Mariah Carey must be looking forward to payday.

According to an American Idol insider, Mariah Carey is set to receive $18 per-season of American Idol. The insider spills:

Mariah is getting paid $18 million with a one-year option to do Idol, making her the highest paid judge on any music competition show.

Just, wow.

Carey’s predecessor, Jennifer Lopez, earned about $12 million per season of Idol. Christina Aguiler was able to reportedly negotiate a whopping $10 million for The Voice’s third season, while Britney Spears will bag a total of $16 million for her appearance as judge on X Factor. Mariah Carey said in a statement regarding her new gig:

As a singer, songwriter, and producer, it’s going to be fun and rewarding to help find new talent and give back to American Idol. 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.

Whoa there, looks like Mariah Carey is back in the game!

Photo: Wikipedia