Snoop Dogg 'down' to join American Idol

New York - If Randy Jackson yells "Yo Dawg!" during the next season of American Idol, he could be talking to Snoop Dogg, if the rapper has his way.

After hearing of the millions of dollars Idol judges earn on the Fox competition, Snoop, in an interview this week, said: "I'll do American Idol."

Idol returns in January. Mariah Carey is filling one of the two seats made available following Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler's exits last month.

When told that Carey is earning about $18m a year for a one-year contract with a renewal option, Snoop looked to his manager and jokingly yelled: "Get on it!"

Neil Schubert, spokesperson for American Idol producer FremantleMedia North America, declined to comment on any speculation about potential new judges.

Taping on episodes that include the judges doesn't start until fall, so the show has time to continue its search.

Snoop, 40, announced earlier this week that he's using the name Snoop Lion for an upcoming reggae album. He now considers himself a Rastafarian after what he calls a life-changing trip to Jamaica, and he is releasing a documentary about his rebirth. Both the album and film are called Reincarnated.

Given American Idol's family-friendly focus, Snoop - known for his colourful language and gangsta raps - said he would be mindful of his tone.

But the ardent marijuana supporter seemed to have a limit regarding his beloved (and illegal) herb: "I'll clean my act up, but I'm still Rastafari."