Minaj and Urban close to joining 'Idol'?
Posted August 25, 2012
Word is singer and gob-smacking style queen Nicki Minaj and Australia's own country king Keith Urban are close to signing with American Idol as judges for fat paychecks, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Reps of the two have been dickering with the producers of Idol for weeks, says THR, citing an unnamed source.
Minaj may sign on the dotted line next week for about $8 million, not counting wardrobe, hair and makeup expenses. The latter would be crucial for Minaj, famous for her multiple personalities on stage and her outrageous dress sense.
Urban, a country star with crossover appeal around the world and a high-profile marriage to Oscar winner Nicole Kidman, confirmed to an Australian radio station that he was in talks to be a judge on Idol. Country rival Brad Paisley also was supposed to be in the running. If Urban takes a seat with Minaj, he'd likely get about half what she takes home, according to THR.
Recall that Mariah Carey was hired as a judge at about $18 million, and Idol maestro Simon Cowell was getting $35 million by the time he got out of his seat after nine seasons.
And what happens to Randy Jackson? Not clear, but he might stay on as a fourth judge.
Latest in Entertainment
of