Nicki Minaj performs on NBC's "Today." Keith Urban performs during the Academy of Country Music Awards All-Star Jam. Credit: Al Pereira/WireImage; Ethan Miller/ACMA2012/Getty Images for ACM
It's official: Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban have joined Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson as judges on American Idol, FOX announced September 16.
In late August, an insider told Us Weekly that "Starships" rapper Minaj, 29, was "100% confirmed to judge American Idol," while another source added there were "a few more slight things to sign off on" before the network would officially make an announcement.
Earlier this weeK, Urban, 44, quit The Voice in Australia, where he served as mentor during the show's first season with "Kiss From a Rose" singer Seal, 49, Australian pop star Delta Goodrem, 27, and Good Charlotte rocker Joel Madden, 33. "As much as I'd love to do it again, it's clear that the recording and promoting of a new album, a tour and other commitments will keep me from being a part of the second season," the country music superstar (married to Nicole Kidman, 45) explained.
Minaj and Urban join new judge Carey, 42, and veteran judge Jackson, 56, who will begin their search for the next American Idol in New York City. (Other audition cities include L.A., Chicago, Charlotte, San Antonio, Baton Rouge and Oklahoma City.)
