Country Star To Become American Idol Judge?

Just one day after American Idol, news has emerged that another artist is in talks to join her.

According toBrad Paisley for one of the vacant spots on the judges' panel, following the exits of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.

As Deadline points out, adding a country veteran to the panel makes sense because several former Idol contestants made it big by playing country - including winner Carrie Underwood, Scott McCreery and audience favourite Kellie Pickler.

Paisley has previously performed on the show and co-hosted the CMA Awards with Underwood for four years - as well as topping the country charts with their duet Remind Me. He also invited McCreery to join him on tour.

There's been no word yet from Paisley's camp, but if his tour concludes as scheduled, he would technically be free for judging duties at the start of next year and would need to squeeze in auditions in his free days.

Time will tell when the panel will be officially set. In the meantime, the show's newest addition has already expressed her delight in joining.

Mariah tweeted: "It's gonna be so much fun working on @AmericanIdol.

"As a singer-songwriter, I'm excited to help find and nurture new talent."