Life & Style

Did you know? American Idol returns with feuds, fame and fortune

Carey is reported to be earning approximately $18 million for the season, Minaj about $12 million and Urban $8 million

Reuters January 18, 2013

Carey is reported to be earning approximately $18 million for the season, Minaj about $12 million and Urban $8 million.

Singer Mariah Carey, rapper Nicki Minaj and country artist Keith Urban make their debut as judges when the TV talent contest begins its 12th season. “All three judges are eminently qualified. It’s a good spectrum in terms of embracing hip-hop, country and pop,” HitFix.com music blogger Melinda Newman said.

The three newcomers replace departing judges Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler who quit last year after two seasons. The new panel, rounded out by old hand record producer Randy Jackson, didn’t come cheap. Carey is reported to be earning approximately $18 million for the season, Minaj about $12 million and Urban $8 million.

But industry watchers say Idol needs more than big names to bring in audiences at a time of cutthroat competition from talent contests like The Voice, The X Factor, and America’s Got Talent.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2013.

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