Mariah Carey would need to be offered $40 million to judge American Idol, her husband has joked.

The international superstar has been named as the frontrunner for the coveted job since the hit TV talent show announced its panel shake-up.

Both Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler will not be returning to Idol, leaving a couple of vacant seats. However, Mariah''s spouse Nick Cannon says the songstress would be an expensive replacement.

"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!" he exclaimed to US website TMZ.

Jennifer announced her departure from the show at the end of last week, claiming she has found it difficult to balance her multiple professional obligations with motherhood.

"You''re gonna make me cry. The time has come,' she said during a call to radio show On Air With Ryan Seacrest. 'It gets more complicated as the kids get a little bigger. Something had to give. I really was dreading this phone call with you!'

Steven also resigned last week after being on the panel for two years amidst rumours that third judge Randy Jackson is also planning to depart.