Report: "American Idol" trying to lose Mariah Carey?

Looks like Mariah Carey won't "Be There" for much longer...

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Fox's "American Idol" was looking to dump Carey and replace her with our friend from the block, Jennifer Lopez.

Citing dwindling ratings, the Reporter says that producers were trying to sneakily oust Carey, however, she apparently caught wind of the plan, and threatened to sue if they went forward with it, which quickly resulted in the producers dropping the idea. Carey's got clout!

A representive for Fox told the THR in a statement: "This is just another ridiculous 'Idol' judge rumor, likely started by talks of Jennifer performing on the finale."

And "Idol" producer Nigel Lythgoe told the entertainment site: "I have not been included in any conversation regarding replacing Mariah with Jen this season."

However, the show's producers are apparently still negotiating with Lopez -- who served as a judge during the past two seasons -- to appear on the show's May finale. And insiders say a search has already begun to replace Carey, most likely Nicki Minaj and possibly the entire judge's panel for next season.

Fox's singing competition has done poorly in the ratings lately, recently being topped by repeats of CBS' "The Big Bang Theory."

Tell us: Do you think the ousting of Mimi will help ratings, or is she just a scapegoat?