American Idol Confirms Season 12 Judges
American Idol is about to go country. And rap.
Fox has finally confirmed the panelists for Season 12 of its most successful franchise, announcing in a press release this morning that Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj will join Mariah Carey and (yes, again) Randy Jackson as new judges.
Said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment for Fox:
“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-favorite 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."
American Idol returns in January. Are you excited for this quartet?
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Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.
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Rank: Regular Character
September 17th, 2012 8:15 AM
I honestly believe AI just signed their death warrant with adding Nicki Minaj. This season definitely won't be about talent, which with this show it never was anyway. They are only going with 4 judges again because of the success of XFactor and The Voice. These 4 definitely won't have the chemistry that Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, CeeLo Green and Christina Aguilera have. This is going to turn into a battle between Nicki and Mariah. I like Keith Urban just fine and he's done the Australian verison of The Voice. But Nicki Minaj????? seriously????? She has no real music business experience.
Rank: Recurring Character
September 17th, 2012 6:22 AM
Keith Urban and Mariah Carey both have good songs both great artist & performers and I believe they will be good but I'm not sure about Nicki Minaj I'm not really a fan of hers
Rank: Regular Character
September 17th, 2012 2:32 AM
My girl Nicki has MASSIVE TALENT !!
Her talent is having a big phat ass ;) Yum
September 16th, 2012 9:08 PM
What a joke!!Nicki is going to be judging talent?How?She has no talent herself!!This show has seriously become a joke.
September 16th, 2012 6:07 PM
Nicki is great for entertainment value and will bring something fresh to the show. People can hate her, but it doesn't matter because she got the job.
Rank: Regular Character
September 16th, 2012 4:40 PM
Inexcusable. It was darn near standing on its last limb as it was. I'm sorry but adding Nicki Minaj? A travesty of epic proportions.
September 16th, 2012 2:26 PM
Please FOX show mercy and kill this dead horse.
September 16th, 2012 2:16 PM
No one is going to be interested in the talent this year. People are going to watching just to see the judges and what is going to come out of their mouth. I actually feel sorry for Keith Urban.
Rank: Regular Character
September 16th, 2012 12:43 PM
Ugh...why won't they just let this show die...
Rank: Guest Star
September 16th, 2012 12:26 PM
Finally!!! Sooo excited it'll be an interesting season!!