Grammy award-winning singer Mariah Carey will be sitting on the judging panel for the 12th season of “American Idol.” Carey’s hiring comes just weeks after Jennifer Lopez, 42, and Steven Tyler, 64, announced their departures from the FOX hit singing competition show. Though there were rumors that Randy Jackson would also be leaving the judging panel, 52-year-old Jackson, who has been on the show since its inception in 2002, will remain a judge for the show.
Simon Fuller, the creator and executive producer of “American Idol,” said he is “proud to have one of the world’s greatest-ever female singers join our show. Mariah defines the word ‘Idol’ and will inspire every singer that has the honor of performing in front of her.”
Carey, who started her musical career in the 1980s with hits like “Vision of Love” and “Love Takes Time,” continues to make chart-topping songs like “Touch My Body” and “Obsessed.” The 42-year-old five-time Grammy-award winner talked briefly about her upcoming role in “American Idol.” “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,’” Carey said.
Carey will be getting paid $18 million with a one-year option to do show, making her the highest paid judge on any music competition show. The singer is also working on her 14th studio album, with its first single, “Triumphant,” debuting early next month.
