Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban Confirmed as American Idol Judges

The rumor mill can finally stop churning: American Idol has announced its four-person judging panel for Season 12.

Fox announced via press release this morning that Randy Jackson will return again to the ratings juggernaut, joining previously confirmed Mariah Carey and the two leading contenders over the past few weeks: Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban.

“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 for Fox.

“With an unparalleled star like Mariah, fan-favorite Randy, chart-toppers like Nicki and Keith and our incomparable host Ryan [Seacrest], we’ve put together one of the most exciting judging panels around.”