Mariah Carey Nears Deal to Judge 'American Idol'

Will She Be Able to Deliver a Ratings High Note?

Nick Cannon recently signed off from his TV gig as host of America's Got Talent citing medical issues, but it looks like another member of the family will now be heading to the small screen. Nick's wife, Mariah Carey, is reportedly thisclose to signing on to judge the upcoming season of American Idol.

Carey's rumored paycheck: a cool $17 million, which would dwarf the $12 million salary Jennifer Lopez made during her second (and last) season as a judge on the singing competition.

We're sure that's no coincidence given that Carey infamously doesn't consider Lopez in the same class. Upon being told Lopez reportedly sleeps eight hours a night, Carey once retorted: "If I had the luxury of not actually having to sing my own songs, I'd do that, too."

READ: Britney Spears Inks $15 Million Deal to Judge 'X Factor'

But while there's no doubt Carey has the singing chops and industry experience to judge the show, will her gold records and Grammy awards be enough to boost Idol's sinking ratings as it enters its 12th season? Will she need to go into diva mode for viewers to once again consider the show must-see TV?

That remains to be seen. But considering Charlie Sheen could be sitting in the judges seat next Carey's, it looks like producers are still desperately searching for all the headline-grabbing help they can.