American Idol gets new judge; Three new ways to audition for the show

Mariah Carey at the 82nd Academy Awards

Pop star, Mariah Carey is the newest judge on American Idol with a reported paycheck of $17 million for one year. That's $5 million more than Jennifer Lopez received last year. It's also $2 million more than the new judge of The X-Factor, Brittney Spears, who reportedy rakes in $15 million. Spears contracted to make more on her first year than JLo was making in her second year.


The best thing about Carey is she doesn't need to catapult her career like JLo and Steven Tyler. Maybe she will put the contestants needs first.

It remains an unknown as to whether Randy Jackson will return for season 12. We also need one more Idol judge.

A new way to audition for Idol has been added to the calendar. An “American Idol Small Town Audition Bus Tour,” a 10-town nationwide mobile tour will offer another chance for you to audition for Idol. The mobile audition bus will hit the road next month, giving thousands of hopefuls the chance of a lifetime.

The “American Idol Small Town Audition Bus Tour” will stop at the following cities: Idaho Falls, ID; Billings, MT; Casper, WY; Rock Rapids, IA; Iowa City, IA; Bowling Green, KY; Clarksdale, MS; Joplin, MO; Dodge City, KA; and Grand Junction, CO.

Specific locations and dates to be announced.

Idol is also accepting 'Nominate an Idol'. It's a new program for you to nominate a friend or family member by filling out an online form and submitting an existing video or URL of your nominee singing solo and a cappella.

Chosen candidates will be surprised by a film crew and given the chance to advance to the next round of auditions. Submissions and nominations must meet all eligibility requirements and be a surprise. If you are going to nominate someone, you must read and agree to the terms and conditions.

Online auditions for Season 12 will be open from Aug. 1-14. Submit an audition video online. Entrants should demonstrate their singing ability with songs from the approved list and performing it a cappella. Videos are limited to one submission per person.

You must be between the ages of 15-28 (on June 5), and a legal U.S. citizen or a permanent U.S. resident who is eligible to work full-time in the United States.

American Idol returns in January 2013 on FOX.

Keep checking www.americanidol.com for submission rules, terms and conditions.