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"American Idol" will kick off its 12th season with several new faces at the judges' table.

Rapper Nicki Minaj and country music singer Keith Urban will be joining the judging panel along with singer Mariah Carey and returning judge Randy Jackson, Fox announced in a news release today.

"I am thrilled about this year's judges' panel! We've got global icon Mariah Carey and IDOL's heart and soul Randy Jackson, who will be joined by Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban. Nicki's an unbelievably captivating international phenomenon who has made an indelible mark on rap and pop. And Keith is another great addition to IDOL - he's one of the biggest stars in country music and I know that our fans and contestants will fall in love with him," said Mike Darnell, president of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company, in the news release. "With an unparalleled star like Mariah, fan-favorite Randy, chart-toppers like Nicki and Keith and our incomparable host Ryan, we've put together one of the most exciting judging panels around."

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Former "Idol" judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler announced they were leaving the reality show earlier this year. Both judged for two seasons.

Auditions will take place in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, San Antonio, Baton Rouge and Oklahoma City.

The show is scheduled to return in January 2013.