Her husband, actor Nick Cannon, said they couldn’t afford her. But the show responded by simply putting their money where their mouth is.
American Idol has inked a lucrative deal with singer Mariah Carey to be a judge on the long-running television talent showcase. Carey will replace singer Jennifer Lopez, who announced her exit from the show along with singer Steven Tyler.
“I’m so excited to be joining ‘Idol,'” Carey said in a statement. “I can’t wait to get started in a couple months.”
“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 continued. “I can’t wait to channel my creative energy as a part of this show which is a massive global phenomenon.”
It is rumored that Carey will make between $12 and $17 million per season. She will now join her manager and former musical director Randy Jackson on the judges panel, who has suggested to “Idol” producers over the years that she join the show.
