Minaj and Urban last 2 'Idol' judges

Updated: September 17, 2012 - 8:36 AM

hide

“American Idol” judge Mariah Carey was ready to meet the newest judges at Day One of auditions in New York.

Photo: Evan Agostini, Associated Press

Camera Star Tribune photo galleries

Camera view larger

1
comments
resize text
print
buy reprints

Tweet
share

email
Email share

your name

your email

recipients email

+ add a comment add a comment

The "American Idol" judges' panel is now complete with the naming of singer-rapper Nicki Minaj and country crooner Keith Urban.

The Fox network officially tapped the pair with an announcement Sunday, confirming rumors surrounding them both just hours before the first round of auditions for next season was due to begin in New York.

The announcement also settled the status of Randy Jackson. He will stay put as the sole remaining original judge, scotching rumors he might assume a different role on the popular talent competition.

This trio will join Mariah Carey at a judges' panel expanded to four from its previous three.

Arriving at Lincoln Center in New York, where the auditions would take place, Urban hailed "Idol" for its "great history of producing real stars." As a judge, he said he plans to be "authentic" but not cruel. "I did similar shows when I was very young in Australia," he recalled, "and I was sort of crucified by one judge. So I don't know that I'll ever be that guy."

The makeup of the judges has been in flux since Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez announced their exits in July. Ryan Seacrest will remain as host when the show returns for its 12th season in January.

'SNL' finds its Paul Ryan

The final piece is in place for the presidential race on "Saturday Night Live." Taran Killam will be playing GOP vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan. The question of who had won this key role was answered Saturday when the NBC comedy show returned for its season premiere. Killam, who is beginning his third season, appeared in a sketch as Ryan, attempting to clarify his past athletic achievements. Earlier, "SNL" executive producer Lorne Michaels said Jay Pharoah will take over the role of President Obama from Fred Armisen. Pharoah made several appearances as Obama on Saturday's show. Michaels also said Jason Sudeikis will remain with the show, continuing to play both Republican candidate Mitt Romney, as well as Vice President Joe Biden.

HITTING BACK HARD: Lawyers for Britain's royal family will make a criminal complaint against the photographer who took pictures of Prince William's wife, Kate, sunbathing topless in the south of France, William's office said Sunday. The palace has already launched a civil lawsuit against France's Closer magazine, which published the paparazzi snaps of Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, relaxing at a private villa in Provence. Also, lawyers for the royals will seek an injunction in a Paris court against Italian media group Mondadori to stop further publication of the photos.

related content
Poll: What's your take on the judging makeover on "American Idol"?

Monday September 17, 2012

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

Ex-Justice David Souter, 73

Coach Phil Jackson, 67

Comedian Rita Rudner, 59

Singer BeBe Winans, 50

Actor Kyle Chandler, 47

Racer Jimmie Johnson, 37