Mariah Carey joins ‘American Idol’ as judge

Mariah Carey has signed on as an official judge for the 12th season of FOX’s American Idol slated for January 2013. It was announced today at the TV Critics Associations Press tour.

MC isn’t new to American Idol, for she served as a mentor to Season 7 contestants. She’ll replace Jennifer Lopez, who–along with Steven Tyler–announced her departure from the show earlier this month.

According to TMZ, Mariah’s one-year contract for close to $18 million will make her the highest paid judge in reality TV.