Mariah Carey in US$18m 'Idol' triumph!
Mariah Carey will join American Idol as a judge next season as the show fights to regain its slumping audiences. Kevin Reilly, president of entertainment for Fox Broadcasting, told TV critics in LA on Monday that Mimi will be one of the replacements for Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. Steven announced his exit earlier this month to focus on his career as the frontman for Aerosmith. J.Lo had also hinted at her departure in recent weeks and Reilly confirmed she would not return for the upcoming season. "I can say it is 100% that Jennifer won't be back to the show." He said the deal with Mimi was finalised early on Monday and, in a dramatic move at the conference, he called her on his cellphone to announce the deal. "Hi Mariah. How are you? I have just uttered your name for the first time. We do have a deal, don't we?" he said. Mimi, answering on speakerphone, said: "I am so excited to be joining Idol... I wish I could have been there ...