Mariah Carey Officially Becomes New "American Idol" Judge

[JamesG]

Fox Boss: Mariah Carey Joining "American Idol"
Jul 23, 2012
by Joyce Eng


It's official: Mariah Carey is "American Idol's" newest judge.

Kevin Reilly, Fox's president of entertainment, made the announcement Monday at Fox's Television Critics Association fall TV previews after first teasing that he could not confirm any rumors — "except for one thing." He then called Carey, whose deal closed hours ago, to speak.

"I am so excited to be joining Idol," Carey said. "First of all, I wanted to be here today and I wish I could be there myself to tell you. It happened really quickly. I can't wait to get started in a couple of months. ... I will see you in January."





Carey's deal came about quickly and original judge Randy Jackson, Carey's longtime collaborator and co-manager, was "instrumental" in getting the deal done, Reilly said.

He could not say if Jackson would return for Season 12, but confirmed that Jennifer Lopez is exiting the show along with Steven Tyler. "It's 100 percent that Jennifer won't be back to the show," he said.

Lopez's and Tyler's exits were mutual, Reilly said, after all parties decided it was time for a change. "We went into this season, really being very transparent with everyone on the show," he said. "Although we finished the season at the top again ... our ratings were down. Not being the only game in town now, we need to keep things fresh."

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Fox-Mari...4-1050381.aspx