Idol Panel Officially Announced

The contracts are all signed and sealed. Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson will serve as judges on American Idol when the next season of the top-rated talent contest begins in January. Minaj and Urban's addition to the judging panel was officially announced early Sunday. In a statement, Mike Darnell, president of Fox's alternative entertainment division, said, 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. Each of the panelists will be paid an estimated $14-18 million per season.