After almost a year of speculation, Mariah Carey’s role on the upcoming season of ‘The X Factor (US)’ has finally been revealed! However, the living legend won’t serve as a judge on the show. Rather, she will appear as a guest mentor to aid Simon Cowell with the development of his selected contestants.

Read the details of Carey’s position on the show, which will premiere on September 21st, below:

“Mariah is definitely confirmed to be a part of X Factor. She is confirmed to tape something with Simon Cowell at the judge’s homes.  Each of the judges [Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, and L.A. Reid] will tape something with mentors they have selected and Simon has selected Mariah to do that with him. The judge’s mentor the talent they pick and she will be working with them.”

Read more on The YBF.

Although it would have been even better to see Carey act as a judge on the show, this appearance could definitely do wonders for her upcoming project (due in early 2012). Nick Cannon confirmed that she is planning to release a new song before the end of the year so if she intertwines her guest role with promotion of the record then it would be a perfect mechanism to launch this crucial era in her career.

Truly, there are few other artists in the industry today who understand music and voice quite like Carey. As depicted during her mentorship on ‘American Idol’ in 2008, she has a wealth of knowledge that could truly help the next generation.

Now, if only Carey could put some of that advice into a letter and slide it over to Rihanna, Keri Hilson and Britney Spears…

Thoughts?