Report: Mariah Carey to Earn $18 Million Idol Paycheck

Mariah Carey | Photo Credits: AFP/Getty Images

One sweet payday? Mariah Carey will earn just shy of $18 million as a judge on American Idol, People reports.

That makes the singer the highest-paid judge on any reality show. By comparison, Christina Aguilera reportedly makes $10 million for her stint on The Voice and Howard Stern's America's Got Talent gig nets him $15 million, according to People.

Fox Boss: Mariah Carey Joining American Idol

Fox confirmed Tuesday that Carey had signed on to judge the singing competition, which begins airing new episodes in January. She subsequently 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. LYM! —MC"

With former judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez announcing their departures last week, there's no word yet who will fill the third judge's seat.