Mariah Carey is heading to ‘American Idol’.
Yes, after weeks of speculation -and a questionable soundbite from the icon’s husband Nick Cannon – today saw TV Guide confirm the report many an ‘Idol‘ worshiper had been hoping for.
Full story below…
Fox president Kevin Reilly confirms @MariahCarey will be joining @AmericanIdol this coming season #TCAS12 #Fox
— TV Guide (@TVGuide) July 23, 2012
.@MariahCarey via cellphone to Kevin Reilly: “I am so excited to be joining #Idol. … I can’t wait to get started.”#TCAS12 #Fox
— TV Guide (@TVGuide) July 23, 2012
Fox’s Kevin Reilly says judge Randy Jackson was “very instrumental” in bringing @MariahCarey on board @AmericanIdol #TCAs12 #Fox
— TV Guide (@TVGuide) July 23, 2012
The above Tweets were posted by TV Guide. Com were in response to comments made by Idol’s Kevin Reilly at the Teen Choice Awards 2012, confirming Carey’s joining of the show.
Set to replace ‘Papi‘ singer Jennifer Lopez, Mariah’s new role is set to coincide with the launch of her upcoming LP, which is to be produced by manager/ long running ‘Idol’ judge Randy Jackson.
So, with Britney on ‘X Factor’, Christina on ‘The Voice’ and Mariah on ‘Idol’, we’d say television just got a whole lot more interesting.
92 COMMENTS
TIMMI
July 23, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Don’t know how I feel about Mariah joining AI she’s too big a superstar…
But all I know is she is going to SLAY this era.
#Mimi2012
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Honestly Speaking
July 23, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Congratulations and good for her! AI is the perfect platform for which to promote her next album and simultaneously remind the younger generation exactly who she is and where she fits into today’s music market. All they need to do now is add Patti and Aretha to that panel and they can count on another viewer for this upcoming season.
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number1k9
July 23, 2012 at 3:03 pm
I agree with all you say about MC. Patti and Aretha part, no. They won’t have two females on panel. You think MC will allow that? ? ?
If I were her, I wouldn’t!
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Virtuoso Intellect
July 23, 2012 at 2:33 pm
I didnt want her to do this but just imagining what her comments would be like again resurged my interest in this flatlined show. I still ain watching though. I’ll just look up Mimi clips on youtube. Does this means Aretha is out of the running? 2 REAL divas on a judging panel is 1 too much I’m afraid lol.
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Honestly Speaking
July 23, 2012 at 2:40 pm
You wouldn’t know much about real performers or musicians in general considering who your fave is and how desperate she is to be considered something other than a flop wannabe relevant Hispanic baby adopting hoe.
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Virtuoso Intellect
July 23, 2012 at 3:00 pm
YAWN ……
U and your Beyonce-obsessed delirious mind need to sit your ass on a therapist’s couch. Someone’s who’s paid to hear you lament about Beyonce. I dont give a monkey’s ass what u think.
Signed
- Proud Beyonce Fan
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MC
July 23, 2012 at 3:28 pm
can you imagine if both Aretha and Mimi were in idol together….i don’t think the world is ready for that lol
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Virtuoso Intellect
July 23, 2012 at 3:38 pm
Lol they ain at all. Ratings gold ! Though i’d feel sorry for the hopefuls, these divas would completely steal the show. It could also get messy with one tryna out-wit the other. The show should just be re-named America’s diva ….. Off. Lol
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MC
July 23, 2012 at 3:43 pm
@Virtuoso Intellect lol!
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I'm not throwing shade, but...
July 23, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Its a good lock but she’ll need to tone it down because she can be nuff. I also hope that they get her a stylist because to be honest she cant dress herself
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number1k9
July 23, 2012 at 3:01 pm
LMFAO, of course they will give her a stylist! ! !
Mimi’s isn’t known to be a fashionista like J.Lo! Ah ha! And I’m even sure she had one!
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lucifer
July 23, 2012 at 8:13 pm
whats w/ AI and hiring has been divas? paula, jlo now this. waste of $ as their ratings are way down. they should have gotten someone to compete with britney
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JJFan1814
July 23, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Ehhhhh…………………She’s gonna become relevant again and then leave.
Bet on it.
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YESIDIDBITCH
July 23, 2012 at 2:38 pm
YEs Mariah,now drop the album,and silence these hoeS!!!!!
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Heh
July 23, 2012 at 2:39 pm
Desperate. The judges seat at American Idol is where has been’s go to get a few last gasps of fame.
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@TheIndiigo
July 23, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Mariah is the QUEEN.
QUEEN = LEGACY.
LEGACY = UNWAVERING RELEVANCY.
Sit, roach.
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Heh
July 23, 2012 at 7:54 pm
I don’t give a fuck about nothing you just said. Your cheap stan hat is tacky and out of style…just like Mariah, herself.
Since it bothered you so much before, I’ll repeat:
Desperate. The judges seat at American Idol is where has been’s go to get a few last gasps of fame.
Don’t like what I said? Chew on it until you choke.
Speaking of roaches, being who you are, I’m sure you know all about them. There’s probably at least two of them crawling on your wall right now as you read this. Section 8 pigeon.
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China
July 23, 2012 at 2:40 pm
Get Money BITCH
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NaQu
July 23, 2012 at 2:41 pm
Um…they should have learned by now that Mariah on TV is a train wreck waiting to happen.
Anybody wanna start an office pool on how long it’ll be before she shows up drunk?
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BEYONCE'S WEAVE
July 23, 2012 at 2:44 pm
I’m just happy American Idol snatched her off Simon Cowell, and after flimsy X-Factor ratings (which will most likely be beaten by the voice) and a successful season of American Idol, it’ll be fun to hear Simon Cowell bitch about how Mariah Carey was stolen from him. Cant wait for the fireworks to begin.
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number1k9
July 23, 2012 at 2:59 pm
It’s obv she is better friends with Randy Jackson.
Still is funny!
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DANCE!
July 23, 2012 at 3:11 pm
Simon also asked JLo and she also picked Idol over him! Lmao! Not a good look for him lol
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BEYONCE'S WEAVE
July 23, 2012 at 3:31 pm
oh no…lmao
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number1k9
July 23, 2012 at 6:49 pm
THAT IS TRUE! ! !
Hilarious! And J.Lo went with her heart because she truly did love American Idol, and thats why she was such a perfect fit for the show! Best female judge to date for the show IMO!
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Mary-Ann Tatum
July 23, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Being J-Ho’s sloppy seconds? Damn Mimi, you are too big for this show, your rep will be tarnished forever.
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Theman4u
July 23, 2012 at 2:53 pm
SO much for her fans saying she was to big for the show and she didn’t need it, of course now they will say it was a smart move and good decision. So those who said JLo was a has-been for doing it, do what does make Mariah?
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Common Sense
July 23, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Well she is too big for it and she doesn’t REALLY need it, but it is a smart move and a good decision. She makes easy money for sitting there and commenting on karaoke singer while promoting her music. It’s a win-win.
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bob
July 23, 2012 at 6:22 pm
agreed x
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MC
July 23, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Don’t put Mariah and J lo in the same sentence ever again, okay? They don’t and won’t ever compare.
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mobwife
July 23, 2012 at 4:51 pm
THIS RIGHT HERE!
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number1k9
July 23, 2012 at 2:56 pm
It is the perfect platform for someone like her. . .
I just hope her personality translates as someone who is likeable rather than the obnoxious diva (who many won’t like).
It will be interesting watching her. Makes sense now for Randy to stay, the’re friends.
BUT imagine that awkward 3rd judge, who won’t be in on their friendship! LOL! ! !
Also I could imagine Ryan Seacrest and MC having bad chemistry. Guess we will see.
I Still vote final judge to be Jimmy Iovine!
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JohnVidal(RIP Whitney-truegreat)
July 23, 2012 at 2:58 pm
haha yeah that´s right! Simon Cowell must be a little upset about this. He couldn´t get Mariah no matter how many ways he tried
It seems Mariah knows AI is bigger. Simple as that. I also read she is making this so she can promote without having to travel that much, she wants her twins to stay in one place, like Celine Dion did. Overall it is a smart decision
I wasn´t feeling it cos she is too big but it is definitely good for her on a personal level. And being honest I can´t imagine a better judge
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TheMan4u
July 23, 2012 at 2:58 pm
So much for those fans who said she was to big for idol and didn’t need it, of course now they will say it is a smart move and great idea. So those who said JLo was a has-been for doing the show, what does that make Mariah?
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JohnVidal(RIP Whitney-truegreat)
July 23, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Pointless shade. Are u trying to say JLo is on a Mariah Carey level???? JLo didn´t have a career (and she keeps on almost not having it). Mariah has one, she at least goes gold everytime, but she decided to do this cos is a perfect opportunity to make many things work at once
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DANCE!
July 23, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Then why is Mariah getting paid the same amount as JLo if she is so much better? lol
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Common Sense
July 23, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Mariah is getting paid the max amount that they can pay given the ratings fall. But the entire world (with a working brain) knows that Mariah is indisputably better than J.Ho.
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ThéLourson
July 23, 2012 at 3:58 pm
@DANCE : She is NOT paid the same amount…
JLo was paid $12 million, then comes Britney with $15 million, and Mariah who signed for $17 million.
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number1k9
July 23, 2012 at 4:37 pm
You are ONLY speaking the truth.
It even looks worse on Mariah’s part, because regardless if she gets paid more, she did it AFTER J.Lo!
Either way get your money and to each raise your twins!
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Suicide Blonde
July 23, 2012 at 3:11 pm
Oops!…..she would be the biggest bitch on tv, more bitchy than ever, i imagine her saying, gurl you can’t sing, simple as that, first Bieber and now Idol, at least other veterans are touring and making fun of younger wannabes.
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JohnVidal(RIP Whitney-truegreat)
July 23, 2012 at 3:23 pm
Nicki Minaj for a lead single who still flopped of your own album is very similar to Justin Beiber for a song who at least is not on your album hun
Madonna better do the yoga spectacle so we can all go and dance and not judge TALENT. Oops haha
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Suicide Blonde
July 23, 2012 at 6:44 pm
Haha, you see John, your last comment on a Madonna and J.Lo post was mean, so it’s mine now.
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JohnVidal(RIP Whitney-truegreat)
July 23, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Still like and respect Madonna… but you started this, it´s your fault New York boy
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Suicide Blonde
July 23, 2012 at 6:50 pm
John, i still love you, fuck Madge and Mimi, don’t let them come between us.
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mobwife
July 23, 2012 at 4:50 pm
LOL, true!!
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China
July 23, 2012 at 4:54 pm
Are you Mad that Mariah shaded your old ass fave, its okay that was a long time ago!
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MC
July 23, 2012 at 5:13 pm
lol! that was the perfect shade
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Mafalo
July 23, 2012 at 8:06 pm
Are you mad that Janet hasn’t had a hit in over a decade and now has to play supermarket openings and casinos because she’s no longer relevant enough for stadiums and arenas? That’s actually not okay, but what can you do?
Speaking of shade…NOBODY’s shade was better than the shade Eminem gave Mariah with “The Warning.” Mariah is still trying to pick up her ass from that one.
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L21480
July 23, 2012 at 8:27 pm
What Eminem did to Mariah on “The Warning” wasn’t shade. It was more like an Ike Turner style bitch slap.
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when stars fade
July 23, 2012 at 3:12 pm
This is an last minute attempt to keep mariah relevent. Nothing wrong with that….I guess. Some stans need to know it happens to the best and most popular…..Stars do fade.
Mariah has mad respect from me and millions. However just ask aretha what respect gets you on the charts Now a days…
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theman
July 23, 2012 at 4:24 pm
Mariah is always relevant all of her albums are certified, her last one had a hit single on it, that statement is completely absurd….
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bobby d
July 23, 2012 at 3:17 pm
this is gonna be awesome!!
GO MIMI!
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pat
July 23, 2012 at 3:29 pm
wow!! great set up. Mariah is about to slay everyone’s fav’s next era.
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Todd
July 23, 2012 at 3:29 pm
Oh my Mimi ! I was worried first, now im happy ! Just drop the single and grace us with ur talent !
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TAYLOR SWIFTS NUMBER 1 FAN!!!
July 23, 2012 at 3:33 pm
Dont know why’d she wanna join a show thats on the way out.
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Jazz
July 23, 2012 at 3:35 pm
I’m curious about this (hoping it sticks) but I’m willing to watch and see. And I hope she reminds people that she was an amazing vioce ,talent , hit selling, music making artist ( in others words the “beyonce” of the 90s) and can still make damn good music today.
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@TheIndiigo
July 23, 2012 at 3:36 pm
You fools keep forgetting that Mariah doesn’t need them….THEY need Mariah.
I’m happy that the QUEEN made a good business choice. She’s gonna slay.
#teamMariah
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number1k9
July 23, 2012 at 4:43 pm
If Idol NEEDS Mariah, then how come X Factor looks on its way to being just fine without her and scooped up Britney.
Mariah Carey is NOT the only big star, artist with a great voice in the world.
Now if it was year 2000 I would say perfect choice, and at her perfect peak period. But in 2012, she is only remembered as the great artist from the 90s, who has had hits here and there in the 2000s-present, but struggled to do so.
Still she is a big star and good for her.
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MC
July 23, 2012 at 3:37 pm
What have you done Mimi? Now I have to start watching Idol just for you. *sighs* Still love you though.
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NewF*YorkBabe.
July 23, 2012 at 3:37 pm
Can’t wait for a weekly dose of MC!!
She’ll be hilarious I bet, She’s so funny and can really judge a talent based on TALENT … not theory like JLo (she should never have judged a singing competition, she shoulda been one So You think You Can Dance etc.)
This’ll a game changer for Mariah. Bet Simon Cowell is PISSED. LOL!!
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christinastherealtalent
July 23, 2012 at 3:57 pm
I’m still on the edge about Britney judging other people on their talent. So ironic. Now Mariah and Christina have a place to tell somebody they can’t song or dance but Britney, she has no room to be saying any of that to anybody. From what we’ve seen so far, everything Britney has said sounds scripted or like she was coached on how to talk. Meanwhile mariah and Christina know what to say without having to be coached bevause they know what they’re talking about.
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mobwife
July 23, 2012 at 4:45 pm
Please have a sit –> __/
Britney’s doing just fine! Let’s just hope Xtina continues doing the same.
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christinastherealtalent
July 23, 2012 at 4:50 pm
Oh please don’t go there. Christinas going on her 3rd season with the Voice. Britneys just getting started. Christinas doing just fine. With a new season, new single, new album, and new tour on the way, Christinas comeback is bound to be bigger than Britneys. But Britney still cannot make her own decisions or find work without needing approval from her fiance or dad first and thats sad. If anything, Britney has a lot to worry about and we all know the only reason Simon wanted Britney is because of her name alone.
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Josh
July 23, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Hahahaha
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MC
July 23, 2012 at 5:14 pm
what’s so funny?
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honest
July 23, 2012 at 4:24 pm
Mariah you don’t need American Idol. They need you. I feel sorry for people during auditions because Mariah will go in. She is such a DIVA but i love it. Her attitude is rude cute and funny all at the same time.
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Jessie
July 23, 2012 at 4:25 pm
She’s literally the only reason why I will finally watch the show now(:
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mobwife
July 23, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Wait….what? 0_O
I thought her husband and everyone on every blog said Mariah Carey wouldn’t do a show like American Idol or X-Factor b/c it would be beneath her to do shows like these? “She’s too big, too important , they couldn’t afford her, blah, blah”……give it to Janet Jackson or Anita Baker (A true legend).
Oh well, see you on AI Mimi!
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China
July 23, 2012 at 4:49 pm
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Mad-On-Her
July 23, 2012 at 4:49 pm
So who are the pop icons left who have enough respect not to dilute their legacy with these shows?
Madonna, Gaga, Beyonce.
I’m not adding Celine, Janet or Cher because it’s probably only a matter of time for them.
It’s sad. I expected better from Mariah. Hers is the worst. J Lo was fine because at the time (and still now really) she was irrelevant. Christina was fine because she was the first megastar to do it, and because it was The Voice it fitted her perfectly. Britney was fine because we’ve seen bad decision’s tend to help her career rather than hinder it. But Mariah? That’s the first time one of these signings has made my heart sink.
She will be the best judge of all though.
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angel d
July 23, 2012 at 4:54 pm
Well..first things first congrates mimi
second yes she can sing better than jlo , but dont get it twisted mimi stans jlo was there first chilling with mimis own manager, who said she can sing! So cut the bull!! Throw shade at jlo all u want but, she threw on her highest heals and set another trend for other girls to follow ! Kisess mimi 
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That B*tch
July 23, 2012 at 5:01 pm
I honestly didn’t think Mariah needed American Idol, if anything they needed her more than she needs them but at least she’s getting paid.
Congrats Mimi.
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JER
July 23, 2012 at 5:32 pm
DAMN! She’s only doing it to elevate her new album DUHHHH. With American Idol this new album better go PLATINUM when all is said and done, and we better see a HUGE first week for her
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China
July 23, 2012 at 5:59 pm
MOVIN ON UP
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MC
July 23, 2012 at 6:30 pm
just watched it! it was really good
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Tbozfan10
July 23, 2012 at 6:00 pm
2012 is the year of big stars officially changing the face of these singing competition reality shows. I mean, Britney Spears and Mariah Carey are both iconic in every sense of the word. Obviously neither is at the peak of their career, but either could easily go on a world tour and do pretty decent numbers. Formerly these TV show gigs were for big stars who had fallen off MAJORLY like Paula Abdul, Jennifer Lopez or Christina Aguilera. The gig was needed to boost their career back into gear and worked like a charm for the most part. And that’s not shade either it’s just a fact.
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number1k9
July 23, 2012 at 6:47 pm
Idol didn’t help Paula’s music career really 1 bit. Failed singles released over her 8 year tenure.
Mariah is hoping Idol exposure helps her album too. She may be a big star, but she is still banking on it selling her album. So in ways she is no different than Xtina or J.Lo wanting the exposure to help their music careers.
#FACT!
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Monstarebel
July 23, 2012 at 6:13 pm
ugh I’m so against this American idol is a sinking ship like who really still watches I’d rather her be on a more new show like xfactor ugh either way Congrats MIMI I LOVE U & CANT WAIT UNTIL THE NEW SONG COMES OUT!!!!
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Demarcus
July 23, 2012 at 7:32 pm
The TCA’s stand for Television Critics Association, Not Teen choice Awards. Who does the research for this site?
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Demarcus
July 23, 2012 at 7:33 pm
The TCA’s stand for Television Critics Association, Not Teen choice Awards. Who does the research for this site?
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Uhoh12
July 23, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Ha!!! So desperate and pathetic. But Mariah knew there was no other way to get media to recognize her today unless she did this. She HAD to…
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TheMan4U
July 23, 2012 at 8:12 pm
just like i thought now the lambs are trying to save face and act like they are happy about this, smh, wow how the mighty have fallen and to make matters worse she is following Jlo, the artist the lambs hate the most, OUCH. that cd better be EPIC
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UnMutedOne
July 23, 2012 at 8:19 pm
This is embarrassing for her. Fading diva on her last legs, trying to use reality TV to get the attention that her music can no longer do.
* shrugs *
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Becky Beckinson
July 23, 2012 at 8:24 pm
Mariah is washed up and over. This is just a sad attempt at trying to reclaim some lost relevancy. 64% of the people polled at Sodahead said they weren’t looking forward to her being on Idol.
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Wside5678
July 23, 2012 at 8:35 pm
What’s the matter, she get fired from the Home Shopping Network?
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Anthony
July 23, 2012 at 8:53 pm
When you can’t sell albums on your own anymore, go judge a singing competition.
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MC the place to be!
July 23, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Y’all need to shut up! Mariah is a frickin legend she doesn’t need to do music or American idol this woman net worth is 500-600 million dollars and y’all worried about how she’s gonna stay relevant? Please she’s not on that Beyonce Rihanna level she’s on that Whitney level if anything she’s working because she loves it not because she needs to prove something she already did that in the 90s! Do yo thang mariah don’t faze about these lil ppl that don’t know what u did in music period!
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Vandrea
July 23, 2012 at 9:03 pm
If she doesn’t “need” American Idol, then why did she agree to it? Somebody must have convinced her she’d benefit from it…
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MC the place to be!
July 23, 2012 at 9:16 pm
Well they are paying her money and on top of that she has a CD coming out so I guess in a way a good business deal but if anything its more a want not a need trust me if anything American idol needs her not vice versa mariah career now is just her loving it not selling records or wining awards she already did that what more else is there for her to do except live off her money and be a mom? You gotta love mariah she rises and fall that’s a true celebrity.
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Citygal718
July 23, 2012 at 9:31 pm
You know her career is on its last legs if she’s got to resort to being on American Idol. I guess it was either this or Dancing With the Stars, but we all know that she can’t dance.
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MC
July 23, 2012 at 9:59 pm
Some people on this site just kill me. They talk about Mimi needing this and that and Mimi being a “has been” or “washed up” while they stan for someone like Rihanna lol! you guys kill me. She doesn’t need to prove anything. Half of you would kill for the opportunity to tell someone that they can sing while getting paid 18 million
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Hot Shots: Mariah & More Dazzle At 'Art For Life' Gala | ..::That Grape Juice // ThatGrapeJuice.net::.. || Thirsty?
July 29, 2012 at 4:51 pm
[...] for her new single ‘Triumphant’ today, yet that didn’t stop American Idol‘s newest judge from glamming it up for Russell Simmons’ 13th annual Art for Life gala in New York last [...]
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Why Mariah's 'Triumphant' Return Should Have Waited | ..::That Grape Juice // ThatGrapeJuice.net::.. || Thirsty?
August 11, 2012 at 8:47 am
[...] to the feverish degree that “demands” such a rush-release. What’s more, having signed up to judge ratings juggernaut American Idol, a vast weekly audience awaits Ms. Carey-Cannon when the show kicks off in January. [...]
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