The American Idol Season 12 new judges has been announced! Rapper Nicki Minaj and Australian country singer Keith Urban are now confirmed joining the roster of ‘American Idol’ judges Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson, Fox announced in a news release on Sunday, September 16, 2012.

The new judges filled up the seats of Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith vocal Steven Tyler. The two left the show at the end of last season, after judging for two seasons.

Press release from FOX.

“I am thrilled about this year’s judges’ panel! 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,” said Mike Darnell, president of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company, in the news release. “With an unparalleled star like Mariah, fan-favorite Randy, chart-toppers like Nicki and Keith and our incomparable host Ryan, we’ve put together one of the most exciting judging panels around.”

Auditions for the next season will take place in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, San Antonio, Baton Rouge and Oklahoma City. The show is scheduled to return in January 2013.


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