Mariah Carey to join American Idol judging panel

Singer Mariah Carey joins the show after Steven Tyler and J-Lo quit as judges Credit: Reuters

Mariah Carey is joining the judging panel of American Idol after two high profile departures.

The show, which will begin its 12th series in the US next year, has been looking for a new judge since Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez left.

The show's new signing was announced by Fox Television executive Kevin Reilly.

According to Digital Spy the announcement was made at the Television Critics Association's summer press tour.

A phone call between Carey and Reilly was played to the audience where she reportedly said:

MSNBC has more from Mariah Carey on their website|utmccn=(direct)|utmcmd=(none)&utmv=14933801.|8=Earned%20By=msnbc%7Ccover=1^12=Landing%20Content=Mixed=1^13=Landing%20Hostname=www.nbcnews.com=1^30=Visit%20Type%20to%20Content=Internal%20to%20Mixed=1&utmk=73421458).

Fox executive Mike Darnell praised Mariah's incredible career:

Check MSNBC's website for news surrounding original judge's Randy Jackson's future|utmccn=(direct)|utmcmd=(none)&utmv=14933801.|8=Earned%20By=msnbc%7Ccover=1^12=Landing%20Content=Mixed=1^13=Landing%20Hostname=www.nbcnews.com=1^30=Visit%20Type%20to%20Content=Internal%20to%20Mixed=1&utmk=73421458).