American Idol Judges Confirmed: Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban Join the Judges' Table

There’s been some uncertainty about this upcoming season’s crop crop of American Idol’sjudges after both Jennifer Lopez and Stephen Tyler declined to return.  Then Randy Jackson was rumored to be leaving, only for that rumor to be squashed.  The Mariah Carey had reportedly joined the judges’ table.  Today, Fox has confirmed the four judges for the new season: Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban.

“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 American 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. “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.”

The 12th season of American Idol will debut in January 2013.

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