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With his Beats By Dre empire and Interscope Records, Jimmy Iovine can afford to lose a gig. The storied music exec is departing from American Idol, where he served as a mentor to contestants the past three seasons. Early word is he will be replaced by longtime Idol judge Randy Jackson. 

Deadline reports:

The sweeping changes on Fox’s American Idol continue. I’ve learned that top music producer Jimmy Iovine is leaving the talent competition series, where he served as an in-house mentor for the past three seasons. I hear he will likely be replaced by former Idol judge Randy Jackson. Iovine, co-founder of Interscope Records and chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M, joined Idol in Season 10, the first without original judge Simon Cowell. With his music executive/producer experience and no-nonsence attitude, Iovine was tipped to fill the void left by the acerbic British music executive. His Interscope Geffen A&M also took over from Cowell’s label in handling the albums of the Idol finalists. While Idol has ended its relationship with Iovine, the show may not be left without a top music producer evaluating the contestants as Dr. Luke has been in talks for the last vacant seat on the judging panel, joining Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez.

It was recently revealed that Kanye West was offered the last judging spot on American Idol but passed, allegedly because he felt the show would tarnish his reputation.

Iovine’s void will reportedly be filled by Randy Jackson, who stepped down from his role as a judge after last season but remains part of the reality talent show.

Photo:  FOX