UPDATE:

It’s official! Mariah Carey is going to be a judge on season 12 of American Idol. The deal has been signed and in a statement she said, “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.

Carey continues saying, "I can't wait to channel my creative energy as a part of this show which is a massive global phenomenon."

Simon Fuller, creator and executive producer of Idol said he is "proud to have one of the world's greatest-ever female singers join our show. Mariah defines the word 'Idol' and will inspire every singer that has the honor of performing in front of her."