Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey Kick Off 'American Idol' Auditions in New York

America, here are your judges. Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, and Randy Jackson took a seat at the judges’ table during the first round of auditions for “American Idol” in New York City today. They posed for photos outside before making their way in to begin their first day on the job.

“What I think I wanna be is honest and someone that the contestants can look to for guidance,” said Mariah, who was already amused by the New York talent. “Several classic moments so far lol.”

The Grammy-winning diva was reportedly paid close to $18 million for one season, while Nicki is getting $12 million for a one-year deal, an insider told The Associated Press.

The Young Money rapper doesn’t mind if the contestants cover her songs. “If they want to, it’ll be fun,” she said. “I’ll probably start cracking up laughing just ’cause I’m mentally unstable sometimes, but they shouldn’t be afraid at all. We’ll have fun. The Barbz are gonna be watching. It’s gonna be poppin’.”

Randy Jackson welcomed Nicki to the “Idol” family. “I’m happy that Nicki’s here. She brings a whole ‘nother cool vibe that we’ve never had on the show,” he told the AP.