Entertainment TV Mariah Carey Will Make $18 Million on 'American Idol' The freshly minted judge's contract also includes an option to renew, a source tells PEOPLE By Alison Schwartz and Liz McNeil Published on July 24, 2012 09:30 AM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty The newest face at the judges’ table is taking home the biggest paycheck. Mariah Carey, who has officially signed on to join American Idol, will reportedly earn about $18 million for the season. “Her deal is rumored to be just under $18 million for one year with an option to renew,” a source familiar with the negotiation tells PEOPLE. Carey, 43, will reportedly be the highest paid judge on any reality show. POLL: American Idol: Will Mariah Carey Be a Tougher Judge Than Jennifer Lopez? With Lopez – whose exit had nothing to do with dollar signs, said a source – Steven Tyler and potentially Randy Jackson out of the mix, Carey’s panel companions (and their pay rates) have yet to be confirmed. “It’s gonna be so much fun working on @AmericanIdol,” Carey Tweeted Monday when her new gig was made official. “As a singer-songwriter, I’m excited to help find and nurture new talent.” And Carey isn’t the only one who pulls in serious pay on reality TV. According to reports, Christina Aguilera will make about $10 million on the third season of The Voice. Howard Stern’s turn as a judge on America’s Got Talent came with a $15 million paycheck. Money aside, Carey is “totally elated,” adds the source. “She’s in the studio, and she’s getting ready to record the video for her new single, “Triumphant” – certainly an appropriate title, and it was written before the deal.” Mariah Carey Is Joining American Idol as a Judge