Randy Jackson Still On The Fence Over 'American Idol' Return

"American Idol" judge Randy Jackson has seen panels come, change and go. With a new season fast approaching, it doesn't seem he has much clue which he'll be doing this fall, according to RadarOnline.

"I don't know anything. I mean what do you guys know?" he said during a Chicago appearance on "Windy City Live" when asked about his future. "These shows keep evolving and moving and 'Idol' is the greatest of its kind on TV."

After 11 seasons, rumors have spread that he may leave judging behind. It's been said that's one reason FOX was so keen to sign Mariah Carey to a contract worth $18 million to judge the coming season after the departure this summer of Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler after two seasons each. Carey and Jackson have collaborated during Carey's career several times, and if Jackson were to step into a mentoring role as rumored, it would make some sense having someone with whom he's familiar stepping onto the panel.

Jackson is the last remaining member of the original "Idol" trio of judges. Fellow originals Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul both left in 2010, and ended up judging Cowell's FOX localization of his U.K. hit "The X Factor" when it premiered in fall of 2011. Jackson is also an executive producer of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" in addition to his work on "Idol."

Others who have been considerd to step in to judge have included Nicki Minaj, Black Eyed Peas Will.I.Am and Fergie, P. Diddy and Nick Jonas. However, "Idol" is coming off a season in which falling ad revenue and ratings have been rumored to have FOX considering salary reductions, budget cuts and layoffs to keep the show viable.

The 12th season of "American Idol" is set to premiere in January 2013.