Mariah Carey Finalizing Deal To Judge 'American Idol'

Mariah Carey's songs might officially be off-limits on "American Idol": The diva is reportedly finalizing her contract to become a judge on the singing competition.

According to Deadline, if Carey's deal goes through, she will earn more than $17 million for one season — eclipsing Britney Spears' reported $15 million paycheck for "X Factor."

After last week's "Idol" judging shakeup, which saw Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler head for the exits after two years on the job, Carey was one of the first names rumored to be in the running. The superstar's hubby, Nick Cannon, wasn't sure at the time whether "Idol" had deep enough pockets. "I don't know if they can afford Mariah Carey," Cannon told TMZ on Sunday. "That's a lot of money."

Well, looks like "Idol" might have come through. This isn't the first time Mimi has been rumored as the next "Idol" judge. In 2010, the songstress was reportedly considered for the 10th season after the show originally passed on J.Lo.

If Carey is officially onboard, one big question remains: Who will sit next to her? There's been no word so far about whether lone remaining judge Randy Jackson will stick around for season 12, but Us Weekly reported last week that he is considering a lateral move from judge to mentor on the show.

While everyone from Nicki Minaj to Katy Perry has been proposed as Carey's possible seatmates, one person has thrown her own name in the ring: Aretha Franklin. In an email to CNN, the 70-year-old Queen of Soul expressed some R-E-S-P-E-C-T for "Idol," saying she'd like to come onboard for the 12th season. And according to the news outlet, she wouldn't want to come alone, suggesting Patti LaBelle join her and "Idol" vet Jackson.

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