Carey to play 'X Factor' mentor role

Mariah Carey is set to assist Simon Cowell at the judges' houses rounds of US 'X Factor'.

The 'Hero' singer will replace Sinitta – the music mogul's ex-girlfriend and long-running helper on the UK version of the show – and advise the 51-year-old show chief when he chooses his finalists from the category he is given to mentor in the final stages of the competition.