It has been confirmed that Mariah Carey is to join American Idol as a judge.

The singer tweeted: "It's gonna be so much fun working on @AmericanIdol. As a singer-songwriter, I'm excited to help find and nurture new talent."

The move comes after Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez revealed they were leaving the reality show.

It is thought that Carey's salary will be more than $12 million, the amount Lopez was paid when she first joined the show. There are reports it could be as much as £17 million.

The 42-year-old will be joining the 12th season of American Idol.