{blackbabes} Mariah Carey finalizing 'American Idol' deal

Mariah Carey may be following her husband into the realm of reality TV. The Grammy-winning songstress is reportedly closing in on a deal to join "American Idol" in the wake of departures by Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler (and possibly Randy Jackson) from the judges' table.

Carey could earn a whopping $17 million for one season of work, reports Deadline. That tops Britney Spears' $15 million "X Factor" payday and sets a new record for talent on a reality series. Carey's husband, Nick Cannon -- who hosts "America's Got Talent," had recently said he wasn't sure "Idol" could afford Carey.

They seem to have figured out her magic number, though. And, according to Deadline, FOX execs are eager to seal the deal since an audition schedule has already been set. Still, that leaves at least one more -- if not two -- openings at the judges' table.

Who would you team with Carey? Is it too late for the once-rumored Bret Michaels or did Tyler's fame move the job out of Michaels' pay range?