Looks like it's going to be an emotional American Idol season for judge Mariah Carey.

The 42-year-old mother of two breaks down in a new AI promo. In the clip, Mimi says:

    "I didn't have a show like Ido. I waitressed and did all these other things I hear a lot of the contestants talk about doing."


Perhaps Mariah will put aside her diva ways to nurture these wanna-be idols. Nick Cannon's wifey also tears up while telling one contestant, "I know people are going to love you."

Wonder what fellow judge Nicki Minaj thinks of Mariah's waterworks in the promo? Time will tell.

The new season of American Idol will begin airing on January 16.