Mariah Carey to be American Idol judge

The singer, 42, has signed up to join the US reality TV show after Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler quit the panel earlier this month.

Mariah said in a statement: "As a singer, songwriter and producer, 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."

Fox entertainment chief Kevin Reilly announced the news yesterday as he addressed America's Television Critics Association.

During the meeting, Mr Reilly rang Mariah up and put her on speakerphone.

She said: "I am so excited to be joining Idol. I can't wait to get started in the fall... and I will see you in January."

She explained why she couldn't be there in person: "I wanted to be there today and I wish I could've been there to tell you, but I think you know this all kind of just happened real quickly."

Old look panel ... Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson

Creator and executive producer Simon Fuller said: “We are proud to have one of the world's greatest-ever female singers join our show.

“Mariah defines the word 'Idol' and will inspire every singer that has the honour of performing in front of her.”

Varying reports say the mum-of-two could rake in between $12-17million (£7-11m) a season.

Her husband Nick Cannon, who hosts talent show America's Got Talent, joked last week that he wouldn't let his wife leave the house for less than $100million (£64m).

Mariah will sit on the panel with original judge Randy Jackson.

It is still unknown if they will be joined by a third judge, but reports have suggested Black Eyed Peas stars will.i.am and Fergie and former Idol contestants Carrie Underwood and Adam Lambert could be in the running for the job.

Mariah is one of the top-selling artists of all time, with more than 200million records sold and 18 No.1 singles.