Posted on 07/23/2012 4:15:35 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Mariah Carey will join “American Idol” as a judge next season, Fox announced Monday, bringing her star power to the show that remains a ratings leader but has seen its viewership and pop culture status diminish.
“I am so excited to be joining ‘Idol,’” said Carey, addressing the Television Critics Association via Fox entertainment chief Kevin Reilly’s cell phone, which he put on speaker for the hotel ballroom meeting.
She couldn’t be on hand with the group because “this kind of all just happened really quickly,” Carey said in her brief remarks. “I can’t wait to get started in the fall. .... and I will see you in January.”
The show, which saw judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez exit at the end of last season, will be back on the air for season 12 in January.
Reilly called Carey “the biggest recording artist that any of these (talent) shows has ever had,” adding that she was the “artist that many of these contestants have tried to emulate, have tried some of the songs, have tried to hit the notes.”
Playing the drama up, Reilly dialed Carey’s number and put her on speaker.
“Hi Mariah. How are you? It’s Kevin,” he said. “We do have the deal, don’t we?”
“Yes!” Carey replied.
Reilly said he was “thrilled” to confirm reports that Carey was being courted by Fox and said the deal was freshly signed within the last few hours.
The exit of Tyler and Lopez left original judge Randy Jackson and started a guessing game about potential replacements, with Carey at the top of the list.
As one of music’s best-selling singers, she could provide the clout “American Idol” needs to compete in an increasingly crowded talent show field.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
I’m not a big AI fan - but during the season, I do check in on it every now and then.
I’m OK with Mariah Carey - both in terms of looks and musical talent.
I have an idea for a replacement for Steven Tyler though. How ‘bout Billy Idol? He’s probably smoothed out some of his rougher edges from the 80’s. He might be a good judge.
We really need a Simon Cowell type of judge. That’s what makes the show entertaining.
Because it’s all about the judges, and not the contestants.
The perfect Cowell-type guy would be "Johnny Rotten", and I really mean that. After all, he even admitted that back when he was with the Sex Pistols, he was an ABBA fan. He would definitely be brutally honest.
Actually, much of it IS about the judges.
It takes a brutal one to dash dreams and keep expectations real. All the kids on that show think they’ve got what it takes to be stars. A panel of complimentary judges who are afraid to hurt feelings make for a boring show.
Simon has been missed.
Didn’t he have a show on VH1 at one time? Yes, I agree - John Lydon would be awesome but I’m sure he’d never do it!
“...We really need a Simon Cowell type of judge....”
How about Sherriff Joe Arpaio?
Jello Biafra?
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