EXCLUSIVE: I have learned that Mariah Carey is finalizing a deal to join Fox’s American Idol as a new judge. I hear Carey would command a salary of more than $17 million for next season, which would set a new record for talent on a reality series, eclipsing the paycheck of Idol‘s Jennifer Lopez.
Mariah Carey just became the HIGHEST PAID JUDGE in reality television ... because her one-year deal with "American Idol" is worth close to $18 MILLION ... this according to sources connected to "Idol."
Carey's deal dwarfs the contract Jennifer Lopez signed when she joined the judge's table -- J.Lo only scored a measly $12 mil for her first year on the show.
Carey also blows past Britney Spears ... who's making $15 million on "X Factor."
Then in 2010 the singer landed a judge’s chair on American Idol. The job gave her a platform to promote her music and turn her image around. It didn’t hurt that she also split from her husband, Marc Anthony. Suddenly a single mother, Lopez lapped up the media attention and scored lucrative endorsement deals with companies like L’Oreal and Gillette. She now has a line of clothing at Kohl’s, a top-selling fragrance and she was able to secure a nice bump—to $20 million–on her Idol salary for a second season.
For her first season on the show, Lopez earned $15 million. And she did get a raise for her second season, the source says, because Fox understood the value she brought to the series. Her second year salary was $20 million plus bonuses, says the source.
Fear not, Jennifer Lopez fans: the singer is returning to "American Idol" to judge for at least another year, TheWrap has learned through two individuals familiar with the deal.
The pop star will be returning to the singing competition with a contract with the Fox Broadcasting Network that's "a smidge over" $20 million, according to one of the individuals.
Both insiders said the deal is complete but has not yet been signed.
Another insider close to the show denied that a deal was in place.
Others disagreed. The $20 million was apparently the base minimum for Lopez, and after tough negotations with Fox, ended up just above that number.
It's a considerable raise from the $12 million she reportedly raked in for handling judge duties last season.
The relationship between Idol and Lopez has been very mutually beneficial, with Lopez often considered the most popular new addition to the show’s judging team, while the singer’s profile and record sales having climbed from being on the show. Lopez will make a reported $20 million on the show, and signed a one-year contract
She'll be back! After months of negotiation, Jennifer Lopez has inked a $20-million contract with "American Idol." FOX announced Wednesday that the superstar will return to the judges' table in January for the show's 11th season.
I love Britney much more than Mimi, but she certainly deserves the biggest paycheck of any of those famous judges (probably even combined). She is a writer, producer and got a legendary voice as well as endless Hot 100 records.
Why are they paying all these celebrities that much money to judge when their ratings are boosting THAT MUCH.
Shouldn't they focus on improving the show as a whole also?
No one but Mimi.
