The two have been married for 18 years and have two children together, reported People magazine.
Erika cited irreconcilable differences in court documents she filed yesterday. She also seeks full physical custody and joint legal custody of son Jordan, 17.
"Randy and Erika had a plan (of how they would file) but at the end of the day she decided to file (on Friday). Randy is bummed out. It's not the way he wanted it to happen or end," a close aid of the couple said.
Jackson served as an 'American Idol' judge for 12 seasons before leaving the show last year.
However, a rep for Jackson did not immediately respond to comment.