Mariah Carey, 'American Idol' Announcement: FOX Confirms Diva Is New Judge

Posted on Jul 23rd 2012 3:40PM by Contessa Gayles

Mariah Carey American Idol judge Abdeljalil Bounhar, AP

It's official -- Mariah Carey is the newest "American Idol" judge! Following weeks of speculation, FOX has announced the pop diva will reside on the hit reality competition's judges' panel for the upcoming twelfth season.

FOX entertainment president Kevin Reilly broke the big news at a FOX executive meeting at the Television Critic's Association Summer Press Tour, which Mariah joined via phone. "I'm so excited to be joining 'Idol;' I wanted to be there today and I wish I could've been there myself to tell you," Carey said over speaker phone, according to AP. "It happened really quickly, I can't wait to get started in a couple months, everybody have a great TCA and I will see you in January," she added.

According to recent reports, the new gig will earn MiMi anywhere from $12 - $18 million for just a single season! This may seem like pennies to the 42-year-old's husband Nick Cannon -- he's been quite vocal about his wifey's potential paycheck. Cannon first suggested "Idol" would have to "double" former judge Jennifer Lopez's salary, and later asserted, "I ain't letting her outta the house for less than $100 million ... who's gonna watch my kids if she goes on 'American Idol?'"

Nobody puts MiMi in a corner!

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Filed under: Hot Off the Press

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Bryan

my roomate's aunt makes $83/hr on the laptop. She has been without work for 8 months but last month her pay was $8682 just working on the laptop for a few hours. Read more on this site...N u t t ÿ R î ç h D Ö t c o m

August 02 2012 at 4:55 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

claude1102

Thank goodness JLo has been replaced by REAL talent! Who is she to judge who has talent or not! She has based her celebrity status on controversial, attention-getting tactics. She is just as talented as the Kardashians, except she has to dance a little more and auto-tune the hell out of her Rosy Perez-like voice.

Although Mariah Carey is slightly off the deep end, I think it's definitely an improvement by leaps and bounds.
Good riddance to a "Ghetto American Idol"...it was time!

July 25 2012 at 7:16 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

handgliders33

I really think that Mariah carey will be a great addition to the show, shes funny ,smart and has a very good head on her shoulders, and she has never appeared to let her vainness show, that is if she ever were vain. J LO was beginning to wear on my nerves somewhat , the sameway Steven Tyler was. I really hope that Randy Doesn't leave the show because in my apinion he is the backbone of the show.well that's it for now. take care and may God bless all the new people who take on the challenge of being a judge for American Idol.

July 25 2012 at 12:18 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

GERANNIE

two meny of these shows and too meny Diva's, I get sick of these over paid strange people who think they are talented. Where are the Doris Day's and the Judy Garland's and Barbra Strisand's now that's talent. All this screeching they now call singing hurts my ears.

July 25 2012 at 4:37 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

brazurio

I love Mariah, she is a great singer, but I getta be honest. I don't think she will be a good judge. She does not have much critical ability as I have seen her talking about music and singers. Let's see...

July 24 2012 at 10:23 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

emack150

Because she is joining the show, I may watch it. I do love Mariah Carey. And I am kind of glad to see Britney Spears on "The X Factor" as well.

July 24 2012 at 8:10 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

LovelaceXXX

love ya mariah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

July 24 2012 at 6:47 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Steve

Randy has worked with Mariah for years. This will be a good panel. Hopefully the third judge will be Lionel Richie.

July 24 2012 at 6:30 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

formylila

Hurrahhhhhhhhhh! Mariah will be a breath of fresh air. I haven't watched the show since Jordan Sparks was on it. With Mariah as a judge, I won't miss a show!

July 24 2012 at 5:39 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

ohioh111b111y

This is good for Randy though : ) this should up his paycheck alot !

July 24 2012 at 4:46 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply