Mariah Carey American Idol $18 million

Mariah Carey American Idol $18 million, Mariah Carey officially announced her retirement from American Idol, so did her arch rival Nicki Minaj by announcing on Twitter that it was time to 'concentrate on music'.

Mariah, 43, confirmed she will leave the show after just one season - which she was reportedly paid $18million for -  in order to undertake a world tour following the success of her latest single Beautiful.

Her PR firm PMK announced the news, amid reports that Jennifer Lopez could return to the panel, on Thursday.

'W/ global success of “#Beautiful” (#1 in 30+ countries so far) @MariahCarey confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol,' her spokesperson said on Twitter.

Mariah’s publicist, Cindi Berger, also confirmed to ABC news that she will appear the movie The Butler which premieres in August, and that her tour will kicks off in Asia in October.

Meanwhile, Nicki later tweeted: 'Thank you American Idol for a life changing experience! Wouldn't trade it for the world! Time to focus on the Music!!! Mmmuuuaahhh!!!'