Nicki Minaj close to Idol sign-up

Nicki Minaj is on the verge of joining the American Idol judges, it has been claimed.

A source close to the Starships singer said Nicki has been in talks to judge the Fox TV competition and that a deal is in works. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to publicly discuss the deal.

If Nicki - known for her colourful hairstyles, wardrobe and antics - signs on, she would join Mariah Carey as a judge on Idol, which returns in January.

Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez announced their exits from the show last month.

Nick Jonas and Pharrell Williams have previously been rumoured to be in the running for a judging spot and stars including Charlie Sheen, Aretha Franklin and Snoop Dogg have all expressed an interest in signing up.

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