Ca-Ching! Mariah Carey just became the highest paid judge in reality television by signing a deal said to be worth close to $18 Million to join the judging panel of American Idol. The pop music icon will fill the female diva slot left vacant by Jennifer Lopez‘s departure from the television juggernaut after only 2 seasons. According to TMZ:

“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.’”

News of Jennifer’s exit and Mariah’s new gig on the show comes on the heels of rocker Steven Tyler‘s announcement that he too would be leaving AI. In a statement released last week, the Aerosmith frontman revealed he wanted to return to his “first love,” the band and rock and roll. No word yet on if Randy Jackson (the remaining judge and the only original AI judge left on the panel) will return for another season.

Congrats Mimi!!! Now you have even more millions to spend on dem babies!!!

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