Kanye West in talks to join American Idol

Kanye West is in talks to be the next American Idol judge reports TMZ.

The biggest roadblock seems to be price: he wants at least as much as Mariah Carey -- $18 million! If FOX agrees that's at least $36 million for judges salary. Personally, I like Kanye. So a judging panel of Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Kanye West is perfection. Make it happen Nigel!

More details:

From TMZ:

Kanye West is negotiating with producers to become an "American Idol" judge ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the production tell TMZ, "Idol" honchos reached out to Kanye recently about filling one of the open judging spots ... and Kanye expressed interest.

But that doesn't mean he's on board -- we're told Yeezy is still unsure about accepting the gig. The way it was put to us ... "He's on the fence," because he's not sure if "A.I." is in his wheelhouse.

And there's another big hang up -- cash. Informed sources tell TMZ ... "Idol" would "at least match Mariah's salary" -- a cool $18 mil a year.