The next "American Idol" judging panel will feature MARIAH CAREY, RANDY JACKSON, NICKI MINAJ and KEITH URBAN.  And that's official . . . according to KATIE COURIC.  (???)  She said this during an interview with JENNIFER LOPEZ. 

"The Voice" easily beat the season premiere of "X Factor" in the ratings on Wednesday night.  "The Voice" attracted 10.7 million viewers, while "X Factor" drew just 7.5 million in the 8:00 P.M. hour.  "X Factor" picked up two million more viewers for its second hour, when it didn't have to go up against "The Voice".

The second night of The X Factor introduced America to 13-year-old Carly Rose Soneclar. The little girl next door with the long brown hair knocked the judges off their chairs and onto their feet with the Nina Simone standard “Feeling Good.” A skepical Simon were surprised she’d even attempt the song. By the end, a dumbfounded Simon couldn’t believe that old, soulful voice came out of that cute child in front of him. Said Simon, “A star has just walked out on that stage.”

And the winner of America’s Got Talent is...The Olate Dogs! Yes. Canines are America’s choice. The acrobatic pooches get one million bucks and their own show in Vegas. Settling for second is comedian Tom Cotter. Fortunately, losing to dogs is great comic fodder. Third went to Earth harpist William Close, who many had picked to win. There was an emotional moment when The Untouchables finished sixth. As the little girls began to tear up, Sharon offered comfort, saying, "Don't be sad, little ones, because it's my last show, too. So we're both leaving together."

CHRISTINA AGUILERA is planning to skip the spring season of "The Voice", but hopes to return for a future season.  Also, the ratings for "The Voice" are down a little from last spring, but they're on par with what "X Factor" did last fall.