American Idol Releases Mariah Carey Sexy Promo Pic

The FOX network has released a new promotional picture of Mariah Carey.

The picture was released two days after Carey announced signing on to be a judge for the network's hit show, "American Idol."

"We are proud to have one of the world's greatest-ever female singers join our show," said "American Idol" creator and executive producer Simon Fuller, according to the show's official website. "Mariah defines the word 'Idol' and will inspire every singer that has the honor of performing in front of her."

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Cecile Frot-Coutaz, the CEO of Fremantle Media considers Carey a "global icon whose list of musical accomplishments is unprecedented. Having sold more than 200 million records worldwide, she's a true artist, ideally suited to identify and nurture AMERICAN IDOL's next great music superstars. We warmly welcome her to the IDOL family."

Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment at Fox Broadcasting Company added, "Mariah Carey is the real deal. Not only is she one of the best-selling artists and performers on the planet and one of the world's most gifted vocalists, she also is a successful songwriter, record producer and actress. She has a deep knowledge of music and a career insight that will make her a really amazing asset to our judges' table and to our contestants. It's the dream of almost everyone who auditions for IDOL to sing like Mariah and we couldn't be happier to have her be part of the show."

Mariah Carey is more than qualified for the position. Carey has had more number 1 hits on Billboard charts than any other recording artist in history (18.) She is also a songwriter who is credited for writing 17 of those hits. She has won 5 Grammys and sold more than 200 million records worldwide.

She will appear on Season 12 of "American Idol" when it returns in January, 2013.