Nuclear Blood Bath For 'Idol?'

Photo: TheWrap

UPDATE: Just breaking a few minutes ago, Randy Jackson has announced he's leaving the show after this season, according to mutiple sources. He made it like it was his own decision but one can only speculate if this "cleaning house" process has started. This is a developing situation and you can count on Reflections to keep you up to date with the latest!

Fox's still popular but struggling reality singing competition, American Idol is going to make major changes, according to what a source close to Fox told TheWrap.

The rumored plans call for axing all four judges, including Randy Jackson, who's been there since the beginning. The move will also get rid of long time producer, Nigel Lythgoe.

"All four are gone," the insider told TheWrap. "They feel they've lost their core audience and they want it back."

In addition to personnel changes, the show's format will change. Although no specifics were given, the source said the dated tribute nights will be a thing of the past. The show will maintain its popular audition episodes however.

Idol has struggled as of late, being down 22 percent in the ratings this year. The show hit a series low for ratings last Thursday, managing to attract a mere 11 million viewers and a 2.4/7 rating in the coveted 18-49 demographic, according to TheWrap. Compare that to its height of viewership in Season 6, when the show attracted 30 million viewers per episode. 

There's no word if longtime host, Ryan Seacrest, will return. Odds are he'll decide for himself and will not be axed by network execs. TheWrap also reported there was a rumor that the network could ask Jennifer Lopez to return. The source said that wasn't a possibility.

Representatives for Fox, Idol and the judges declined comment or didn't return requests for comment.

Quite honestly, I wouldn't mind the changes. They may hurt the show even more but it's worth a shot. I kind of knew at the beginning of the season this judging panel would not go past a second season and it looks like that prediction has come true.

Of course, another big problem is NBC's The Voice who is the "king" of reality singing competitions right now. I'm sorry but I don't like it and will never watch it. I don't know what it is but there's something about it that doesn't appeal to me. 

For one, I've always thought Carson Daly can't host and that's especially true with his stint on The Voice. He's not as charasmatic as Ryan Seacrest. I'd even say he's not in the same league as Seacrest.

Just like Idol, The Voice will have its heyday then sturggle, if it even lasts as long as Idol has. 

Regardless of what happens, my heart will always be with Idol. I've watched each of its 12 seasons and no other show will come close to it.

With regard to the judges...LET ME DO IT! I have enough knowledge about music to judge talented singers. Talking about an awesome job to have!