Randy Jackson calls it quits…

An era has ended at “American Idol,” as the only original judge from the earliest days of the show won’t be back for the upcoming season. Things just won’t be the same without the “Dawg!”

Sources have revealed to TMZ that Jackson will not return to the “Idol” judges’ table but will remain on the show as a mentor.

That leaves us with the speculation as to what celebs will be joining Mariah Carey at that table. Nicki Minaj is reported to be an almost-done deal—but things would still fall apart. While the show’s producers may like the idea of two female judges who can’t stand each other, the judge vs. judge drama could overshadow the real point of “Idol”—the contestants.

Approached, but not interested, were Diddy and Kanye West, both of whom are no longer under consideration. Still in the game is country superstar Keith Urban, who is in talks with the show’s producers but has not yet come to a deal.

There’s also going to be a fourth judge this season, but no names have been put up for that spot. With the loss of Randy Jackson, that seat ought to go to a record producer, or at least someone with experience in that end of the business.

After all these years, it’s hard to imagine “American Idol” without Randy Jackson, but fans will just have to adjust to a whole new judging panel when the show resumes early in 2013.