Randy Jackson is returning to American Idol this season after all.
However, he is not returning in a judging capacity. After judging for twelve years, Jackson will be mentoring the singers Huffington Post reports.
Jackson will be replacing Jimmy Iovine, co-founder of Interscope Records and chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M, who has been a mentor since season 10.
Last May, Jackson announced his retirement from the judges’ chair. He said in a statement, “Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on American Idol I have decided it is time to leave after this season. I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry. It’s been a life changing opportunity but I am looking forward to focusing on my company Dream Merchant 21 and other business ventures.”
This upcoming year, Keith Urban is the only returning judge. He is likely to be joined by Jennifer Lopez, who has also previously judged for the show.
American Idol returns early next year.