Los Angeles (CNN) — Rapper Nicki Minaj and Australian country singer Keith Urban will join the American Idol judges panel when the TV competition’s 12th season starts in January, the Fox network said yesterday.
The panel is growing from three to four judges next season, with singer Mariah Carey, hired in July, and “Idol” original Randy Jackson sitting with Minaj and Urban, the network said.
The judges immediately jumped into action Sunday, auditioning singers at New York’s Lincoln Center.
Rocker Steven Tyler and singer Jennifer Lopez left the show at the end of last season, after judging for two seasons.
Jackson’s return was made official after weeks of speculation he would move to a mentor role on the show.
