Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban named new ‘Idol’ judges

The American Idol judges’ panel is now complete with the addition of singer-rapper Nicki Minaj and country crooner Keith Urban.Fox network officially tapped the pair with an announcement on Sunday, confirming rumors just hours before the first round of auditions for next season were due in New York.Apparently, Minaj is getting $12 million for a one-year deal on the hit singing series, a person in the music industry with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Sunday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the deal.A representative for Urban wouldn’t disclose the singer’s compensation for Idol.The announcement also settled the status of Randy Jackson. He will stay put as the sole remaining original “Idol” judge, scotching rumours he might assume a different role on the popular talent competition.This trio will join pop star Mariah Carey at a judges’ panel now expanded to four members from its previous three. The AP reported in July that Carey is receiving just shy of $18 million for a one-year contract with a renewal option.Arriving at the Lincoln Center, where the auditions will take place, Urban hailed “Idol” for its “great history of producing real stars.”As an Idol judge, he said he plans to be “authentic” but not cruel.“I did similar shows when I was very young in Australia,” he recalled, “and I was sort of crucified by one judge. So I don’t know if I’ll ever be THAT guy.”Minaj said during the auditions she’ll be looking for “a superstar,” which, she explained, is “something that can’t be defined in words.”Jackson called this pair of hires a “fresh, fresh, fresh ‘Idol’ one-two!”

Leisure

Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban named new ‘Idol’ judges