After Mariah Carey announces her participation at the judges’ panel of the American Idol Season 12 few months ago, the New Zealand-Australian country music singer, songwriter and guitarist Keith Urban will be the third person joining Maria and Randy Jackson on the new season of Idol that will kick off on January 2013. With the deal of $8 Million, Urban signed the contract but there’s no confirmation yet on how many seasons will he stay in the American Idol unlike Mariah who will be judging the competition on its Season 12 only.
Until now there’s confirmation yet if the three of them will be final judges where according to some reports that there will be two (2) more slots and American Idol management is currently talking to Enrique Iglesias and Nicky Minaj while Katy Perry just turned down the $20 Million offer.
Regarding the news of Jackson transferring to the mentoring part of the American Idol Season 12, the producer and Jackson haven’t given their official statement if it will happen this season or will Jackson remain on the judges’ table.
Urban and Carey will be replacing Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler who became American Idol Judges for two seasons (2011 and 2012). Other American Idol judges who left the show including Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres.