Nicki Minajand Mariah Careyhave both confirmed that they are leaving the American Idoljudging panel.
The two divas - whose [uuid=4b61b846-a5d0-4540-8b9a-d10b67227f88]clashes were the biggest talking point[/uuid] about this year's series of the long-running US reality TV franchise - have both explained that they now wish to focus on their respective music careers.
Minaj tweeted the news: "Thank you American Idol for a life changing experience! Wouldn't trade it for the world! Time to focus on the Music!!! Mmmuuuaahhh!!!"

Thank you American Idol for a life changing experience! Wouldn't trade it for the world! Time to focus on the Music!!! Mmmuuuaahhh!!!

— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) May 30, 2013

And Idol broadcaster Fox and producers FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment issued a statement thanking her.
It said: "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."
Meanwhile Mariah also broke her news on Twitter, re-tweeting a message from her publicists about a world tour for 2014.
It read: "W/ global success of “#Beautiful” (#1 in 30+ countries so far) @MariahCarey confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol"

W/ global success of “#Beautiful” (#1 in 30+ countries so far) @mariahcarey confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol mariahcarey.com

— PMK•BNC (@PMK_BNC) May 30, 2013

And the show bosses were similarly respectful in their statement regarding her departure.
They said: "Mariah Carey is a true global icon - one of the most accomplished artists on the planet - and we feel extremely fortunate that she was able to bring her wisdom and experience to the American Idol contestants this season," said Fox and Idol co-producers FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment.
"We know she will remain an inspiration to Idol hopefuls for many seasons to come."
Veteran judge Randy Jackson has already confirmed his departure, and Keith Urban recently said he was still waiting to hear whether his services would be required again.
It was recently reported that show bosses were hoping to [uuid=f97c610c-8df5-4851-ad73-dd3d3db3431f]recruit former Idol contestants[/uuid] to the panel.

[uuid=192a721b-1904-4b14-8ded-f9377e8c998a]SEE 101 OF NICKI MINAJ’S MOST FAMOUS LOOKS HERE![/uuid]