'American Idol' cannot afford Carey: Cannon

Los Angeles, July 17 (IANS) If "American Idol" bosses want Mariah Carey as their next judge, they will have to pay her twice the amount they pay Jennifer Lopez, says the former's husband Nick Cannon.

The 42-year-old singer is rumoured to be one of the judges in the next season of the reality show, as the prior two judges - Steven Tyler and Lopez have made an exit from the show.

"I don't know if they can afford Mariah Carey. That's a lot of money. If they gave JLo $20 million, they might have to double that! You never know, it's one of things, she's got an album coming out so there's promotional stuff," tmz.com quoted Cannon as saying.

Asked if talks are on to pitch in Carey, the 31-year-old actor answered diplomatically, saying: "Everybody wants to talk to her."