And the new ‘American Idol’ judges are Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban

And the new ‘American Idol’ judges are Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban

Associated Press

NEW YORK

The “American Idol” judges’ panel is now complete with the naming of singer-rapper Nicki Minaj and country crooner Keith Urban.

The Fox network officially tapped the pair with an announcement Sunday, confirming rumors surrounding them both just hours before the first round of auditions for next season was due to begin in New York.

The announcement also settled the status of Randy Jackson. He will stay put as the sole remaining original “Idol” judge, scotching rumors he might assume a different role on the popular talent competition.

This trio will join pop star Mariah Carey at a judges’ panel now expanded to four members from its previous three.

Arriving at Lincoln Center, where the auditions would take place, Urban hailed “Idol” for its “great history of producing real stars.”

As an “Idol” judge, he said he plans to be “authentic” but not cruel.

“I did similar shows when I was very young in Australia,” he recalled, “and I was sort of crucified by one judge. So I don’t know that I’ll ever be THAT guy.”

Minaj said during the auditions she’ll be looking for “a superstar,” which, she explained, is “something that can’t be defined in words.”

Jackson called this pair of hires a “fresh, fresh, fresh ‘Idol’ one-two!”