Could Mariah Carey really judge The X Factor in 2017?

Consider this a rumor no one saw coming: Is it possible that Mariah Carey could actually become an X Factor judge in 2017? It’s not something anyone anticipated, but it may still be something that happens later this year.

According to the Mirror, one of the main points of contention at the moment with the reality franchise is that despite all indications at first that the same panel would return from last year, Nicole Scherzinger is holding out. Therefore, it appears that network parties may be starting to look elsewhere. A source tells the publication that there is interest from the Carey camp in taking on the show, even after she proclaimed American Idol to be one of the worst experiences of her entire life:

“Mariah really wants to do it. Nicole is not committing at the moment, although she did meet up with Simon Cowell this week.”

For now, this sort of story feels like a smokescreen / attempt to secure Nicole courtesy of some other rumors floating around out there. After all, this is something that does happen fairly often within this business! Creating a little competition never hurts anyone.

No doubt that Carey would be entertaining — the sour experience with American Idol seemed to have more do with the back-and-forth between her and Nicki Minaj than anything that happened with the remainder of the show. The big question that would be out there if this turns out to be a truthful rumor is how in the world the show could afford her. Obviously, Carey is set for life and doesn’t need any more money, but it took far upwards of $10 million to get her on an American talent show. It’s hard to imagine that the price tag would be cheaper for a show that also has a heavy travel component given that she’s not a full-time London resident.

The new X Factor panel does need to be set in the coming weeks for auditions to start. it’s funny how every year it seems like the decision on a new panel will be made quickly, and it then ends up taking forever to finally get to the point where the panel is announced.

What do you think about the idea of Carey as the new judge? Share in the comments below!

Meanwhile, head here in the event you do want to secure some further news now on The X Factor and what lies ahead. (Photo: ITV.)