Following speculation that she would be a part of the panel for the upcoming season, the official announcement was made earlier today that Mariah Carey would indeed be a judge on “American Idol” for it’s 12th season.

According to reports, Mimi was the biggest contender to join the judges’ table to fill chairs left by both Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler earlier this month. No word as to who will fill chair #3, but it is rumored that Randy Jackson will not be leaving, as previously thought (this would make sense considering he and Mariah’s close friendship; they worked together on many of her albums).

Fox entertainment president spoke about the addition at a press conference in Beverly Hills. “It’s an artist many contestants have tried to emulate, tried to hit the songs, hit the notes. [The deal] only concluded only hours ago.”

More info after the jump.

Although she officially quit, there was still a small hope that Jennifer Lopez would somehow still return for the season, but with the signing of Carey (who apparently is getting somewhere between $15 and 18 million (that should make Nick happy) ), that hope is officially lost (which is good considering Mariah and J. Lo have had a long-standing feud).

Mimi Tweeted her excitement about joining the show: “It’s gonna be so much fun working on American Idol. As a singer-songwriter, I’m excited to help find and nurture new talent. LYM (love you much)!”

One person not so “on board”: Simon Cowell, who oddly enough wanted Mimi to be a part of his “X-Factor” before it’s first season, but talks fell through. Although he eventually said she would be a great fit, he commented that it might be “difficult to say ‘no’ [to contestants],”via the same press conference earlier today.

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