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After much speculation that Nicki Minaj would be one of the new American Idol judges (for a cool $12 million), the rapper-slash-pop star has confirmed that she is in fact joining fellow newbies Mariah Carey and Keith Urban as well as Idol veteran Randy Jackson on the judging panel. We have a first look at the new crop of critics along with host Ryan Seacrest and Minaj’s pink, yellow, and orange hair, naturally. Filming has already begun in Manhattan for AI‘s next season. Nicki tweeted yesterday: “New York auditions today & tomorrow! See ya there barbz! #AmericanIdol.” We can’t wait to see how the over-the-top performer responds to singing hopefuls who may not be as talented as say Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood—her facial expressions alone will be worth tuning in for.

Plus, try on Nicki Minaj’s wild hairstyles!

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• American Idol Stars, Then and Now
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The Country Music Association just announced nominees for the CMA Awards this morning, and topping the list are some of our favorite ladies— Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Kelly Clarkson, and Carrie Underwood—plus some gentleman as well, like The Voice’s Blake Shelton and Nicole Kidman’s beau Keith Urban. Click through the gallery below to see some of the nominees and what awards they’re up for!

American Idol’s first episode ever was 10 years ago today! The FOX competition has given us so much talent: Kelly Clarkson (back on the reality circuit with Duets), Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, country superstar Carrie Underwood, and Smash actress Katharine McPhee. And that’s not all! Click through the gallery to see more Idol contestants transform from their impressive auditions to the stars they are today. Seacrest, out!

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• Jennifer Lopez: See Her Many Idol Looks!
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• TV Roundup: Top 20 Fashion Moments This Season

The ladies represented at Super Bowl 2012 last night! Kelly Clarkson sang the National Anthem in a curve-hugging LBD, Nicki Minaj rocked a Cleopatra-cheerleader look for half-time, Madonna worked several Givenchy designs and a Philip Treacy headdress, M.I.A. danced in her own interpretation of cheer captain, and Miranda Lambert belted out “America the Beautiful” in red Current/Elliott jeans and a black leather Jitrois jacket. Tell us: Which look did you love most? Vote in the poll below and let us know!  More