The Tribune

By LESH

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

JUST HOURS away into season twelve of American Idol, the show returns tonight with a new scene, new talent and the most talked about panel of judges to date.

The new judges include Rapper Nicki Minaj, Singer Mariah Carey, Country Music Singer Keith Urban and American Idol (AI) veterans Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest.

One Bahamian told In Ya Ear Nicki and Mariah will be the judges to bring an interesting mix to the show.

“I wonder if Mariah’s presence is going to intimidate the contestants though. I know in past times, there has been a lot of contestants that often try to sing like her, so this will be interesting. I like Nicki so it will be entertaining to see what craziness she brings when it comes to judging. I think she is going to be really fun, while also bringing some drama to it,” said the AI fan.

Grammy Award winning producer Randy is set to begin the show tonight with the aim of finding the next star. Mariah is known for her flawless high-pitched vocal range, selling over 200 million albums. Some of her greatest hits range from

“ My All” to “ Love Takes Time.” Even though Nicki is known more for her over the top red carpet outfits and bizarre wigs, she has proven herself to be a very talented rapper and entertainer.

He may be married to one of the most popular female actors there is, Nicole Kidman, but Keith Urban has a resume that speaks for itself. With four well earned Grammy Awards, the singer has sold more than 15 million albums.

Some are looking forward to the funny antics expected by the contestants during the audition rounds, but a few others are eager to find out how true the alleged feud is between Mariah and Nicki.

A number of blog sites went crazy after a video leaked on to the internet showing the two women, verbally going at each other’s throats during filming.

Nicki can be heard saying:

“Every time you take a shot at me I’ma take it back, and if you gotta problem then handle it. I told them, I’m not putting up with your highness over there. Figure it out. Figure it out!”

Off and on, Mariah replies:

“Do I have a three year old sitting around me? Listen I can’t see my kids because you decided to have a little baby fit and going all around the stage.” Was it real or was it all for publicity? AI fans can tune in and find out tonight.

Felicia, another AI fan said:

“From watching all of the interviews I have seen regarding the new judges, Nicki seems as if she is really serious about the show. I think she might be a good judge who might be quite ruthless, but who also gives good critique. I love this rivalry with her and Mariah. Mariah has been good at throwing shade at her, so it will be exciting to watch.”

For Christina, tonight will be the beginning of a very entertaining season, especially with all of the drama surrounding Nicki and Mariah.

“ By watching the show, we can now be the judge as to whether the so call argument was true or not. People are saying it can be true or maybe just scripted for ratings for the show. What I really want to see is the critiquing that Nicki is going to give to the contestants,” she said.

Danae, another AI fan, said she is actually expecting the two divas to go at it throughout the weeks.

“In terms of their choice as judges, Mariah is a talented singer, so it makes sense that she would be a judge, same goes for Keith Urban. Randy has been doing it for a while, so he is experienced. Nicki, I feel although she is not a singer per se, she is still a successful musician and she is great for this job.”

Idol showtime begins tonight at 8pm.