At the Television Critics Association tour on Monday, Fox president Kevin Reilly announced that Carey has joined the Idol team, as has been rumoured for several months.

Carey was not present personally, as Reilly indicated the deal had just been finalized a few hours previously. But as Reilly was addressing reporters, he called Carey on the phone and got her to say a few words.

"I am so excited to be joining Idol," Carey said. "I wanted to be there today. This all kind of just happened. "I can't wait to get started in a couple of months and I'll see you in January."

Steven Tyler officially has left the Idol judging team, while Reilly also indicated it's "100%" certain that Jennifer Lopez will not be back.

"Nobody was slamming doors on anybody in this project," Reilly said.

Carey is a five-time Grammy Award-winner with more than 200 million records sold worldwide. Still, in the official Fox release, Carey quickly jumped on the idea that being an Idol judge can help maintain, or boost, her career at age 42.

"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 said. "I'm currently in the studio working on my new album and its first single, Triumphant, which will be out early next month.

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