We’re less than two weeks away from the 12th Season of American Idol and I cannot wait. Sure, I’m a little drained from following both The X Factor and The Voice this Fall, but it’s Idol- the granddaddy of them all. It does after all have a track record of making viable artists in the industry. Say what you will, but Phillip Phillips’ “Home” was a huge success and the best-selling coronation song to date. Impressive given that the show is in its second decade.

Even with all that, I have to admit I’m also tuning in to check out Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj’s chemistry during the auditions. I wonder if Nigel Lythgoe will air their infamous diva-off. Don’t let me down Lythgoe. Don’t let me down!!!. Even without the Minaj factor, Mariah is worth tuning in (IMHO) alone. Arguably, she’s the most accomplished singer to ever judge one of these talent shows.

The “Hero” singer along with Keith Urban, Ryan Seacrest, Randy Jackson and Minaj grace the cover of the latest issue of the Hollywood Reporter. Inside the issue the newbies discuss their experience. The producers also reveal what they have in store for the 12th season. Overall, it’s a pretty good piece. Check out a few quotes below along with the cover.

Mariah Carey On Joining Idol

“I was on the fence about the whole thing. I got approached by all the shows. [Husband Nick Cannon] said I should do it because it’s the top, it’s the cream of the crop. And I felt like, ‘Do the show that’s produced massive stars who have had major careers.’”

Nicki Minaj On Stigma Of Being On Idol

“[There's] a judgmental culture in hip-hop…sometimes you are afraid of being too famous because it’s almost, like, is that even cool? Being that accessible, someone you see on TV every week? I never pictured myself as that type of person. I’m still surprised that I decided to do it.”

Keith Urban On Contestant’s Drives

“It shouldn’t be about fame or money. It should be your calling. This is what you do. You don’t have a choice.”

For the rest of the Hollywood Reporter piece, head over to www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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