Mariah Carey is leaving “American Idol.” The pop superstar who made headlines on the show for her on and off-screen feud with Nicki Minaj, announced in a tweet today that she will not be returning to “American Idol” next season. With Mariah Carey’s new single soaring on the international charts, the pop diva is planning a world tour.

Mariah Carey’s “American Idol” judging duties shot her new single “Beautiful” to the top of the charts across the world.

Carey’s publicity team, PNK BNC tweeted the news earlier today: "W/ global success of "#Beautiful" (#1 in 30+ countries so far).

“American Idol” also recently lost long-time judge Randy Jackson who announced he was also leaving the show a few weeks ago.

Mariah Carey became a new judge on the Fox show last year along with Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj.

The producers of “American Idol” have been retooling the show. Recent announcements and rumors make it look like the next season may be a reunion. Recent reports said that Jennifer Hudson was being tapped to judge the long-running singing competition.

In a statement, Fox and Fremantle Media 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. We know she will remain an inspiration to “Idol” hopefuls for many seasons to come.”

Just a few weeks ago, Mariah Carey was accused of lip-synching when she sang a medley of her biggest hits including “Hero,” “Make it Happen,” “My All,” “Vision of Love,” “We Belong Together” and her new single “Beautiful” to the live audience. The controversy blew up on Twitter.

Mariah Carey’s influence is felt across the globe as singers emulate her melismatic style. Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Nelly Furtado,Leona Lewis, Brandy Norwood, Pink, Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott have all sung her praises. Even in Asia. Philip Brasor, the editor of The Japan Times, wrote that Japanese superstar Utada Hikaru "sang what she heard, from the diaphragm and with her own take on the kind of melisma that became de rigueur in American pop after the ascendance of Mariah Carey.”

Carey was discovered when she handed a demo tape to Columbia Records head Tommy Mottola at a party in December 1988. Mottola listened to the tape on his way home. He heard two songs and went back to the party to sign her. She’s been on and off the top of the charts ever since.

 by Tony Sokol