Mariah Carey American Idol New Judge — It is now official that Mariah Carey becomes part of the new American Idol team.

The rumors had been flying high for several weeks now, with her husband Nick Cannon telling anyone who would listen that Carey was too expensive for the reality show, or needs to get paid more $100 Million. Wow what a price!

The diva, who apparently got paid about $17 Million for the AI contract, released a statement sharing her joy to be part of 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’.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.

It is already being speculated that Carey will only be on the show for one year, since the “Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has stated that he hopes to change the judges every season. Simon Cowell also reacted “I’m happy for her. I like Mariah. But I think she’s going to find it difficult to say no.”

Good Luck Mariah!