Mariah Carey has officially joined ‘American Idol‘ as a judge for Season 12, which kicks off in 2013. Congrats not only to Carey but to Fox on this major, major coup. While it seemed that producers had a challenge on their hands in trying to find a suitable A-list replacement for the departing Jennifer Lopez, they outdiva-ed the diva with this addition.

Fox announced at the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour in Beverly Hills today (July 23) that Carey would be boarding the show. Turns out that Randy Jackson, who has been dropping “Yo!,” “Dawg!” and “In it to win it” on the show since it began, is Carey’s co-manager and helped seal the deal.

“I am so excited to be joining ‘Idol,’” Carey said via a phone call to Fox boss Kevin Reilly, moments after he broke the news to the TCA (Television Critics Association) crowd, according to TVLine. She continued, “I wanted to be there today and I wish I could have been there myself to tell you. I can’t wait to get started in a couple months.”

Reilly also confirmed that Lopez is finished, as is Steven Tyler. Both announced their exits earlier this month, with Tyler “cementing” La Lopez’s decision to leave. Could you imagine J. Lo and Mimi on the panel together? That’s def too much diva and too many Louboutins on one show.

Reilly acknowledged the increase in star power that ‘Idol’ just received, especially in a crowded marketplace. “Not being the only game in town now, we needed to keep things fresh. There’s really nothing else we can confirm,” he finished.

Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe had expressed his displeasure over the public search for a judge and how it’s difficult to negotiate properly, given the intense media speculation and scrutiny that follows the show. He said,”There are thousands of names being thrown out and it’s unfair on negotiations. You can’t negotiate with somebody in a public marketplace.” He also mentioned he would like to see the judge’s change each season.

Does the news of Mariah Carey’s appointment to the judge’s panel make you want to watch Season 12 of ‘Idol,’ PopCrushers?

Watch Footage From Mariah Carey Week During ‘American Idol’ Season 7

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