The speculation is finally over, the American Idol judging panel is now complete.

New recruits Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Mariah Carey stepped out for their first day at work in New York.

The trio join long-serving judge Randy Jackon on the panel.

Arriving at Lincoln Center, where day one of the auditions kicked off, Urban said he plans to be "authentic" but not cruel.

"I did similar shows when I was very young in Australia and I was sort of crucified by one judge. So I don't know that I'll ever be that guy."

Mariah Carey revealed that she is not sure what her judging style will be, just yet:

"I don't think I have one yet because I have to go inside and sit down and figure it out. Honestly what I think I want to be is honest and someone that the contestants can look to for guidance."

Nicki Minaj says she hopes to find a superstar.

"A superstar is something that can't be described in words. It's just a thing that you feel. It's a presence."