Mariah Carey Officially Quits 'American Idol'

Mariah Carey just made it official -- she will NOT be back at the "American Idol" judges' table for a second season ... just as everyone expected.

Mariah's PR people announced her exit ... before further confirming rumors that 'AI' producers want to make a clean sweep for next season.

'Idol' is extremely interested in bringing back Jennifer Lopez to judge next season -- and keeping Mariah and J.Lo would clearly be a bad fit ... and a pricey one at that.

No official word yet on Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj -- but Randy Jackson already announced he won't be back too.