NEW YORK — 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.

Minaj is getting $12 million for a one-year deal on the hit Fox singing series, a person in the music industry with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Sunday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the deal.

A representative for Urban wouldn't disclose the singer's compensation for "Idol."

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

This trio will join pop star Mariah Carey at a judges' panel now expanded to four members from its previous three. The AP reported in July that Carey is receiving just shy of $18 million for a one-year contract with a renewal option.

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She may have been unceremoniously axed from her judging role on X Factor USA after just one series.

But stunning Nicole Scherzinger is now set to join the UK series as a full-time judge, with her role confirmed by ITV today.

The 33-year-old girlfriend of F1 driver Lewis Hamilton was a stand-in judge at the London auditions last month – and has previously been a guest judge at auditions on the ITV talent hit.

Talking about her new role, Nicole said: 'I’m so excited to join the UK X Factor family. It's where I got my start, so it feels great to come full circle.

'I can’t wait to see what talent the UK has to offer and to help inspire and bring out the best in these artists.'

And Peter Fincham, Director of Television, ITV, added: 'Nicole will bring her wealth of experience, both as a solo artist, and as a member of a group, to this year's Judging panel.

'We're delighted that she'll be joining us for the forthcoming series.'

Nicole will begin her full-time judging role when the auditions hit Newcastle on Monday.

X Factor producers were left searching for a new judge after Dannii Minogue turned down a £1 million deal to return to the show after they axed Kelly Rowland.

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