Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey reportedly considered 'The Voice' prior to 'American Idol'

Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey reportedly both considered sitting on a different judging panel prior to signing on to do American Idol.


When The Voice was shopping around for two new musician coaches to replace current stars Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green for the show's fourth edition, producers were in talks with Carey and Minaj to fill the vacant spinning chairs, Us Weekly reported.

However, Carey and Minaj clearly chose the American Idol route, as Carey inked a contract in July to judge the long-running reality singing competition's upcoming twelfth season and Minaj just signed a deal to appear on the judging panel alongside country star Keith Urban and returning judge Randy Jackson.

In addition, NBC announced on Monday Usher and Shakira will be filling in for Aguilera and Green for the fourth season of The Voice, which will premiere early next year.

NBC cited The Voice's new twice-a-year broadcast schedule as the reason why Aguilera and Green -- who are both expected to return to the show down the road -- will be taking the series' next edition off.


Remaining The Voice coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will both return for the fourth season, according to NBC.






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski