Randy Jackson and ‘Idol’ — what’s the deal?

We’ve been light on the never-ending “American Idol” rumors this week, so here’s a freshly spun one to tide everyone over:

Randy Jackson is said to be out as a judge on “American Idol,” according to TMZ.

The speculation of what’s to come for Jackson has been persistent since Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez sung their swan songs earlier this summer, but it’s intensified as a growing list of possible “Idol” judges has bounced around the Web.

When Mariah Carey was confirmed as the newest “Idol” judge, some loose-lipped sources starting whispering to a few outlets that Jackson would possibly transition from being a judge to being a mentor.

TMZ says that it’s officially the case, but (still) no word from Fox.