The Fox network announced Monday that singer Mariah Carey will join "American Idol" as a judge in the coming season.
The network is expected to pay Carey more than former judge Jennifer Lopez, who earned $12 million and as much as $17 million, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Although the show continues to do well in ratings, Fox hopes Carey can bring back the stardom and pop culture status back to the show, as it has slowly withered away with the years.
"I am so excited to be joining 'Idol,'" said Carey to the Television Critics Association via phone with Fox entertainment Chief Kevin Reilly.
Eager about the new opportunity, which she said "kind of all just happened really quickly," Carey shared her excitement with listeners saying, "I can't wait to get started in the fall...and I will see you January."
Former judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler exited the show at the end of the 11th season, and the network believes Carey will serve as a great replacement with the coming season. The show will be back on air for season 12 in January.
Reilly called Carey "the biggest recording artist that any of these (talent) shows has ever had," adding that she was the "artist that many of these contestants have tried to emulate, have tried some of the songs, have tried to hit the notes."
Original 'American Idol' judge, Simon Cowell, was asked what he thought about Carey being one of the new judges.
"I'm happy for her, actually. I like Mariah. I think she's going to find it difficult to say no. You've got to say no to people and she's sweet," he said, but then quickly added, "No, I think she'll be great."
'American Idol' ended the previous season as the leader in entertainment shows and No.2 overall, following closely behind NBC's highly-rated 'Sunday Night Football.'
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