NOT return to the judge's table on "American Idol" ... and has compared the show to a deranged bunny killer.

Tyler completed two full seasons on the show ... beginning in 2010.

Tyler has issued a statement saying, "After some long ... hard ... thoughts ... I’ve decided it’s time for me to let go of my mistress ‘American Idol’ before she boils my rabbit.”

The comment is a reference to the movie "Fatal Attraction" ... in which an obsessed woman kills her lover's daughter's pet rabbit.

Tyler continued, "I strayed from my first love, AEROSMITH, and I’m back – but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I’ve got two fists in the air and I’m kicking the door open with my band. The next few years are going to be dedicated to kicking some serious ass – the ultimate in auditory takeover."

He adds, "On Nov. 6, we are unleashing our new album, Music from Another Dimension on the Earth, Moon, Mars, and way beyond the stars. IDOL was over-the-top fun, and I loved every minute of it ... Now it’s time to bring Rock Back. ERMAHGERD.”

"A.I." co-creator and executive producer Simon Fuller released a statement saying, "I completely understand his desire to get back to his life as the singer in America's greatest-ever rock band. AMERICAN IDOL will miss him!”

Jennifer Lopez is telling friends ... she HAS NOT made up her mind on her future with "American Idol" ... and WILL NOT make a decision until after she finishes her current concert tour with Enrique Iglesias.

There are reports Jennifer has already informed producers she's a no-go to return to the judge's table next season ... but sources close to J.Lo tell us the reports are absolutely not true.

We're told Jennifer wants to "see where things are in her life" when the concert ends.

Translation: If Jen's popularity is UP after the tour and she has more options, she's more likely to bounce off the show. If she's not ... "Idol" ain't a bad fallback gig.

It wouldn't be the first time J.Lo waited 'til the last minute -- last year, she held out until late August and finally gave in when producers reportedly agreed to fork over $20 mil for a 1-year deal.

Lopez appeared on the "Today" show this morning ... and said she's "torn" about the decision ... but notes, "I think it’s time for me to go.”