Nicki Minaj and country crooner Keith Urban are the final judges to be confirmed for the upcoming season of "American Idol", joining Mariah Carey and former judge, Randy Jackson.
The Fox network officially confirmed rumors surrounding them both just hours before the first round of auditions for next season was due to begin in New York. The judges along with host Ryan Seacrest will then move on to Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, San Antonio, Baton Rouge and Oklahoma City.
Nicki Minaj is reported to be getting $12 million for a one-year deal, a source close to the music industry l told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the deal. Meanwhile, a representative for Urban wouldn't disclose the singer's compensation for "Idol" and no sources have disclosed any information.
Carey is receiving $18 million for a one-year contract with a renewal option. Minaj, Urban and Carey replace Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and singer Jennifer Lopez, both past "Idol" judges that announced their departure from the show in July. Ryan Seacrest will remain as host when the show returns for its 12th season in January.
Minaj is a multi-platinum singer, songwriter and rapper, and Urban, who is famously married to Nicole Kidman, is a four-time Grammy award-winning country artist who has sold more than 15 million albums throughout his career.
"With an unparalleled star like Mariah, fan-favorite Randy, chart-toppers like Nicki and Keith and our incomparable host Ryan, we've put together one of the most exciting judging panels around," said Mike Darnell, Fox Broadcasting Company's president of alternative entertainment, in a statement.
"It's really an honor to have been invited to be a part of the American Idol family," Keith Urban added in a statement. " I'm looking forward to working with everyone and to seeing the same passion that I have for music in all of the participants."
The new season of "American Idol" begins airing on Fox in January.
