AP PHOTOS: 'American Idol' judges past and present

Associated Press

Published: Sunday, Sept. 16 2012 2:46 p.m. MDT

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FILE - In this Jan. 11, 2011 file photo, Steven Tyler, left, and Jennifer Lopez, judges on the FOX series "American Idol," take part in a panel discussion during the FOX Broadcasting Company Television Critics Association winter media tour in Pasadena, Calif. Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell were the original judges on "American Idol." The cast of judges has changed over the years, with Jackson now the lone judge left from the first season. On Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, singer-rapper Nicki Minaj and country crooner Keith Urban were named as judges, joining Mariah Carey and Jackson, as the judges' panel has now expanded to four members from its previous three.

Chris Pizzello, File, Associated Press

Summary

Singer-rapper Nicki Minaj and country crooner Keith Urban are joining the "American Idol" panel of judges.

NEW YORK — Singer-rapper Nicki Minaj and country crooner Keith Urban are joining the "American Idol" panel of judges.

Minaj and Keith Urban will team up with pop star Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson — the sole original judge — in a panel that's been expanded to four members from its previous three.

The makeup of the panel has been in flux since Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez announced their exits from the talent show in July. Carey signed on later that month.

Here's a photo gallery of American Idol judges.

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