(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Mariah Carey is reportedly now the highest earning judge on reality television.

It was announced on Monday that the mother-of-two will step into Jennifer Lopez's shoes for the next season of American Idol.

And now TMZ claims that the singing diva will rake in close to $18 million in her deal for the popular talent show.

The contract is a lot more than Jenny From The Block received for her first year which was just $12 million.

Meanwhile, Britney Spears had just set the precedent when she signed a $15 million for The X Factor.

But Mariah is now sitting at the top of the list, although she is already worth a reported $500 million.

Former Idol judge Simon Cowell said that he was "happy" for Mariah in her new role.

"I like Mariah," he told reporters at a critic's session. "I think she's going to find it difficult to say no. You've got to say no to people and she's sweet. No, I think she'll be great." (C) Cover Media