Mariah Carey on 'American Idol': Superstar to Replace Jennifer Lopez as Judge on Season 12

Singer Mariah Carey walks on stage at the 2012 BET Awards in Los Angeles, July 1, 2012. (Photo : REUTERS/Phil McCarten)

After losing star judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez for their show "American Idol," Fox went out and topped themselves in finding their replacement.

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Fox announced Monday that Mariah Carey would be joining the panel as one of the judges for season twelve.

 Fox President of Alternative Entertainment Mike Darnell stated that "Mariah Carey is the real deal. Not only is she one of the best-selling artists and performers on the planet and one of the world's most gifted vocalists, she also is a successful songwriter, record producer and actress." He added that Mariah "has a deep knowledge of music and a career insight that will make her a really amazing asset to our judges' table and to our contestants. "

Carey responded with the same enthusiasm in her statement. "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 the best selling diva. "I can't wait to channel my creative energy as a part of this show which is a massive global phenomenon."

Fox's trials and tribulations to prepare for season 12 of the reality TV show hit a wall on July 12 when Steven Tyler announced that he would be ending his term as judge after two years. That blow came as an unexpected surprise as most people were expecting Jennifer Lopez to decline her return. Though Lopez has not confirmed her exit from the show, her agent did state that she was likely not going to return to the program.

The only remaining judge from last year's panel Randy Jackson has not yet announced if he will be back for another season, and there were also rumors this month that he, too, would be leaving.

The show has seen better days as other prominent song contest programs such as "The Voice" and "X-Factor" have grown in popularity over the years. "X-Factor" has made the most prominent news of late by adding diva Britney Spears to its panel of judges. "The Voice" currently has Christina Aguilera as its main diva on the judge panel. Lopez occupied that spot last season, but it is likely that Carey's arrival all but confirms Lopez's exit.

Season 12 kicks off in January 2013.