Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban named "American Idol" judges

This photo combination shows musicians Nicki Minaj, left, and Keith Urban. / AP Photo

(AP) NEW YORK - The "American Idol" judges' panel is now complete with the naming of singer-rapper Nicki Minaj and country crooner Keith Urban.

The Fox network officially tapped the pair with an announcement Sunday, confirming rumors surrounding them both just hours before the first round of auditions for next season was due to begin in New York.

The announcement also settled the status of Randy Jackson. He will stay put as the sole remaining original "Idol" judge, scotching rumors he might assume a different role on the popular talent competition.

This trio will join pop star Mariah Carey on a judges' panel now expanded to four members from its previous three.

Pictures: Celebrity TV judges
Complete Coverage: "American Idol"

Arriving at Lincoln Center, where the auditions would 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 that I'll ever be THAT guy."

Minaj said that 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!"

Minaj, he said, "brings a whole other cool vibe we've never had on the show, and Keith Urban? My God, he's unbelievably talented!"

When Carey was asked whether she had eagerly awaited news of who would join her as judges, she cracked that, no, she hadn't, "because all I really care about is me," but quickly added, "Only kidding."

Turning serious, she said she didn't know what kind of judge she would be.

"Am I the mean one? Am I the nice one? ... It's not about me, me, me, it's about them (the contestants) and what I can bring to them to help guide them in the right direction," said Carey.

Ryan Seacrest will remain as host when the show returns for its 12th season in January.

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[dkcjlc]

Well goodbye American Idol. It's a shame. I have enjoyed this show but any show that will put that no talent, vulgar, repulsive Minaj on it will not be one I am watching. They are obviously trying for a younger less discriminating audience. Good luck with that.

[ree-moot]

OMY - - BOZO the clown added to the panel. Keith Urban has talent, Mariah has something, not sure what (don't care for her) and Randy - - well, he will say "Dawg" a gazillion times - - and as for me - - GOODBYE American Idol. X-Factor and/or the Voice will benefit from the chosen motley crew (except Urban).

[max_33]

I am delighted that I will be able to watch Keith every week very soon! I think he is the best addition they could have made - he's intelligent, compassionate, extremely knowledgeable about all genres of music and certainly knows what it takes to be a great entertainer.

[RealiteBites]

I like Nicki and Mariah. And Keith Urban is CUTE!

There's so many of these shows now though - lately I've been more into The Voice, just because it's newer I guess. And they don't include those 'joke' contestants who just want to be on tv.

Britney hasn't been that interesting on X-Factor, so I dunno about how much of a ratings difference these celebrities wind up making ...

[clarence915]

Keith is alot more than cute. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of all types of music and alot of industry experience in addition to being a Grammy winning singer, songwriter accomplished guitarist and phenominal performer. He will steal America's heart ith his honest and kind personality. Great decision on AI's part to add him as a judge.

[erasmus111]

"And they don't include those 'joke' contestants who just want to be on tv."


Yes, they've cut out all the CRAP. : )

I've got no tolerance for all that nonsense anymore. I tape it and zip through it.

[tsigili]

That's ok. I was already not watching, anyway.....now I will make sure I don't.

[erasmus111]

So if you are not watching, and not interested, then WHY are you here reading this story and commenting?

[RCC_Soldaten]

Minaj = No talent azz clown