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(AllHipHop News) “American Idol” has announced that Nicki Minaj has officially been added to the roster of new judges on “American Idol.”

Wasting no time getting started, the judges hosted their first round of auditions in New York City, amidst the usual frenzy and pandemonium associated with “American Idol.”

It was just last week that rumors swirled of a possible rift with Mariah Carey and the YMCMB first lady, after comments reportedly made by Carey.

For the first season, Fox will reportedly pay Nicki Minaj $12 million.

Carey will make over $18 million dollars for joining the quartet of judges, formerly a trio, with Keith Urban and Randy Jackson rounding out the cast.

“Nicki’s an unbelievably captivating international phenomenon who has made an indelible mark on rap and pop. And Keith is … one of the biggest stars in country music and I know that our fans and contestants will fall in love with him,” Fox reality programming chief Mike Darnell said in a statement.

During the 2011-12 season, ”American Idol” was named as the leading entertainment show and No. 2 overall, just behind NBC’s top-rated “Sunday Night Football.”

In January 2013, Ryan Seacrest will continue as host of the Fox show that is now in its 12th season.

“American Idol” has spawned the careers of Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, and many others.