Mariah, with husband Nick Cannon, joins Idol panel
Superstar Mariah Carey has been confirmed as a judge on the upcoming new series of American Idol.
The Glitter star will join the all-star panel, following the departure of Aerosmith’s Steve Tyler and singer Jennifer Lopez, who left the reality programme to focus on her music career.
The new mum will reportedly be paid a huge $18million for a one-year stint on the show, with the option of renewing her contract next year.
Forty-two-year-old Carey will be joined by long-serving judge Randy Jackson, who is also her joint manager. There has been no official announcement regarding a third judge, however teen queen Miley Cyrus and former Idol contestant, Adam Lambert are said to be in the frame.
Despite their big name signing with Mariah, American Idol does face increasing pressure from shows like The Voice and X Factor USA.
Last season’s finale drew the least amount of viewers in its history and the show is seeing a decline in young adult viewing figures.
Fox entertainment chief, Kevin Rielly said:
“Not being the only game in town now, we need to keep things fresh.
“We have the biggest names in the business, like Mariah Carey, interested in doing this.
“So for the next couple of weeks it will be a matter of picking the right one, with the right chemistry, making the deal and finalising this.”
Carey has previously appeared on the seventh series of American Idol as a mentor and was also set to advise Simon Cowell on the X Factor USA, but had to cancel her appearance due to Hurricane Irene.
Her husband, Nick Cannon presents rival show, America’s Got Talent.
