We can all breathe again: Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban have officially joined American Idol as judges. The big question is whether or not we care.
Finally, American Idol has announced it’s official judging panel this season!
Rumors have swirled for weeks, but now it’s a done deal: Rapper Nicki Minaj and country rocker Keith Urban will join Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson on American Idol this season.
“It’s official,” host Ryan Seacrest tweeted on Saturday night, along with a photo of the whole crew together.” Everyone gave a heartfelt toast about being on the show after we ate last night. Can’t wait to see the first contestants today.”
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Why these two? It was a no-brainer, said Mike Darnell, president of Alternative Entertainment for FOX.
“Nicki’s an unbelievably captivating international phenomenon who has made an indelible mark on rap and pop. And Keith is another great addition to Idol — he’s one of the biggest stars in country music and I know that our fans and contestants will fall in love with him,” Darnell said. “With an unparalleled star like Mariah, fan-favorite Randy, chart-toppers like Nicki and Keith and our incomparable host Ryan [Seacrest], we’ve put together one of the most exciting judging panels around.”
What’s still unknown is the salaries that Minaj and Urban will get for their one-year deals. Carey is getting $18 million for her stint, and we’ve heard $8 million for Minaj, though nothing is confirmed.
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What we do know for sure: Urban, Minaj and Carey will be seeing their first round of auditions today in New York City.
“New York auditions today & tomorrow! See ya there barbz!!!!!!!!! #AmericanIdol :p,” the head Barb tweeted after the news broke.
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