Mariah Carey As 'American Idol' Judge: 'Real Advice, Real Criticism'

It's official: Mariah Carey will be a judge on the next season of "American Idol." The singer will reportedly bank a $17 million payday to sit on the show's famed judging panel, and according to one-time "Idol" contestant Haley Reinhart, the chart-topping, butterfly-loving pop superstar is worth every penny.

"I think that that's fantastic, Mariah Carey joining the panel," season 10 singer Reinhart told about the show's latest casting shakeup. "She knows what it's all about. She's got the golden voice. I think that out of a lot of different people, she would be the diva to stand there and be able to give people real advice, real criticism."

There had been a number of names attached to the seat vacated by Jennifer Lopez. And with Steven Tyler's seat still empty, there are lots of names floating around as possible contenders, including "Idol" runner-up and season eight contestant Adam Lambert. But, whoever does end up sitting there, there's one Black Eyed Pea who can't wait to check out Carey next season: "She's fresh," will.i.am said. "I like her."

It's not only the industry that's excited about the diva joining the show. Carey herself tweeted about the news shortly after Fox's announcement during the Television Critics Association summer press tour. "It's gonna be so much fun working on @AmericanIdol," she wrote. "As a singer-songwriter, I'm excited to help find and nurture new talent."

She's also got the co-sign from the show's host, Ryan Seacrest, who tweeted his love for the pick. "Welcome to the fam @MariahCarey!!" he shared after the news broke. "When u and @nickcannon need a date night, I'm happy to strap on the double baby bjorn."

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