Nicki Minaj's appearance on the American Idol judging panel "is big" news, says fellow rap star Wiz Khalifa.

The superstar was confirmed as a new judge on the hit TV talent show alongside Keith Urban on Sunday. The two stars will join returning judge Randy Jackson and Mariah Carey - who was announced as a new panel member earlier this year.

Nicki's fellow rapper Wiz is thrilled for the 29-year-old songstress.

"It's big," he told MTV News about the new appointment. "Sky's the limit."

Wiz also laughed off claims that he could have been chosen to join the coveted panel. However, he is impressed with Nicki's new venture.

"That's crazy because I heard a lot of the rumours and stuff like that, but for that to be reality that's insane, man. I don't think anybody could ever imagine or see that going that way. Not in any negative purpose, but it's like, 'Wow," he gushed.

Idol presenter Ryan Seacrest hosted an intimate meal on Saturday night for all four of the American Idol judges before the panel was confirmed.

Meanwhile, Nicki shared her excitement with fans on Twitter as she gushed about her impending duties.

"New York auditions today & tomorrow! See ya there barbz!!!!!!!!! #AmericanIdol :p (sic)," she tweeted after the news broke on Sunday.

Fox's Mike Darnell gushed about the show's impressive panel when it was confirmed yesterday.

"Nicki's an unbelievably captivating international phenomenon who has made an indelible mark on rap and pop. And Keith is another great addition to Idol he's one of the biggest stars in country music and I know that our fans and contestants will fall in love with him," he said. "With an unparalleled star like Mariah, fan-favourite Randy, chart-toppers like Nicki and Keith and our incomparable host Ryan [Seacrest], we've put together one of the most exciting judging panels around."