Kelly Clarkson Loves Mariah Carey for ‘American Idol’

‘American Idol‘ winner Kelly Clarkson hasn’t been shy when it comes to commenting on the show that catapulted her into stardom. Since Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez announced their exits from the show, Clarkson has been vocal as to whom she’d like to see fill the judges seats. And now that Mariah Carey has secured one of the vacant seats, Clarkson has sounded off.

“I’m kind of super-proud that I’m from the show and Mariah Carey’s going to be on it,” she said to Extra TV. “Just because I’m a huge fan of hers.” Clarkson must have a thing for strong female voices, because when she was asked if fellow ‘Idol’ alum Carrie Underwood would make a good judge, she gushed, “She would! Didn’t she major in journalism or something? And she can have that face … that bluff face! She can put that on! She would be good.”

Despite the many opinions that Clarkson has shared, there’s one person she just can’t see being a judge: herself! “I don’t like the judging part of it. That’s what I liked about ‘Duets.’ I got to actually mentor them and it was more fun,”