Mariah Carey is Newest Judge on American Idol
Following a tumultuous few weeks, American Idol has hired on Mariah Carey to be its next judge.
The Fox show, which has remained at or near the top of the ratings in the last few years despite a diminishing viewership, saw judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez leave earlier this month, leaving only original judge Randy Jackson on the panel.
“I am so excited to be joining ‘Idol,” said Carey, addressing the Television Critics Association. She said the decision came together really quickly and she “can’t wait to get started in the fall.”
Ryan Seacrest will remain host and Randy Jackson is expected to return as a judge, although officials with the show have not discussed particulars of who else they might bring on or Jackson’s future role with the show, which will be back on the air for its 12th season in January.
Carey’s presence and star power could be a boon for American Idol, which is facing competition from other talent show programs like “The X Factor” and “The Voice,” among others.
Another problem: the series has failed to catapult recent winners into stars like past performers Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.
So two questions: who else should American idol add as a judge and will you watch now that Carey is a judge?
Photo Credit: Sgt. Michael Connors, via Wikimedia Commons
