Smallscreen News

Nicki Minaj delights, American Idol back Wednesday, details

By April MacIntyre Feb 1, 2013, 20:47 GMT

Nicki Minaj - 2013 TCA Winter Press Tour - FOX All-Star Party - Arrivals - The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa - Pasadena, CA, USA © Andrew Evans / PR Photos

Tune in alert for FOX's "American Idol," which has surprised us, not feeling the judges initially.

We say Nicki Minaj is hilarious in an alternative-Betty Boop way, saucing it up with her name game, and ignoring the "flat as day old Coke" Mariah's rolling side-eye action every time Minaj busts a funny line.

Dawg Randy is the anchor as always and Keith Urban is just so skinny! Keith, eat some more at the craft service table. Your cheekbones look like they could draw blood in a lip lock! 

Hollywood Rounds Begin with the Guys’ Performances Wednesday, February 6;

Girls Battle It Out Starting Wednesday, February 13;

Top 40 Semifinalists Announced Thursday, February 14

From FOX

Whether auditioners received a unanimous “yes” from Mariah, Randy, Nicki and Keith or had the judges battling over their fates, it’s a clean slate in Hollywood for the lucky contestants who are one step closer to becoming the next AMERICAN IDOL. For the first time in the “Hollywood Rounds,” it’s guys vs. guys and girls vs. girls, as they compete for a spot in the coveted Top 40 Semifinalists.

The “Hollywood Rounds” will be the toughest audition yet, but for some contestants, it will be a life-changing opportunity; for others, the end of the road. First, they will face the judges and sing a cappella, trusting only in their talent to make it another day. Those that survive will then join forces with one another – trusting in friends and, possibly, foes – for the heart-pounding, sleep-deprived group day. Those who stand out will move on to the solo day, giving the remaining contestants one more chance to impress the judges and make the Top 40.

Drama and desperation escalate behind the scenes as the pressure mounts during the intense “Hollywood Rounds” which kick-off with the guys, competing on Wednesday, Feb. 6 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Feb. 7 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). The girls get their chance to win over the judges beginning Wednesday, Feb. 13 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). At the end of the girls’ second and final “Hollywood Round,” on Thursday, Feb. 14 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), only the Top 40 semifinalists – 20 guys and 20 girls – will remain.