Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban confirmed as ‘American Idol’ judges

Los Angeles: Pop star Nicki Minaj and country singer Keith Urban have been confirmed as `American Idol` judges for the 12th series of the talent show. Minaj and Urban, who quit the Australian version of `The Voice` earlier this month, will join fellow newcomer Mariah Carey and long-serving panellist Randy Jackson on the US talent show, reported Rolling Stone magazine. "So excited to be joining the team on American Idol," Urban posted. `American Idol` host Ryan Seacrest also took to the social networking site to confirm the four judges will be on the panel for the forthcoming 12th season of the show. "It`s official! Your Season 12 Idol judges are Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban. Meet the judges (sic)," he wrote. Randy, who has been a judge on the programme since it began in 2002, signed a new deal to remain on the show after talks with Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias broke down. But `X Factor` judge Simon Cowell, who was a panellist on `American Idol` from 2002 to 2010, says keeping Randy on was the right decision. "Just heard Randy is back on Idol. Right decision," Cowell posted. PTI