They come from across America in search of one dream. When American Idol's 12th season debuts in January 2013, superstar judge Mariah Carey - the best-selling female recording artist of all time - and returning judge Randy Jackson, a Grammy Award-winning producer whose expertise and beloved persona have been instrumental in discovering Idol talent from the beginning, will be joined by two new judges: quadruple-platinum singer, songwriter, rapper and fashion icon Nicki Minaj; and Keith Urban, a four-time Grammy Award winner who has sold more than 15 million albums.
"I am thrilled about this year's judges' panel! We've got global icon Mariah Carey and Idol's heart and soul Randy Jackson, who will be joined by 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, Fox Broadcasting Company. "With an unparalleled star like Mariah, fan-favorite Randy, chart-toppers like Nicki and Keith and our incomparable host Ryan, we've put together one of the most exciting judging panels around."
Who will join household names
Kelly Clarkson,
Ruben Studdard,
,Carrie Underwood,
Taylor Hicks,
Jordin Sparks,
David Cook,
Kris Allen,
Lee DeWyze,
Scotty McCreery, and
Phillip Phillips?
American Idol has been the No. 1 entertainment program among Total Viewers for the past nine consecutive seasons. To date, Idol alums have produced 356 No. 1 Billboard hits and garnered nearly250 million iTunes downloads. Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips' first single, "Home," which was released May 23, has been certified platinum. Last year, Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery released his debut album "Clear As Day," which dominated the Billboard Country Albums chart and has gone platinum, selling more than one million copies. McCreery is the youngest male artist to ever enter the U.S. albums charts at the No. 1 spot.
American Idol is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of Core Media Group and Fremantle Media North America, Inc.
