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Nicki Minaj has long been rumored to be a new American Idol judge, but there has to yet to be a formal announcement. Speculation has long been that the YMCMB rapper’s deal with Pepsi is holding up the process since Idol is sponsored by Coca-Cola. The New York Post has reported on the matter with some inside source saying a deal should be worked out soon, with hopes of taking advantage of any potential rivalry between Minaj and confirmed new host Mariah Carey, too.

Nicki Minaj’s “American Idol” contract is almost signed, but her deal with Pepsi is holding it up. Pepsi sponsors her tour, but “Idol” is sponsored by Coca–Cola, so they’re hashing out how to get around the sticky cola issue. We’re told “Idol” execs want to announce Minaj as a judge as soon as possible, before the auditions start filming in the next week or two. Sources say producers “want to see that drama between Nicki and Mariah Carey. It’ll make for good TV.” 

Pepsi does a lot more than sponsor Minaj’s tour, as the Harajuku Barbie, who also has a deal with adidas, also stars in the soft drink brand’s current “Live For Now” global ad campaign.

Interestingly, Randy Jackson just officially left American Idol as judge but will remain on the show as a “mentor.”

Minaj recently announced a second leg of her international “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” tour, which will run from late October to December.

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Photo: NBC