Mariah Carey was a frontrunner in many books for the American Idol gig.  Her husband, Nick Cannon, last week had mentioned that AI could not afford her, asking for double what Jennifer Lopez was making.  REEEEEEEaaalllyyy….

 Kevin Reilly, Fox’s entertainment president, made the announcement at the Fox executive session panel at the Television Critic’s Association Summer Press Tour.

Reilly called Carey after the announcement was made and he put her on speakerphone.  How TRENDY!!!

“I’m so excited to be joining ‘Idol.’ I wanted to be there today and I wish I could’ve been there myself to tell you,” Carey told the audience.  “It happened really quickly. I can’t wait to get started in a couple months.  Everybody have a great TCA and I will see you in January.”

No word on how much she will be making.  Yet.