Kanye West Could Be Next 'American Idol' Judge

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By Carter Maness

After rumors earlier this week that Young Money icon Nicki Minaj is finalizing a contract to judge "American Idol," Kanye West is now joining the list of potential judges for next season.

Given the departures of both Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, as well as the recent confirmation of a new $18 million contract for Mariah Carey, it makes sense that the show's executive producers are reaching out to a long list of musicians with significant star power for the remaining open seats.

TMZ originally reported the rumor, claiming that the show's executives approached West and offered him at least the same amount of money that Carey is about to receive. West reportedly expressed interest but, like Minaj, has yet to publicly comment on the rumors.

Other potential judges that have been tied to the show during its tumultuous summer break have included Pharrell Williams, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Nick Jonas and Alanis Morissette.

In addition to Carey, the new judges will presumably join holdover original judge Randy Jackson. Jackson is still rumored to move into a "mentor" role on the show's upcoming season but will still be deeply involved in the broadcasts.

[url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/08/21/kanye-west-american-idol-judge-in-talks/]View the full article[/url]