American Idol 12

AMERICAN IDOL is back in its 12th season and three judges — Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Keith Urban — have signed on, the last two replacing Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez who left after Season 11.

The new season will be aired on 8TV (Astro channel 708) at 10pm and 10.30pm, every Friday and Saturday, beginning Jan 18. Here’s what Idol judge Minaj said during a question and answer session with US fans.

Why did you join the show?

Minaj: I knew it was going to reach the masses and like I keep saying, it was something that wasn’t expected of me and I always like to do things that people wouldn’t believe I would do. The producers were really sweet and I asked a lot of people I really cared about if I should do it ... the last person I asked was Little Wayne and he said ‘absolutely do it’ and that was when I found peace with it ... so I signed on the dotted line.

If there was one thing a contestant could do for a good first impression, what would that be?

Flash me. That would make me remember a person. One boy took off his shirt and was trying to be all sexy.

How do you feel about the evolution of an artist?

Everyone’s journey is different. Fans want and expect different things from each artist. I think the key to your own evolution is just being true to yourself.

What was your inspiration growing up?

My inspirations are unicorns, rainbows. Unless you want the really corny answer ... I dealt with a little bit of a dysfunctional household and my inspiration was that if I can just make it out of this, I could help my family and that was my driving force and I’ve said it for my entire career... it’s the truth. Sometimes, if you attach your dreams to something bigger than you and it’s impossible for you to ever stop. So my thing was always that I’ve got to get my family out of this kind of life and at times when I thought about giving up, that’s what kept me going.

Are you looking for a vocalist or entertainer?

I think it’s just something that you’ll know when you’re in the same room with it. I think in the time that we’re living now, we need an entertainer.

I’m looking for an all-around entertainer, someone who’s going to captivate people with or without music. I think it’s more about who you are now, with social media people wanting to get a chance to really know who you are. It’s not about a record company giving you a song ... it’s about whether this song is really you ... am I inspired by you? ... can I relate to you? ... is what you say really who you are when you go home?

It’s a process of elimination, we all vote on everyone. America’s going to decide who they want, whether they want a big singer or an all-round entertainer ... it’s not going to be us, it’s going to be you guys.