Mariah Carey's awkward 'Idol' promo pose

Mariah Carey is striking an awkward pose for her "American Idol" promotional photo.

The pop icon, who recently stepped in as the newest judge on the reality TV show, debuted a strangely stiff look for her "AI" picture. Carey's hand is shown unnaturally placed over her bare shoulder, almost as if she needs to hold up her one-shouldered tangerine frock.

Related: Nick Cannon: Mariah Carey Will Be 'The Toughest Judge' On American Idol

The star's other hand is resting on her tiny waist, which looks suspiciously digitally slenderized.

Negotiations for her salary must have gone more smoothly than the photo session. The star is reportedly receiving $17 million for Season 12 -- $2 million more than departing judge Jennifer Lopez received in her last season.

The 42-year-old will appear on the Fox show when it returns in 2013.


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