‘American Idol’ season 12: Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban close to deal
It’s been a long time coming, but it looks as though the wait is finally over when it comes to figuring out some new additions to the “American Idol” — at least pending a last-minute shakeup that keeps the deals from happening.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban are close to being a done deal to join Mariah Carey on the show next year, and will each be given decent salaries — though not at the same level as the pop megastar. Minaj will reportedly receive a paycheck of $8 million plus an allowance for some of her diverse wardrobe, hair, and makeup choices. Meanwhile, Urban will be getting a smaller salary of $4 million — a move brought on slightly by his vocal issues limiting his time in the spotlight as of late.
With this news in min, you can officially cross Brad Paisley off the list — as the show only wants one country performer, and he was reportedly asking for the same sort of salary as Minaj. Meanwhile, Nicki’s deal likely minimizes the possibility that Kanye West will be making an appearance of his own on the panel, mostly since it would seem strange to have two hip-hop superstars on a show that does not really promote that genre of music in the slightest.
So if these deals pan out, where does the show go from here? The most likely final candidate if there is a fourth judge is Latin superstar Enrique Iglesias, but such past contenders as Adam Lambert or Nick Jonas could also be looked at. It’s almost a sure thing that if the show goes back to a four-judge format, it will be two men and two women — and you also can’t rule out Randy Jackson opting to stay on board.
Do you think Keith and Nicki are great choices? If you want to check out some more news pertaining to the “American Idol” judging rumors, be sure and hit up the link here.
Photo: Fox
Helen
August 27, 2012 @ 11:25 pm
I think a good judge would be Gene Simmons, now that his show is no longer on he would make an excellent judge what do you think???
Judy
August 25, 2012 @ 11:27 am
I’m with Trey. Idol had one foot in the grave upon the arrival of JLo and Steven and this show cannot be on TV forever. No contestant has ever been as talented and entertaining as Adam and when Simon left I totally lost interest. Frankly I miss his scathing remarks. At least he was honest.
We know who will be in the final right? – white guy with guitar or a Celine Dion/Whitney Houston wannabe.
(I don’t think Minaj has any class whatsoever and she’s no megastar.)
Trey
August 25, 2012 @ 8:25 am
Nicki Minaj? Let’s get real, her act will get old in one show. Bring out the purple curtains and get ready to bury American Idol, it’s going to die on the vine.
Judy Lushman (@judadam)
August 24, 2012 @ 11:25 pm
I don’t know what you are talking about Keith Urban having vocal issues. He just had two concerts back to back in my home town and he sounded wonderful. Nothing wrong his his voice