Seriously? SMH: 10 Former American Idol Contestants Want $25 Million Each In Racism Lawsuit

The group of former American Idol contests claiming the singing competition was racist, want a minimum of $25 million. All 10 contestants -- from six separate seasons-- filed a lawsuit accusing producers of being "cruel and inhumane." Lawyers for Corey Clark (Season 2), Jacob John Smalley (Season 2), Jaered Andrews (Season 2), Donnie Williams (Season 3), Derrell Brittenum (Season 5), Terrell Brittenum (Season 5), Thomas Daniels (Season 6), Akron Watson (Season 6), Ju'Not Joyner (Season 8), and Chris Golightly (Season 9), say Idol producers sought out Black contestants for inquiries on their criminal pasts. 

They allegedly used the findings to make them look like "violent criminals, liars and sexual deviants," before kicking some off the Fox show. Attorney James Freeman submitted a complaint federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of the collective at the top of the year. 

"Among other allegations, we have taken the position that there are continuing violations of the U.S. Constitution and we are asking the commission to investigate," Freeman told E! News. "As of now it is not a lawsuit; it is just a request to the federal government that they investigate." Each allege that their lives and reputations have been tarnished by the racist portrayals, and want similar acts of discrimination barred. 

DAMN!: All Four American Idol Judges Given the Boot

According to The Wrap, none of the four 'American Idol' judges will be asked to return next season. Longtime producer Nigel Lythgoe is also expected to be fired.

“All four are gone,” the insider told TheWrap. “They feel they’ve lost their core audience and they want it back.”

In an effort to attract younger viewers, Fox is set to make major changes to the show, including an entirely new judging panel. All four current judges have options to return for another season, but Fox won't be picking them up, according to the insider, who said, "No more big checks for divas."

Fox's major restructuring was spurred by the show's plummeting viewership. Its ratings are already down 22 percent this season and it hit a series low for ratings last Thursday, attracting only 11 million viewers. This is a major problem during May Sweeps, where ratings numbers are used to calculate advertising rates.

The network has also resolved to stop paying the over-the-top salaries it's been handing out to its judges, i.e. Carey's reported $18 million package, Minaj's $12 million deal, and former judge Lopez's $15 million salary.

Time will tell if Fox can save 'American Idol.'