Mariah Carey joins ‘American Idol”

Published July 24, 2012 12:31pm ET



The mystery is solved. American Idol has found its newest judge: Mariah Carey. The singing diva, 42, told a meeting of the Television Critics Association that she is excited to join the cast, and it all happened quickly. Carey’s salary is expected to be about $12 million, EW reports. That was the amount J.Lo got her first year.

Carey joins the judges’ panel when the Fox talent show returns in January 2013.

“As a singer, songwriter and producer, it’s going to be fun and rewarding to help find new talent and give back with AI,” said Carey in a statement. “I’m currently in the studio working on my new album and its first single, ‘Triumphant,’ which will be out early next month. I can’t wait to channel my creative energy as a part of this show which is a massive global phenomenon.”

(Way to get quick promotion going, Mariah!)

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