Mariah Carey will join ‘American Idol’ as a judge next season, Fox network have announced. Network bosses are hoping that the arrival of Carey will give the failing show a huge boost and increase their viewing figures. "I am so excited to be joining Idol," said Carey, addressing the Television Critics Association via Fox entertainment Chief Kevin Reilly's mobile phone, which he put on speakerphone for the hotel ballroom meeting. Mariah couldn't be on hand with the group because "this kind of all just happened really quickly," Carey said. "I can't wait to get started in the fall... and I will see you in January."

MARIAH EXPECTED TO EARN  €50 MILLION EURO FROM SHOW

American Idol has already lost the last series judges, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez but producers believe that by having one of the biggest and most successful recording artists of all time as a judge will give them a change of fortunes and see it overtake it’s rival X-Factor as the number 1 talent show in the US. Carey is expected to become the highest paid judge in history with reports that she will earn a whopping €50 million euro.