Mariah Carey Drops Fellow 'Idol' Judge Randy Jackson As Manager

Randy Jackson, the judge who helped Mariah Carey join his ranks on "American Idol" — at a record-setting sum, no less — is no longer the iconic singer's manager.

Jackson, who first met Carey in the 1990s as an A&R man for Columbia Records, helped broker her deal to join "Idol" for $18 million, but after a tumultuous season marred by disagreements, feuds and rumors, he may be saying goodbye to his fellow judge as well as his former client, Showbiz411 reported Wednesday (May 8).

Carey released new single "#Beautiful" earlier this week and signed a contract with Red Light Management, which represents such acts as Radiohead, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Alicia Keys and more. Showbiz411 reported that "hectic" schedules were the cause of her departure from Jackson, who has managed her since 2011.

On air, Jackson and Carey haven't appeared to have friction. Rather, Carey has endured a fractious relationship with fellow judge Nicki Minaj, with whom she squared off on more than one occasion and who went on a Twitter tirade, calling Carey "bitter" and "insecure." And in fact, Jackson has collaborated with Carey during almost as many career lows as highs. He produced two of the songs on the soundtrack of her notorious bid for movie stardom, 2001's "Glitter."

Whether Jackson is helping her with future endeavors, Carey appears to have her hands full. "#Beautiful," which features Miguel, is the first single from a new album, her 14th. She also has a role in Lee Daniels' upcoming film "The Butler," which marks her second collaboration with the director after appearing in "Precious."

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