Mark Cant
It’s official! Mariah Carey is in.
With two huge holes to fill as a result of the Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler departures from American Idol, Fox didn’t waste much time signing the five-time Grammy-winning Mariah to anchor the judge’s dais and give the show a chance to remain one of the biggest draws on TV.
“As a singer, songwriter and producer, it’s going to be fun and rewarding to help find new talent and give back with American Idol,” said the superstar, who’s currently in the studio working on a new album.
Added Simon Fuller, the show’s creator and executive producer, “We are proud to have one of the world's greatest-ever female singers join our show.”
Sources close to Idol tell In Touch that "Mariah is making $18 million a year with an option for a second year" — making her one of the highest-paid reality stars on TV.
