It was announced  a month ago that Mariah Carey would become a judge on 'American Idol' for its upcoming season, filling one of the seats left vacant by former judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. People may still be recovering from the shock of the announcement, but 'Idol' winner Jordin Sparks thinks Carey will be a great fit.

“I actually think she’s going to do really well. Mariah’s grown in the industry,” said Sparks to B96 Chicago. “She’s lived everything; ups and downs, different management, everything. I feel like she has the advice for the young kids starting out. She can talk to the young adults. She can also talk to people on the older end of the spectrum.”

“I have a feeling that she’s probably going to perform, so I’m excited,” she continued. “I’ve been a fan of Mariah since I was in my mom’s stomach.” While we can't say the same of our mom (she was a Bruce Springsteen and Aerosmith fan -- ah we miss Steven Tyler already!), we appreciate Sparks' excitement.

Miss Jordin Sparks isn't the only 'Idol' winner who shares the same sentiments regarding Carey's new role. Kelly Clarkson, who was a mentor on her own singing reality show 'Duets,' had a few nice things to say about Carey as a new judge.

“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.”

More From PopCrush