American Idol bloodbath- Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez didn’t leave on their own terms! (AUDIO)

Steven Tyler announced on Thursday that he would not be returning for another season of American Idol and now Jennifer Lopez finally fessed up that she is jumping ship too. She’s been playing the ‘I don’t know’ game ever since last season’s finale but she finally admitted to Ryan Seacrest that she was moving on.

Both Steven and Jennifer made it sound like they left on their own terms but that’s not how it went down at all. Sources are saying that they were forced out over massive budget cuts. The ratings were down 25% from the previous season but the judges were still demanding for more money. J.Lo pulled in $15mil but she was pushing for $17 and Steven was making $10mil.

Randy Jackson’s status is still up in the air. He might come back to the show as a mentor or just get axed entirely. He was seen dining with his old bud Simon Cowell over the weekend, so he’s probably working on a back up plan in case he is the next one forced out. Watch out L.A. Reid.

There are some big names getting thrown around as replacements, like Fergie, Nicki Minaj, Will.I.Am, Kanye West and Mariah Carey. Everyone is saying that Mariah is in serious talks to join the show but her hubby Nick Cannon says that Idol can’t afford her.

Aretha Franklin is throwing her own name into the mix. She’s telling everyone that she would love to be a judge for the show. Aretha is legendary, but does she have the pull that they are looking for?

I think they ought to go with Nicki Minaj.. She started her own campaign last year when she was on the show and threatened to take J.Lo’s job. Second judge- Kanye. Brilliant! He will be too busy taking all the credit to really critique the contestants. He is a music god after all. And as far as the third judge, Katy Perry. I’m sure she’s too busy to actually do this show but she could save it if she bought her uninsured peppermint bra to American Idol!

J.Lo on Ryan Seacrest show (AUDIO)

Nick Cannon says that Idol can’t afford his wifey!