Color me truly shocked for multiple reasons. Firstly, I thought “American Idol” and Mariah Carey were going to draw this thing out as long as the Britney Spears “X Factor” negotiations. Secondly, I thought Idol couldn’t afford Carey as stated by her husband Nick Cannon recently. Lastly, and most importantly, I’m at a loss for words that the show hired a female judge that can actually SING. When a contestant is off-tune or pitchy, the constructive feedback will have much more validity now. Love Paula Abdul and Jennifer Lopez, but vocalists they are not. As mentioned numerous times, AI is a singing competition and Mariah can SAAAAAANNNNGG. Hallelujah.

“Mariah Carey is the real deal. Not only is she one of the best-selling artists and performers on the planet and one of the world’s most gifted vocalists, she also is a successful songwriter, record producer and actress,” Mike Darnell, president of alternative entertainment at Fox, said in a statement. “She has a deep knowledge of music and a career insight that will make her a really amazing asset to our judges’ table and to our contestants. It’s the dream of almost everyone who auditions for ‘Idol’ to sing like Mariah and we couldn’t be happier to have her be part of the show.”

Prior to Carey officially joining Idol, her name has been thrown around as a possible option for several seasons. She was even a potential judge for “The X Factor” as well. I wonder, what finally prompted the 42-year-old singer to agree to commit to a reality show? Perhaps, it’s to promote her upcoming studio album and new single, “Triumphant“. Or maybe it’s the substantial paycheck which is reportedly in the $12-17 million dollar range. Whatever the reason, I’m really looking forward to Mimi joining the show.

“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,’ ” Mariah Carey said in a statement. “I’m currently in the studio working on my new album and its first single, ‘Triumphant,’ which will be out early next month. I can’t wait to channel my creative energy as a part of this show which is a massive global phenomenon.”

With Mariah locked in, does this mean that Randy Jackson is staying for a thirteenth season. The two are really good friends and frequent collaborators. Personally, I hope the show starts fresh and adds two brand new judges with Carey. That being said, I hope Jimmy Iovine stays on as a mentor. His critiques on the results show are one of the best parts of the program.

What do you think of Mrs. Nick Cannon joining? Do you think she can rescue Idol’s declining viewership? Are you looking more forward to Carey on “American Idol“, Spears on “The X Factor” or another round of Aguilera on “The Voice“? Sound off below.

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