Nicki Minaj Likely to be Next 'American Idol' Judge
It hasn't been officially announced by the FOX network, but it appears that rapper Nicki Minaj will be joining Mariah Carey at the judges' table on "American Idol."
"I'm not sure the deal is completely done yet, but yes, she is definitely doing it," a source told US Weekly exclusively. "A few more slight things to sign off on but it is happening."
If the deal is complete, the award-winning singer will appear on season 12 of the hit competition show, according to the report on Aug. 20.
A second source told the magazine that the 29-year-old rapper is "100% confirmed to judge American Idol."
The "Starships" singer, who is signed to Lil' Wayne's Young Money Entertainment, released her first album "Pink Friday" in November 2010; it ended up reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts. Between the album's singles and her guest appearances with singers including Mariah Carey, Minaj made history in 2010 when she became the first female to have seven singles on the Billboard 100 charts.
Her second album, "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded," was released in April 2012 and also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
Minaj toured with Britney Spears and won many awards in her short music career, including six BET Awards, two American Music Awards and one MTV Music Award.
Mariah Carey announced her participation on "American Idol" on July 23.
"As a singer, songwriter and producer, it's going to be fun and rewarding to help find new talent and give back with 'American Idol'," said the five-time Grammy winner. "I can't wait to channel my creative energy as a part of this show which is a massive global phenomenon."
Randy Jackson, who is Carey's manager and a judge on the show since its first season, will instead have a "mentoring" role to the new judges, according to several reports.
The other celebrities reportedly in talks with the show's producers include Nick Jonas, who confirmed it on Twitter, and N.E.R.D. front man Pharrell Williams.
Ryan Seacrest will continue to host the hit reality show when it returns in January 2013.
