Nicki Minaj to be the next American Idol judge

Singing/rapping/wig-wearing sensation Nicki Minaj is set to join Mariah Carey as a judge on the next season of American Idol, Us Weekly reports.

The 29-year-old 'Starships' songstress has not confirmed the news herself yet, but an insider says she is "100 percent" on board to join the high-rating talent show.

"I'm not sure the deal is completely done yet, but yes, she is definitely doing it," another Us Weekly insider confirmed.

"A few more slight things to sign off on, but it is happening."

The bootylicious Trinidadian-born pop/hip-pop star is sure to give fellow incoming judge Mariah a run for her money in the fashion (and cleavage) stakes. But we'd hazard a guess Mariah won't be doing the green hair thing anytime soon.

Fan reaction to Nicki's appointment as a judge has been mixed (as it always seems to be whenever a new judge is announced).

"This show will sink faster than the Titanic!! Hiring Minaj is a 'death sentence'. RIP Idol," one user wrote on the US site.

"She's different and that's what they're looking for. She can do it all. Rap, sing, act. She's MY idol! This would be the BEST!" a fan wrote on MTV News.

Nicki postponed a number of upcoming tour dates recently, telling her Twitter followers that when they "find out 'why' I'm starting the fall tour a bit later, they will be VERY happy".

So who will fill the last spot on the panel? The Hollywood Reporter named a shortlist topped by Keith Urban and Enrique Iglesias, though other rumours are putting Nick Jonas and Sean "Diddy" Combs in the mix too.

Returning judge Randy Jackson may be moved into a "mentoring role", Us reports, but that's not a given yet either. Get it together, Idol!