Mariah Carey leaving American Idol

Mariah Carey has confirmed she will no longer sit on the American Idol panel.

The 43-year-old Grammy Award-winning mother-of-two revealed her departure from the TV talent competition via the internet.

Apparently Mariah will be focusing on her own musical career as well as a concert tour in the near future.

"W/ global success of "#Beautiful" (#1 in 30+ countries so far) @MariahCarey confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol http://mariahcarey.com (sic)," read a tweet written by Mariah's publicity firm PMK*BNC that the star retweeted on her personal Twitter account.

Executives behind American Idol honour her exit.

Representatives of Fox and FremantleMedia appreciate what she has contributed to the programme.

"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," company spokespersons revealed in a statement.

"We know she will remain an inspiration to 'Idol' hopefuls for many seasons to come."

Mariah judged alongside Randy Jackson, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj on the twelfth season of the show.

Longtime panellist Randy has also recently announced his exit from Idol and it is rumoured rapper Nicki also wants to leave.

Nicki has bickered with Mariah throughout their stint on American Idol. She most recently called the songstress "bitter" and "insecure".

Rumours abound that former Idol judge Jennifer Lopez will be replacing Mariah.

"I don't know. That's the question of the moment. I loved doing the show. I've said that over and over. If it came down to it and things were right and it worked out right -- we have a lot going on right now," Jennifer revealed to USA Today previously. "For an offer to come in and for me to consider it, I would have to sit down and look at my next year."