Mariah Carey onstage at “American Idol” Season 12 Top 5 To 4 Live Elimination Show on April 18. (FOX via Getty Images)
The claws were out behind the scenes at “American Idol” after producers tried to oust flailing judge Mariah Carey to make way for Jennifer Lopez as her replacement, according to a new report.
After Carey found out about the alleged mid-season coup, she threatened to sue, sources told The Hollywood Reporter.
TV execs are searching for ways to stop falling ratings of the singing juggernaut and while the site reports the alleged plan has been dropped, “Idol” producers are negotiating with Lopez to appear on the May finale.
Insiders told the Reporter that a search is on to not only replace Carey, but Nicki Minaj as well.
“This is just another ridiculous ‘Idol’ judge rumor, likely started by talks of Jennifer performing on the finale,” a Fox spokeswoman told the site in a statement.
The site said a rep for Carey denied the alleged plan.
Fox is owned by News Corp., the parent company of The Post.