Mariah Carey to Judge “American Idol”
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Jason Merritt/Getty Images For BET(LOS ANGELES) — Mariah Carey is joining the judge’s table of American Idol.
Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly announced the new addition to the Idol team at a Television Critics Association press conference Monday. In a statement released by Fox, Carey said, “it’s going to be fun and rewarding to help find new talent and give back with American Idol. … I can’t wait to channel my creative energy as a part of this show which is a massive global phenomenon.”
“We are proud to have one of the world’s greatest-ever female singers join our show,” Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller said in a statement. “Mariah defines the word ‘Idol’ and will inspire every singer that has the honor of performing in front of her.”
The 5-time Grammy winner isn’t sidelining her recording career for the show. She’s currently working on her new album and its first single, Triumphant, set for release early next month.
Former Idol judges Jennifer Lopez and Stephen Tyler announced they were leaving the reality show earlier this month. Both judged for two seasons. Randy Jackson, who’s been judging the competition from the start, remains on the panel.
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