It’s official: Mariah Carey will join ‘American Idol’

Release the high notes! Mariah Carey indeed will be joining “American Idol� as a judge.

The songstress had been rumored to be nearing a deal over the weekend to join the Fox competition series. When addressing reporters at the Television Critics Assn. press tour on Monday, Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly put the rumors to rest, saying a deal had just been reached with Carey.

And then he let Carey speak for herself, putting the 42-year-old belter on speakerphone.

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“Yay! I am so excited to be joining “Idol,� the singer said. “I can’t wait to get started in a couple of months.�

Reilly said Randy Jackson, who co-manages Carey, helped in getting the singer on board. Her addition comes as the long-running series undergoes yet another makeover.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Steven Tyler would leave his judges post after two seasons. And Jennifer Lopez has been saying that she’s leaving as well — which Reilly officially confirmed Monday.

Follow Yvonne Villarreal on Twitter: @villarrealy

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