Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban will join the panel this year
Two new judges will join a revamped American Idol panel for the show’s new series, it has been announced.
Rapper Nicki Minaj and country music star – and husband to Nicole Kidman – Keith Urban will join long-time judge Randy Jackson and fellow new face Mariah Carey on the panel this year.
The pair have been favourites to replace departing judges Steve Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, for months, however the news was only confirmed by Fox on 16 September.
Mike Darnell, president of alternative entertainment at Fox, said in a statement:
“We’ve got global icon Mariah Carey and Idol’s heart and soul Randy Jackson, who will be joined by Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban.
“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.
“With an unparalleled star like Mariah, fan-favourite 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.”
Urban was formerly a judge on the Australian version of The Voice, alongside Delta Goodrem, Joel Madden and Seal. He announced he would not be returning for the next season earlier this month.
Series 12 of American Idol is set to kick off at the beginning of 2013.
Related: Mariah joins American Idol
