Phillip Phillips, Colton Dixon and More Idols Weigh in on Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj Joining the Show

When news broke that rapper and singer Nicki Minaj was joining the American Idol family this season, OK! just had to know what past contestants thought about the new addition.

Crowned crooner Phillip Phillips was a bit cautious when revealing his thoughts, at an iHeartRadio Idol event, on the Pink Friday personality. “She might do a good job… Me personally, I’ve never heard her sing,” he admits to OK!. “She’s an amazing artist though, so she might be what the show needs.”

Joshua Ledet understands the confusion some viewers might have, considering Nicki is widely known for her rapping, but insists it’s not all about the singing. “It’s about your image, performing, singing and all that and Nicki Minaj is definitely a performer." He tells OK!, “I think she’d be perfect… she knows her stuff!”

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But not everyone is sold on Nicki’s seat at the American Idol judging panel – just ask Colton Dixon and Haley Reinhart.

“I think the cheesy side of things is why they brought in Nicki Minaj,” Colton admits to OK!. “When I first heard it, I wasn’t crazy about it, to be honest, but you know it’s a TV show and people want entertainment.” And you better believe entertainment is exactly what AI fans will get this season. “I know there’s going to be bickering between her and Mariah Carey,” the seventh place finisher says. “It’s just inevitable and it’s going to be very entertaining to watch, I’m sure.”

While most viewers are excited to tune into Nicki’s TV debut, season ten’s Haley might not be one of them. “I don’t think I’d like to see that. I don’t know if she’s the right fit.” Haley tells OK!, “I’d rather them get somebody, even Keith Urban.”

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Ask and you shall receive, Haley!

The country music star called it quits on the Australian version of The Voice only to join ranks with its competition, American Idol! And you can bet he’s being welcomed with open arms.

“He’s done the singing and we’ve had a lot of country on the show – obviously, my season,” Haley says and Colton is right along with her. “American Idol has never had a country judge… I really respect Keith as a person, not just as a musician and an artist,” he tells OK!, “I think he would have really great things to say.”

Reporting by Rana Meyer

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