Alleged secret 'Idol' plan to oust Mariah Carey for Jennifer Lopez Sources say Mariah Carey threatened to sue after discovering plans for an alleged mid-season coup to replace her as an American Idol judge. THERE may be a diva showdown ahead, with rumours American Idol producers are trying to replace judge Mariah Carey with Jennifer Lopez. According to the New York Post, sources say Carey threatened to sue after discovering plans for the alleged mid-season coup, which have since been abandoned. A spokeswoman for Fox also told the Hollywood Reporter the story probably came about after talks with Lopez about performing on the show's finale. The site also reports Carey's representative denying the plan. Although Carey has garnered great respect within the music industry, accumulating multiplatinum album sales and Grammy awards, she has failed to generate the following Lopez enjoyed when she judged the past two Idol seasons. The show has been experiencing a decline in ratings and insiders are saying the entire judging panel, not just Carey, may be replaced ahead of the next season. Mariah Carey has failed to generate the following Jennifer Lopez, pictured, enjoyed when she judged the past two seasons of American Idol. Picture: Derrick Den Hollander