American Idol Can’t Afford Mariah Carey, Says Nick Cannon

Just the other day, word got out that Mariah Carey was “in serious talks” with American Idol producers to replace Jennifer Lopez on the 12th season of the show. As it turns out, AI can't afford a diva like Carey, says her own husband.

TMZ paparazzi caught up with Nick Cannon the other day and, as expected, asked him whether Mariah would be on AI – video of the entire thing is below.

“See, I knew this was coming!” Nick says, before adding, “I don't know if they can afford Mariah Carey.”

“That's a lot of money. If they gave JLo $20 million [€16.2 million], they might have to double that!” Nick added.

Obviously, he was joking. Or was he?

You be the judge.