IT'S OFFICIAL--Nicki Minaj Is New "American Idol" Judge, Banks $8 Mill For The Gig

Host Ryan Seacrest tweeted the official word today that Nicki Minaj will indeed be sitting next to Mariah Carey on the next "American Idol" judges' panel.

Deets & the panel's first group pic inside...

After a month of swirling rumors, it's official.  Mariah Carey will be joined by Barb chick Nicki Minaj, country superstar Keith Urban and "Idol" vet Randy Jackson (who is also Mariah's co-manager) on the judges' panel for the new season of "American Idol."

"Idol" host Ryan Seacrest tweeted the above pic saying:

It's official, your new #IdolJudges are @MariahCarey, @NickiMinaj, @KeithUrban & @Yo_RandyJackson!...Everyone gave a heartfelt toast about being on the show after we ate last night. Cant wait to see the first contestants today. #IdolJudges

While we already know MiMi is taking home about $18 mill for the gig, Nicki is reportedly getting paid a cool $8 mill.  Ryan Seacrest is keeping his $15 mill salary.  All judges are on a 1-year contract, according to THR.

Clearly "Idol" is going for judges--sometimes regardless of talent level--who have a large following that they hope will translate into large ratings.  But as long as folks are banking dollars, it's all good right?

Auditions for the 12th season kick off today (Sunday) in New York.  And "Idol" returns to Fox in January.

Congrats all around.  Thoughts?