Mariah Carey joins 'American Idol' as new judge

But Lopez's representative confirmed again on Monday that she's leaving "American Idol." She originally made the announcement July 13, a day after Tyler said he was leaving.

Reilly also downplayed Lythgoe's remarks, saying lightly there was a "99 percent" chance Lopez wasn't returning.

"We came to a mutual decision with Jennifer and Steven," he said, calling it a "great experience with both of them. Creatively, we were all happy."

But it was decided "it was the time for a change," Reilly said.

Lythgoe said his own contract is under negotiation, declining to comment further.

AP Television Writer Frazier Moore and AP Global Entertainment and Lifestyles Editor Nekesa Moody in New York contributed to this report.