Mariah Carey has officially become the highest paid judge in reality television.
Forget about retired “Idol” judge Jennifer Lopez’s measly $12 million paycheck; Carey’s new “American Idol” deal is worth nearly $18 million, according to TMZ – and that’s just for one year! That makes her the new highest paid reality judge, blowing away “X Factor’s” Britney Spears by a cool $3 million.
Mariah tweeted about joining the show, saying, “It’s gonna be so much fun working on American Idol. As a singer-songwriter, I’m excited to help find and nurture new talent. LYM! – MC”
I guess “Idol” can afford it, now that Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are out, but is she worth it?