Mariah Carey Gets $18 Million to Judge 'American Idol' for 1 Year

By Daniel Distant, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Mariah Carey, who was recently recruited to judge singing talent show "American Idol," will reportedly make a staggering $18 million for just one year sitting on the panel, according to the reports. The move makes her the highest-paid judge of any reality show ever made.

Mariah Carey's $18 million payday comes with the option to renew her contract as well, so although she is only locked in for one year, there could be more down the line if she sees fit.

"Her deal is rumored to be just under $18 million for one year with an option to renew," an "American Idol" insider told People magazine.

Though Carey herself has not confirmed the huge payday, the reports match up with her husband's words to TMZ. Nick Cannon said in mid-July that "American Idol" probably didn't have the money to afford his wife- $40 million is "a lot of money."

"I don't know if they can afford Mariah Carey," the entrepreneur surmised. "That's a lot of money. If they gave J.Lo $20 million, they might have to double that!"

Despite his figures being off- Jennifer Lopez reportedly received only $12 million for one year, according to TMZ- the show seems to be prepared to give her close to what he thought. If Carey signs on for another year, she could make at least $36 million.

Mariah tweeted her excitement to be on the show to her 7.5 million followers Monday.

"It's gonna be so much fun working on @AmericanIdol," she posted after the announcement of the deal. "As a singer-songwriter, I'm excited to help find and nurture new talent."

Some reports claim that the diva may not be so easy to work with, however. During her stint as a guest mentor on the show in 2008, she was a "nightmare to work with," claimed a source on "American Idol."

Carey was "not very nice at all," extremely late for her shoot in Beverly Hills, and nitpicky, the insider told TMZ.

Regardless, the show's executives have chosen her to headline their replacement of judges Jennifer Lopez and Stephen Tyler, who will be leaving. Randy Jackson, a longtime staple of the panel, could also be disappearing, some reports say. Carey, though, is "totally elated" about her position, a source told People.

"She's in the studio, and she's getting ready to record the video for her new single, 'Triumphant'- certainly an appropriate title, and it was written before the deal," the confidante explained.