American Idol Hosts: Mariah Carey Close to Sealing $17 Million Deal [Report]

Mariah Carey will almost certainly take a spot on this season's "American Idol" and is close to signing the contract. With the judges being totally revamped this year, the question that remains is who will take the spot as the last judge?

 Carey is reportedly close to sealing a whopping $17 million contract, according to various reports. There has been no word from the diva herself regarding her potential new role as an "American Idol" judge.

The last judge has yet to be decided, with legendary diva Aretha Franklin also expressing keen interest in filling the judge's spot.

According to Wall Street Journal, dozens of candidates are currently being interviewed for the coveted role. 

Former American Idol winners Adam Lambert and Carrie Underwood are also reportedly being considered for the gig.

"American Idol" is facing tough competition with Simon Cowell's "X Factor USA", which will kick off this fall. Jennifer Lopez and Steve Tyler both decided to leave their judging roles, with Tyler saying he wants to focus more on his band "Aerosmith".

"X Factor" has already secured Britney Spears and Demi Lovato as its judges. The season premiere of the "X Factor" will be divided in two parts. The first part will premiere on September 12 at 8pm EDT on FOX. Part two will be aired on Sept 13, at 8 pm EDT.