Mariah Carey has become the highest paid reality show judge in TV history after signing a one-year deal with “American Idol” worth about $18 million.
Carey’s deal trumps the $12 million Jennifer Lopez got when she joined the judge’s table 2 years ago, and it’s also more than the $15 million Britney Spears gets for “X Factor.”
MC expressed her excitement about working on “American Idol” on Twitter:
It’s gonna be so much fun working on @AmericanIdol. As a singer-songwriter, I’m excited to help find and nurture new talent. LYM! –MC
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) July 23, 2012
Though no announcement has been made on a third judge, or whether or not Randy Jackson will be returning, Ryan Seacrest will definitely be back as the show’s host.
Former head judge Simon Cowell was asked about Mariah Carey joining American Idol. “I’m happy for her, actually,” he said. “I like Mariah. I think she’s going to find it difficult to say no. I think she’ll be great.”