PUBLIC WOULD WELCOME MARIAH CAREY AS AN "IDOL" JUDGE

The public appears to be willing to embrace Mariah Carey as an "American Idol" judge. The pop diva's name has cropped up amid rumors that Jennifer Lopez is no longer being considered for the gig. An ongoing AccessHollywood.com survey shows that 69-percent would like to see Carey rate the hopefuls on the TV singing competition's upcoming season, saying, quote, "Yes! Make it happen!" Just over 30-percent oppose the idea, noting, quote, "There's no room for 'Glitter' at the judges' table." Last month Lopez was reportedly close to a deal with "Idol" to replace Ellen DeGeneres on the hit Fox show. But People.com's "TV Watch" blog is now citing an insider who says J-Lo has been dropped from consideration because, quote, "Her demands got out of hand. Fox had just had enough." The show is also searching for a replacement for Simon Cowell. The new slate of "American Idol" judges is expected to be announced next month.