American Idol has announced Mariah Carey as the newest addition to its judging panel.

One of the best-selling female recording artists of all time, Carey is a five-time Grammy Award-winning global superstar with more than 200 million records sold worldwide and more No. 1 songs than any solo artist in history; her 18 Billboard No. 1 singles (17 of which Carey wrote) rival all but The Beatles.

Following the recent departure of Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler from the Idol judging panel, Carey joins the series when it returns next January.

“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,” said Mariah. “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.”

“We are proud to have one of the world's greatest-ever female singers join our show,” said Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “Mariah defines the word 'Idol' and will inspire every singer that has the honor of performing in front of her.”

With a distinct five-octave vocal range, prolific songwriting and producing talent, Carey has defined the modern pop performance. As a singer/songwriter/producer, she has been recognized with five Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, Billboard’s Artist of the Decade Award, the World Music Award for World’s Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium and BMI’s Icon Award, to name a few.


Mariah Carey





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