Mariah Carey Officially Next 'American Idol' Judge

Out with the old, in with the new.

Season 12 American Idol hopefuls better study up, because none other than five Grammy award winning diva, Mariah Carey, has signed on to sit on the judge's panel.

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The rather speedy announcement comes a little over a week after Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler confirmed their departures from the popular show.

This is, of course, a huge score for Fox, who expressed great happiness to have the butterfly-loving chanteuse on their team.

"We are proud to have one of the world's greatest-ever female singers join our show,” said IDOL creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “Mariah defines the word 'Idol' and will inspire every singer that has the honor of performing in front of her."

Mariah who is currently recording a new album, shares the network's enthusiasm with a  paycheck rumored to be as high as $17 million.

“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” she said in a statement. “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.”

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