It's official: Minaj, Urban join 'American Idol'

By Kamal Wallace

updated 6:14 PM EDT, Sun September 16, 2012

NEED TO KNOW

Ryan Seacrest tweets news, along with photo of the new cast
'Idol' judges get to work right away in NYC

Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban are joining "American Idol."

'American Idol' alumni: Where are they now?

Rap star Nicki Minaj and country music singer Keith Urban will join Mariah Carey and original judge Randy Jackson when "American Idol" returns in January, Fox announced on Sunday.

Minaj, who was among many names speculated to become a judge, left her Twitter followers a cryptic tweet on Saturday, "Info tmrw."

Ryan Seacrest tweeted the news Sunday, along with a photo of the new judges' panel, "It's official, your new #IdolJudges are @MariahCarey, @NickiMinaj,@KeithUrban & @Yo_RandyJackson!"

"It's really an honor to have been invited to be a part of the American Idol family," Urban said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to working with everyone and to seeing the same passion that I have for music in all of the participants."

The singing competition is going through some changes this year after Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and singer Jennifer Lopez left the show after two seasons. Carey was hired in July, and Jackson announced earlier this month he was returning to the show.

The new judges didn't waste any time as the judges heard auditions from 'Idol' hopefuls Sunday in New York City.

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