THE American Idol judges' panel is now complete with the naming of Australian country crooner Keith Urban and singer-rapper Nicki Minaj.
The Fox network officially tapped the pair with an announcement today, just hours before the first round of judging for next season was due to begin in New York.
The announcement also settles the status of Randy Jackson. He will stay put as the sole remaining original Idol judge, scotching rumors of a different role for him on the popular talent competition.
This trio joins newcomer Mariah Carey on a judges panel now expanded to four members from its previous three.
They fill vacancies left by Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, who announced their exits in July. Urban also recently announced that he was leaving his role as a judge on The Voice Australia where he was joined on the panel by
Delta Goodrem, Seal and Joel Madden.
American Idol returns for its 12th season in January.
