Minaj as American Idol Judge

JUDGE NICKI? Rumors continue to fly that Nicki Minaj will be named a judge on American Idol, taking her place alongside fellow diva Mariah Carey, according to the U.K. Guardian and Us Weekly, which reports she has inked for the show’s 12th season. Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez both exited the Fox music competition show recently, while holdover Randy Jackson is reportedly set to segue into a mentor role. Other candidates, including Idol runner-up Adam Lambert, have also been floated for the gig, with at least one, Nick Jonas, announcing his intentions publicly to grab the slot. Also allegedly in the mix: Brad Paisley, Enrique Iglesias and Keith Urban. Minaj was recently forced to cancel gigs in Dublin and the V Festival. "I was in jeopardy of losing my voice entirely and needing surgery on my vocal chord," she explained on Twitter, thanking her “true fans" for their support. Meanwhile, the N.Y. Post reports this morning that Carey is furious with the choice of Minaj, and already "throwing a diva fit." Action to come. (8/21a)