It's Official: Mariah Carey Will Join 'American Idol'

Since there seems to be a revolving door leading to the American Idol judges' table, the identities of the next judges to sit in the autocratic seats seem to be a constant topic of speculation. Mariah Carey, 42, is certainly a name that has come up before in talks, and now the new mother of twins Monroe and Moroccan with singer and America's Got Talent host, Nick Cannon, 31, will finally join the Simon Cowell-created American Idol next season, replacing Jennifer Lopez.

It was officially announced on Monday that Carey had signed on for American Idol, and now it's been revealed that she will be taking home a whopping $18 million for the season — reportedly more than existing Idol judge Randy Jackson, the last man standing after Lopez and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler both confirmed that they would not be returing, reports People.

Though Lopez's paycheck was revealed to be around $20 million for her second year, plus bonuses, she only entered the show at $15 million a season, three less than Carey. Lopez's departure apparently had nothing to do with money, a source assured the magazine.

Carey is thrilled to be part of the new American Idol panel. "It's gonna be so much fun working on @AmericanIdol," Carey tweeted on Monday. "As a singer-songwriter, I'm excited to help find and nurture new talent."

American Idol will return to FOX in January.

For more on American Idol and Mariah Carey:

Mariah Carey Gets Gig On Simon Cowell's 'X Factor'

Mariah Carey Joins Simon Cowell's Haiti Single

Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledit, Phillip Phillips Keep On Wowing 'American Idol'

Joshua Ledet, Jessica Sanchez Get Standing Ovations On 'American Idol'

RECAP: 'American Idol' Top 5 Duke It Out

Tyler Perry Speaks Out On Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey And Nick Cannon Welcome Twins

Jennifer Lopez Also Departing 'American Idol'

Jennifer Lopez Buys Boyfriend Casper Smart A Truck

Steven Tyler Leaves 'American Idol' To Focus On Aerosmith