Carey Reportedly Earning $18 Million on Idol

Mariah Carey has hit the reality television jackpot…

The 42-year-old part-Venezuelan American will reportedly earn just shy of $18 million as a judge on American Idol, according to People magazine.

Mariah Carey

If that figure holds up, it would make Carey the highest-paid judge on any reality show.

By comparison, Christina Aguilera reportedly makes $10 million for her role on NBC’s The Voice and Britney Spears’ gig on Fox’s The X Factor nets her $15 million.

Meanwhile, Carey’s Idol predecessor Jennifer Lopez reportedly earned $15 million to judge the talent on Fox’s hit singing competition.

Fox confirmed Tuesday that Carey had signed on to be a judge, which begins airing new episodes in January. She subsequently tweeted: “It’s gonna be so much fun working on @AmericanIdol. As a singer-songwriter, I’m excited to help find and nurture new talent. LYM! —MC”

There’s no word yet who will fill the third judge’s seat.

Leave a Reply