Mariah Carey 'In Serious Talks' to Be Next IDOL Judge

People.com reports that Mariah Carey is considering taking a spot on the judges panel when FOX's AMERICAN IDOL returns next season. "She's in play," an insider tells PEOPLE. "They are in serious talks."

Yesterday, Idol judge Steven Tyler announced that he will not return next season. "After some long...hard...thoughts...I've decided it's time for me to let go of my mistress 'American Idol' before she boils my rabbit," said Tyler. "I strayed from my first love, AEROSMITH, and I'm back - but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I've got two fists in the air and I'm kicking the door open with my band. The next few years are going to be dedicated to kicking some serious ass - the ultimate in auditory takeover."

Recent public comments by Idol judge Jennifer Lopez appear to hint that the singer will not be back next January.  "I love everybody. I love all the guys on the show," Lopez told the Today show recently. "I am thinking that it's time for me to go."

Randy Jackson, the only original judge on the Idol panel, has collaborated with Carey throughout her long and successful music career. As yet, he has not commented on whether he will return when the singing competition returns.