KEITH URBAN & NICKI MINAJ Officially Join AMERICAN IDOL

After months of speculation, country singer Keith Urban and rap star Nicki Minaj have officially joined both Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson at the judges table for American Idol which returns January 2013.

After Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler left after two seasons, rumors were swirling as to who would replace the two. Recently both Pharrell Williams and Nick Jonas had revealed that they were both in the running as well, but that third seat ended up going to Keith Urban who was an earlier rumored contender. Original judge and longstanding American Idol personality Randy Jackson was being considered to take the role of mentor as opposed to judge, but it looks like he'll be staying on the panel and for the first time in Idol history, the panel will consist of four judges.

"I am thrilled about this year’s judges’ panel. 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," said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment at Fox, in a statement.

Auditions for the current and 12th season of American Idol have already begun in New York.