America, here are your judges. Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, and Randy Jackson took a seat at the judges’ table during the first round of auditions for “American Idol” in New York City today. They posed for photos outside before making their way in to begin their first day on the job.

“What I think I wanna be is honest and someone that the contestants can look to for guidance,” said Mariah, who was already amused by the New York talent. “Several classic moments so far lol.”

The Grammy-winning diva was reportedly paid close to $18 million for one season, while Nicki is getting $12 million for a one-year deal, an insider told The Associated Press.

The Young Money rapper doesn’t mind if the contestants cover her songs.

“If they want to, it’ll be fun,” she said. “I’ll probably start cracking up laughing just ’cause I’m mentally unstable sometimes, but they shouldn’t be afraid at all. We’ll have fun. The Barbz are gonna be watching. It’s gonna be poppin’.”

Randy Jackson welcomed Nicki to the “Idol” family.

“I’m happy that Nicki’s here. She brings a whole ‘nother cool vibe that we’ve never had on the show,” he told the AP.

It’s official. Nicki Minaj has joined the judges’ panel on “American Idol.”

Fox made the official announcement Sunday, confirming rumors just hours before the first round of auditions were to begin.

 

The “Starships” rapper will take a seat alongside previously announced judge Mariah Carey and returning judge Randy Jackson, while country superstar Keith Urban fills out the fourth chair.

“It’s official, your new #IdolJudges are @MariahCarey, @NickiMinaj, @KeithUrban & @Yo_RandyJackson!” tweeted “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest.

Nicki will be looking for “a superstar,” which is

“something that can’t be defined in words.”

Meanwhile, Mariah is not sure what kind of judge she will be yet.

“Am I the mean one? Am I the nice one? … It’s not about me, me, me, it’s about them [the contestants] and what I can bring to them to help guide them in the right direction,” she told the AP.

The new judges got to know one another at a dinner last night.

“Everyone gave a heartfelt toast about being on the show after we ate last night. Cant wait to see the first contestants today,” said Seacrest.

Auditions begin today in New York, while the 12th season of “American Idol” premieres in January.

Are you excited to see Nicki Minaj on “Idol”? Let us know.