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Nick Cannon Was Wrong: American Idol Secures Mariah Carey As Judge

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UPDATED(4:35pmEST)-Nick Cannon once publicly stated Mariah Carey was too big for American Idol – he was wrong. Fox just confirmed the news that they have successfully signed Mariah Carey to be the a judge for season 12. her contract is reportedly worth $17 million.

Mariah Carey can now declare herself an official ‘Icon,’ as she will be honored at the BMI Urban Awards as a BMI Icon on Sept. 7.

The award goes to an artist who has influenced generations in urban music. Broadcast Music, Inc. is a music rights management company that represents more than 500,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers.

Carey joins past BMI honorees like The Jacksons, James Brown and Al Green.

Over the course of her two-decade career, Carey has sold more than 200 million records worldwide, with 18 number one singles, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), she is the third-best-selling female artist in the United States, with 63 million certified albums. Carey has won five Grammy Awards.

The resume reads like the perfect fit for an American Idol judge. The songstress is actively being pursued by Fox to be a judge on American Idol, in addition to Janet Jackson, Katy Perry, will.i.am, Kanye West, and Fergie. Sources say Carey is deep into her talks with Fox and could make as much as Jennifer Lopez, who started at $12 million a season and made $15 million the second year. Despite reports that Randy Jackson will exit, insiders now expect him to stay, especially Carey comes on board (Jackson manages the pop singer).

A source revealed Sunday that Mariah is an Idol fanatic! “Mariah hardly misses an episode of ‘Idol.’ Even when she’s on the road, she makes sure it’s recorded so she can watch it later.”

Sounds like a win-win! Not to mention Mariah can promote her new music including her latest single ‘Triumphant’ featuring Rick Ross and even have more time to spend with her husband Nick Cannon on their twins.

Congrats to Mariah on her pending Icon award – looking forward to seeing her on Idol!

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