Report: Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban Near Deals to Join 'American Idol'
Nicki Minaj (Getty) and Keith Urban (PacificCoastNews)
Mimi needs some 'Idol' friends. Or at least frenemies. (Fox)
According to the report, Minaj and Urban have been in talks for weeks with producers. Minaj's Pepsi sponsorship was said to be an early impediment to a deal (Idol is and always has been a Coca Cola institution), but that issue has been ironed out and the pop star has been offered a deal worth $8 million.
Keith Urban, meanwhile, is said to have a deal for $3 to $4 million. Fellow country singer Brad Paisley was also rumored to be in the running for the third seat on the panel, but producers balked at his salary request, which was closer to Minaj's. Mariah Carey is making a hefty $18 million for her first season on Idol, but that's nothing compared to former judge Simon Cowell's season 9 salary of $35 million.
As for veteran Idol judge Randy Jackson, it's still unclear what his role will be. Producers are reportedly still talking with other prospective judges for the fourth slot on the panel. Idol co! uld eith er give that slot to someone new, keep Jackson as a judge, or stick with a three-judge panel and move Jackson into another role on the show (a co-mentor position with Jimmy Iovine, perhaps?). Jackson is Mariah Carey's co-manager and has been with Idol for all 11 seasons, so it's unlikely that he'll leave the show entirely.
What do you think of Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, and Mariah Carey as your American Idol season 12 judges? Do you think they'll breathe new life into the aging singing competition? And what do you think Randy Jackson's role should be? Vote now!
See more Nicki Minaj pictures:Related Articles:
Comments