Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban to Judge "American Idol," Says Katie Couric - East Idaho News
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Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban to Judge “American Idol,” Says Katie Couric

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GETTY E 032211 NickiMinaj?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1347563467361Jason LaVeris//FimMagic(NEW YORK) — Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban been added to the American Idol judging panel, according to Katie Couric.

In an interview with former Idol judge Jennifer Lopez scheduled to air on Katie today, the daytime talk show newcomer confirms speculation that the hip-hop star and country crooner are joining Fox’s reality singing show. She also reveals that original judge Randy Jackson is staying.

An excerpt of Couric’s conversation with Lopez was sent to reporters earlier today:

KC: What do you think about the new group of judges?
JL:  Did they announce?
KC: Yeah.
JL:  Who is it?
KC: Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy [Jackson]. Randy’s back.
JL:  Randy is! Oh thank god. I love Randy. I’m glad he’s doing it.
KC: What do you think of that group? That’s sort of interesting, don’t you think?
JL:  That’s an eclectic group.
KC: Yeah!
JL: Yeah it is.
KC: I’m glad. I think it will be fun to have Keith Urban there.
JL: I think they all have something really different to offer so it should be interesting.

In response, a representative for Fox told ABC News, “Please note that the only confirmed judge for American Idol is Mariah Carey.  No other judges have been announced at this time.” Other sites have reported that the network was planning on officially announcing the new Idol panel by the end of the week.

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