Judge Nicki: Nicki Minaj close to signing on for 'American Idol'

NICKI Minaj sings about Starships, but is she a star-maker? The singer-rapper could be joining the ranks of American Idol judges. A person close to Minaj said the entertainer has been in talks to judge the 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 talks. If Minaj signs on, she would join singer Mariah Carey as a judge on Idol, which returns in January. Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez announced their exits from the show last month. Minaj - famous for her colourful hairstyles, wardrobe and antics - is best known for hits Super Bass and Starships.