newsmakers

newsmakers

Mariah Carey joins ‘Idol’ as new judge

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.

Mariah Carey will join “American Idol” as a judge next season, Fox announced Monday, bringing her star power to the show that remains a ratings leader but has seen its viewership and pop- culture status diminish.

“I am so excited to be joining ‘Idol,’” said Carey, addressing the Television Critics Association via Fox entertainment chief Kevin Reilly’s cellphone, which he put on speakerphone for the hotel ballroom meeting.

She couldn’t be on hand with the group because “this kind of all just happened really quickly,” Carey said in her brief remarks. “I can’t wait to get started in the fall ... and I will see you in January.”

The show, which saw judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez exit at the end of last season, will be back on the air for season 12 in January.

Reilly called Carey “the biggest recording artist that any of these [talent] shows has ever had,” adding that she was the “artist that many of these contestants have tried to emulate, have tried some of the songs, have tried to hit the notes.”

Reilly said he was “thrilled” to confirm reports that Carey was being courted by Fox and said the deal was freshly signed within the past few hours. According to reports, the Grammy-winning pop star will earn at least $15 million a season.

Cybill Shepherd to marry for 3rd time

NEW YORK

Actress Cybill Shepherd is hoping the third time’s the charm.

The 62-year-old’s publicist confirms Shepherd is planning to marry a former jeweler-turned- psychologist named Andrei Nikolajevic.

News of the engagement first was reported by the Daily News in New York.

Shepherd previously was married to David Ford and Bruce Oppenheim and has three children from those relationships.

In an interview in March with The Associated Press for her TV show “The Client List,” Shepherd confirmed she had a boyfriend.” She said she was “very happy” with her life.

Vindicator wire services