This is officially the last Mariah Hero update in 2006! From everyone at Mariah Hero.com, we wish you the best for the New Year! May all your dreams and goals come true. We’ll keep working to inform everything related to Mariah Carey.

During the second week of this year, the site will be down for a few hours due to maintenance. But Mariah Hero will be back shortly with surprises and major changes. We will struggle to improve the website day by day, bringing you news, information, exclusives, and more.
(Mariah Hero)

US talkshow host Oprah Winfrey was in South Africa to throw a New Year's Eve party at the plush Sun City casino resort that was to be attended by some top Hollywood celebrities, according to news reports Sunday. Winfrey, who has set up a leadership school for girls and made several previous visits to the country, was seen at the resort north west of Johannesburg on Saturday, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.

Some of her guests, including actor Sidney Poitier, comedian Chris Rock and singers Mariah Carey and Mary J Blige were also spotted enjoying breakfast there, according to the report. Most of the guests are believed to have jetted into the country on Friday for a weekend at the 5,000 rand (about 900 dollars) a night resort with the wealthy talkshow host who reportedly paid for everything except the flights.

Local media reported that details of the New Year's Eve function were wrapped in secrecy amid tight security at Sun City, which is part of the Sun International group. Winfrey and her guests were not the only international celebrities to choose sun-soaked South Africa for their year end holidays.

British actor Jude Law, his former wife Sadie Frost and their children spent Christmas in KwaZulu-Natal in the east of the country and in Franschoek in the Cape winelands. The couple helped orphans put on a play in the KwaZulu-Natal town of Pietermaritzburg, swam with sharks and learned gumboot dancing during their stay, the Sunday Times said. Frost was pictured on Sunday wearing traditional beaded Zulu headdress.
(Monsters and Critics | The Mariah Carey Archives)

Can't wait to see Mariah Carey naked in Playboy? Sorry, you won't. The voluptuous singer is set to appear on the March cover, but she didn't pose nude. "They are outtakes from an album cover shoot," said an insider.

Sources in the bunny empire also hear that Kendra - one of Hugh Hefner's three girlfriends featured in "Girls Next Door" - is anxious for her Playboy contract to expire. "Kendra has one more year. She has a ton of offers and cannot wait to get out, though she is grateful," said our spy. "The girls do not like each other and con stantly compete."

The multiple mates put a stress on Hef, too, though his current trio is less hectic than the seven blondes he had before: "The past girlfriends used to give Hef health problems with all the troubles they caused."
(New York Post)

Mariah Carey has petitioned the US patent and trademark office to prevent porn celebrity Mary Carey from trade marking her name, saying that their identical surnames would confuse fans. She claims the public is likely to confuse her services with porn star's adult entertainment products.

The Grammy winner's company Automatic Princess Holdings alleged that Mary's attempt to trademark her name was to confuse customers with her porn products. Mary Carey, whose real name is Mary Cook, thinks that Mariah is crazy to have made the appeal, and is equally irritated by the fact that her customers could mistake her products for Mariah's.

Crazy! She's Crazy! Mary's my name!" Mary told TMZ. Mary was even more furious to know that one of her scornful stalkers had issued a statement supporting Mariah Carrey's petition.
(Yahoo! News)

Mariah Carey parties with friends and enjoys a drink as she parties at the BellyUp club in Aspen whilst watching a Method Man and Redman gig. Dec.23, 2006.

Mark J. Behar, who knows Mary 'Carey- Cook Oh so well, said 'Quite frankly, I'm shocked that know one has done anything about this up until now-.

He says, 'The Truth must be told-. It is very common & well known that several porn movie titles are a 'spoof-, and a 'mockery- of real mainstream moves, such a 'Rambone- (Rambo), etc., as well as using several music & movie Superstars names in the same way, such as 'Britney Rears- (Britney Spears), etc. is 'quite the norm, in this industry-. But these other adult entertainers, don't really look much like there counterparts that there try and/or are portraying in there adult films, and in most cases they don't have and use the mainstream entertainers first names, or they change the spelling of the first and/or last names, thus, no harm, no foul.

But these adult entertainers are not in the media spotlight, nor have they had the media attention like Mary 'Carey- Cook has received, by going on mainstream TV & News Shows, like Fox News-'Your World with Neil Cavuto-, as well as going to (buying her way into) 'Republican Fundraising Presidential Dinners-, organized by the 'N.R.C.C - National Republican Congressional Committee-, and trying to fool everyone into thinking that she is a 'Sincere and Truly Serious Politician-.

Her real birth name is Mary Cook, and a few years ago, after feature dancing at several adult gentlemen clubs, decided to get into the porn industry, because she was told, that she could make some real serious money because she was attractive, athletic, had great stage presence, worked quit well in front of an audience, and had a very outgoing personality, that would come across well on camera.

People had told her in the past that she looked like & had some of the same features & physical characteristics as 'Pop Diva Mariah Carey-, and that if she just enhanced some of those 'Features- that, that wound be 'Her In and Hook-, in the porn industry. So, Mary packed up and moved to California, and got started in the adult industry. She loves the attention that she gets, and most of the time, generates it herself, and she can't survive without it. She always is seeking some type of -Media Attention-.

In June of 2005, Mark J. Behar, who knew Mary, when she lived in Florida, a few years earlier, and who is a 39.yr old Young Entrepreneur/Business Owner & Investor of Major Multi-Unit Rental Properties & Buildings, in Delray & Boynton Beach, Florida, as well as 'Chairman- & 'Chief Judge-, with & on the City Of Delray Beach - Code Enforcement Hearing Board, and who also 'Moonlights- as a 'Celebrity Personal Security/Bodyguard-, and who also has received from the N.R.C.C - National Republican Congressional Committee, 'The Congressional Medal Of Honor-, and 'The Congressional Medal Of Distinction-, as well as Past Years & the Current '2006-Businessman Of The Year Awards-, had asked Mary (As they bumped into each other, a few years later in a 'Home Depot-, in Delray Beach, Florida), if she wanted to attend the MTV Movie Awards with him, in California, she of course said 'Yes-. Mark attended the event with Mary, and that's when he found out about the 'True- Mary 'Carey-. She had changed over the years, and was very much 'into herself-, stuck up, snotty, and was not professional & intelligent like he had known her in the past to be.

At that time, in the limo to the awards show, is where she started telling Mark about her whole 'Mariah Carey Obsession Thing-. She kept on saying, 'Don't I look more like Mariah now, I had my boobs done, do you like them-, 'I hope she's there, I can wait to see her, and hope we bump into her-. Mark says, 'She has always said to me that she compared herself to Mariah Carey-. She has said that she looks so much like her, and that's why she calls herself 'Mary Carey-. She told me, that she has said this in several adult entertainment magazines, as well as in the past, on her & other web-sites and Blogs.

Why else, and what other reason would she have to use the last name of 'Carey-? 'I bet you, she's not using it to associate herself and you would never confuse her with actors & comedians 'Jim Carrey- or 'Drew Carey-. If this isn't in fact true, then where, and why, did she come up with this 'Last Name-, that's the question, that I have, and would love to hear her response & answer to, and her take & 'Spin- on?

This is also when & where I heard of, and she had told me about her idea to 'Trademark- the 'Carey- name, knowing this would generate and get her even more 'Media Attention- and herself in the 'Spotlight-. And, 'Hey look what happened, she was right, it worked-. She's a very good self promoter. She asked me my opinion on her idea, and I had advised, told & warned her, about the 'Legality- of this, and told her to do some background on this first, to see if she can in fact 'Legally do this-, as well as to seek out legal help from & to talk to an attorney that 'Specializes in these types of matters-.

Mark says, 'That's the last I heard of this-. Since then, Mary has asked mark on several occasions for business advice, and this topic has never come up again, until now.

After the awards show, and a week or so later, she went to, and was at the '2005- - 'Presidents Dinner-, with her then Employer 'Mark Kulkis-, the owner of the porn video production company 'Kick Ass Pictures-, that she was under contract with, at that time. Mark (Behar) also was at this special event. Mark was personally invited to this same event, but was invited because & due to his achievements of being a young, upstanding, outstanding and Quit Successful Businessman, and who is a true Political activist, from and in his State of Florida.

Mary apologized to Mark at this event & dinner, and said that she got really drunk that night at & after the awards show. Mark forgave her & they took an 'Official Presidential Dinner Picture- together at the event, which is the only 'Official- one of Mary, at & from the event. Mary told Mark, that 'They should stay & continue to be good friends, and keep in touch-. Mark thought that she was actually serious about her political ambitions, at that time, because Mary told him, that she wanted to 'Stop doing what she was doing, and leave the whole porn thing & world, and wanted to go Mainstream like Mariah-.

6 to 9 months later Mary hired Mark to do some personal security & bodyguard work, as well as assist her with her personal matters & affairs at that time, as she was traveling throughout the country & across the world, doing feature & special personal appearances at several events. This turned out to be a strain on & where their friendship took a turn. Mary cancelled out at the last minute on Mark, as he was already at the airport, at the gate, and boarding his flight, to where she was at. This eventually cost him over $7,500.00 in 'Out-of-Pocket- travel expenses, and costs that eventually became & is today, a legal battle, with two Civil Action Court Cases, being filed against her, and which are still pending, in Florida.

Mary & Mark, stayed in touch & friends, on & off this past year, as they were going through & trying to work out & settle all these & their legal issues & matters. In November, Mary asked Mark, to take her to another awards show, to go see & where Mariah Carey, was suppose to be performing at, the 'AMA - American Music Awards Show-, where Mark was again, just like last year, invited to and was to attend, as a Special Invited Guest.

Mark, at first said 'Sure, Yeah- and invited her, until they could not get past & settle their legal issues & matters. Mark says, 'I found out and heard about this, just like the rest of the world did-. 'I can't believe that she actually went through with it & is doing this whole PR Stunt thing, just to get more media attention, with her Mariah fixation & obsession-. 'It's a good thing that I didn't take her, to the awards show, Thank God, who knows what would have happened-? Mark also said, -At the end of all this, Mary just wanted to & has used me, just to go to & attend these Special Events, these and this Award Shows, just to see, and 'Hopefully bump into Mariah-, the 'Real Carey-.
(PR Inside)

Russian oligarchs plan to repeat last year's festivities. In the very beginning of 2006 they joined an Arab sheikh on board his luxurious plane. They traveled to the Antarctic in a company of US singer Tina Turner.

For 2007 they are to board the "Flying Titanic" too to enjoy a pool, a game of bowling and super first class dinner in a plane restaurant. Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Justin Timberlake will be entertaining the VIPs during the flight.

The powers-that-be will land in Iceland where they will be comfortably accommodated in a castle of ice surrounded by the scenery from The Lord of the Rings movie. The luxury plane will be carrying 160 passengers in total. The cheapest ticket for only three days costs 125,000 euros. The most expensive one is evaluated at 700,000 euros.
(Pravda)

Mariah's fans are among "The Most Awesomely Demented Fans in Music" according to the new issue of Blender magazine.

Mariah's Lambs are more than just devoted fans - they're a support group she counts on to ride out the valleys in her roller-coaster career. Carey recently admitted to getting through the tough times by poring over the elaborate scrapbooks that fans have sent her, and the Lambs also organize campaigns to undermind her pop rival Madonna. They stuck with her even after her disastrous 2001 biopic Glitter, and in 2006 launched "The Glitter Project," a plan to buy multiple copies of the accompanying album and shoot the commercial dud to the top of the charts on Mariah's birthday, five years after its release (they failed).

Justify your love: "Mariah knows how to touch people through her music," says Tahiana D'egmont, a 21-year-old marketing coordinator who runs a fan site. "After she touches you like that, it's impossible not to form an attachment to her."
(Blender)

Her love for the snowfall over the Christmas period took Mariah Carey to Aspen, where she spoke to a local magazine about the things she likes to do in the snow. In an interview to Aspenpeak Magazine, Mariah talked all about the things she likes to do in Aspen like wearing Santa Claus bikinis and rolling around in the snow. She also said she has a new scent in the works for Elizabeth Arden.

The multi-Grammy winner said she is heavily involved in creating her own scent, and is reportedly enjoying the whole process by selecting the scents and deciding on the "notes" of the final product. "Another big priority is a fragrance I'm launching with Elizabeth Arden. It's the first time I've ever done a fragrance. It's been an amazing and creative process. You sit down with the "juice" companies, and then they show you the different scents. You then compose the scent."

"The process was very similar to writing a song. The fragrance is almost done, and next is the bottling and then the marketing campaign. The fragrance will come out in conjunction with a new album, which I'll start working on right after Christmas," Popsugar.com quoted her, as telling the magazine.

However, when asked what name she will call for her new smell, Mariah remained tight-lipped. "There is, but I can't tell you right now!" she added. Other well-known singers in the perfume business include Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion and Britney Spears.
(Daily India)

Pop star Mariah Carey hopes to build a house in Aspen, Colorado after spending 10 Christmases in the mountain town. The We Belong Together hitmaker visits the ski resort every year - despite the fact she can't ski or snowboard.

Carey tells AspenPeak magazine, "I really would like to have a place in Aspen one day. I'm a very specific person." I built the place where I live now (in New York), and I've built places before. I kind of like things to be exactly how I like them. We know what that process takes? a billion years and a billion dollars!"

"I think something on the outskirts would be cool, but I could come in if I wanted to. I really like the serenity, and it looks like something out of an incredible painting. It's so gorgeous. It's not just about celebrity moments there. It's about fun. I actually go tubing all the time."
(TeenHollywood.com)

After threatening legal action to protect her valuable name from an encroaching porn star, Mariah Carey yesterday filed a formal opposition to the bid by actress (and former California gubernatorial candidate) Mary Carey to trademark her stage name.

In a notice filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the pop singer's company, Automatic Princess Holdings, argues that Mary Carey's bid to trademark her name for use in adult films, DVDs, cassettes, computer programs, and other commercial endeavors is likely to result in confusion for the consumer. The public, Mariah Carey contends, is "likely to mistakenly associate the goods offered" by Mary Carey--whose real name is Mary Cook--with the performer's "goods and services."

The December 27 notice of opposition requests that Mary Carey's trademark attempt be rejected by USPTO officials. Mary Carey, 26, has appeared in films like "Hot Showers 6" and "Lesbian Big Boob Bangeroo 2," and received 11,000 votes in her 2003 election won by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Mariah Carey, 36, is, as her filing notes, "a world-famous singer, musical performer, and celebrity." She also appeared in the 2001 film "Glitter."
(The Smoking Gun | Mariah Journal)

Guess what. Last night I got to interview Mariah Carey.

We all know about my little tabloid fetish, so this was sort of an unexpected surprise. I totally get it that there's an unspoken Cool Guy Code in Aspen that says you're never supposed to fuss over celebrities, but I don't really care. I think it's cool.

I've had all kinds of celebrity interludes during my illustrious writing career, and even though I've never slept with any of them, it's definitely on my list of things to do before I die (along with hitching a ride on a private plane and living in Paris). Christmas week is one of my favorite times of year in Aspen because I love seeing all these stars wandering aimlessly around my town, like they've come here to hang out with me.

So last night I got to interview Mariah because the crew from Entertainment Tonight couldn't make it and they were super desperate to find someone who was stupid enough to spend half the night sitting around waiting to do a 60-second interview with a big star. Of course I had this huge zit on the side of my face that was really easy to see with all those bright lights. I thought I would be okay hiding it behind my hair, but Mariah was quite tall in her heels and I am a midget so I had my head tilted back the whole time. Thank god I was cut out of the shot - but I swear that was me holding the mic, really, it was.

Mariah was cool and everything, but the only problem with the whole arrangement was I was on the wrong side of the microphone. Because I do understand those little unspoken celebrity rules, I resisted the urge to hip check Mariah out of the shot and scream "Hey lady! Don't you know who I am?"
(Aspen Times)

Mariah Carey at last night's Aspen Peak magazine's party at Hotel Jerome in Aspen.

Mariah was shown chilling out with Santa for some very special kids in a "Merry Holiday" segment on Entertainment Tonight earlier tonight. The Grammy winner wanted to make the season bright for foster kids from the Denver Department of Human Services.

Mariah: "It's really fun for me, more than anything too. I'm selfish. It's fun for me." The kids got the chance to do some skiing and some tubing down the slopes. Mariah: "You know, yes, it's a glamorous place and everything like that but to me it's about giving back and doing something like this with kids that you know, kids that you don't know, just anything that you can do to help make a difference in someone's life."

Mariah transformed the inside of a ski lodge into a winter wonderland. Mariah: "I love Christmas so much and ever since I was little I was like, I just always wanted to have like a white Christmas every year. This is Christmasland you know. So it's very North Pole-esque."
(Mariah Journal)

Today, Mariah Carey is one of those names that come to mind automatically when you think hip-hop. But becoming the pop diva she is today was not at all easy for her. Read on to discover the amazing story of determination, hard work, and dedication to music that is hers.

Mariah Carey was born on 27 March 1970 in Long Island in the state of New York, USA. She was named Mariah after the song, "They call the wind Maria" from the musical "Paint your wagon". Mariah began singing at the tender age of four, and she started writing songs when she was in middle school. The day of her graduation from high school was when she moved to New York City to pursue a career in music.

At first she worked as a waitress, and her first big break came when she was noticed by vocalist Brenda K Starr, who forwarded Mariah's demo the Sony Entertainment chief, Tommy Mottola. Soon after, Mottola signed Mariah to a recording contract with Columbia Records.

Two years later, on 15 May 1990, her debut album "Mariah Carey" was released. It topped the pop album charts, sold over 5 million copies, and four of the singles in the album, including "Love takes time" and "Vision of love" became #1 hits. Yet, it was actually the Arsenia Hall Show, which introduced Mariah Carey as a singer. She later said that being on that show had been like a dream come true for her, it was "a moment that almost didn't happen". Three days later, thousands of Americans watched her sing "America the Beautiful" at the NBA Basketball finals.

The same year, Mariah won two Grammy awards, including one as Best New Artist. The year 1991 was almost as good for her as "Emotions", released on 17 September, reached #4 position on the album charts, while the title song hit #1. Other top 10 singles from the album were "Can't let go" and "Make it happen".

In 1992, Mariah performed in her first concert, MTV Unplugged. The show included her classic version of "I'll be there" which returned her to the top of the charts. In 1993, "Music Box" was released and the album sold over 23 million copies, topping the album charts. Among the singles, "Dreamlover" hit #1. "Hero" from the same album also topped the charts, becoming Mariah's eighth #1 single.

In November 1994, Mariah released her album "Merry Christmas" which reached # 3 on the album charts. "All I want for Christmas is you" from the album became an instant classic. Almost a year later, on 3 October 1995 the album "Daydream" was released. According to Mariah, it carried a fresher tone, and topped the charts. The first single "Fantasy" debuted at #1.

The "Fantasy" remix carried the first hint of hip-hop. Sony, Mariah's record company, did not like this new sound, but she was keen on changing the "ballad queen" image she had created for herself. "One sweet day", done in collaboration with Boyz II Men, was another single from Daydream. It spent an incredible 16 weeks at the top of the charts.

In 1997, "Butterfly" was released. It was her first album since her break-up with Tommy Mottola, whom she had married in 1993, and the album had less of dance music and more of a sombre tone, but Mariah's experimentation with hip-hop was evident. Unfortunately, sales of "Butterfly" did not meet expectations. But Mariah was not to be daunted by one failure.

In a move that surprised her fans and critics alike, she teamed up with her biggest competitor, Whitney Houston, to sing "When you believe" for the feature film "The Prince of Egypt" in 1998. The same year, both Mariah and Whitney released their respective albums, Mariah's being "#1's" - a collection of 12 of her # I hits. "When you believe" featured in both their albums. Mariah and Whitney got together again in 1999 when, at the Oscars, "When you believe" won the award for the Best Original song.

"Rainbow" was released in November that year. "Heartbreaker" from the album was a smash hit, which helped Mariah dethrone the Beatles for most number of weeks at the top of the charts. The year 2000 saw Mariah winning the Billboard Award for Artist of the Decade, as also the American Music Award and the World Music Award for a decade of crooning hits. It addition, she signed a $80 million contract - the largest in history - with Virgin Records.

But all was not well for Mariah. A decade of working hard for almost 21 hours a day finally took its toll on her. On 25 July 2001, she got herself admitted into a hospital for exhaustion, but she got out in time for the release of "Glitter" - the soundtrack album for Mariah's debut film. "Glitter" was released on one of the darkest day in American history - 11 September, 2001. Ten days later, "Glitter" the film opened in theatres.

The public failed to fall for either the album or the movie. The album limped to #7 on the charts; the single "Loverboy" debuted at #79 and later climbed to #2. "Mariah Carey's Greatest Hits", released that same year, was only a compilation of her best songs, and had nothing new. The year 2001 proved to be one of the worst periods in her career.

In 2002, Mariah left her contract with Virgin Records, with a reported $28 million buyout. Almost immediately, Island Def Jam signed Mariah on, and released "Charmbracclet". The album debuted at #3, and the single "Through the rain" had little success.

"The Remixes" released in 2003 contained dance remixes of many of Mariah's classic hits, and was intended to give Mariah's career a boost, but it was actually "The Emancipation of Mimi" with which Mariah made a spectacular comeback. "The Emancipation of Mimi" released on 4 April 2005 (12 April in North America) debuted at the top of the album charts, with the biggest opening week sales of her entire career! "We belong together" was a single that debuted at #1 and spent 14 long weeks at the top of the charts. "Don't forget about us" and "Shake it off" held the # 2 position; "It's like that" was another hit single.

So that's Mariah's story - till now, of course. With hip-hop becoming increasingly popular all over the world, there's no doubt that Mariah will go further, After all, you can't expect less of the "Queen of hip-hop" who made one of the most amazing comebacks in history at the age of 35.
(The Statesman)

The stars are gently twinkling on the Christmas tree. The wrapping paper is rustling. Outside, the snow is slowly falling down from the sky. Everything seems like a fairytale and right in the middle, there is Mariah Carey. "I love Christmas so much and I guess, I am the most festive person on earth," says Mariah with a twinkle in her eyes.

And that's why the pop singer rents a bungalow in Aspen (Colorado) every year. "In Aspen, it's always snowing around Christmas. You can be sure to have a white Christmas there. It's really like a fairytale." Mariah ("In my heart, I'm still 12 years old!") loves to be a princess, but there's still one thing missing to make her Christmas dream come true: The prince who embraces her, who offers her a glass of golden champagne and who spoils her with sweet cookies and kisses. Goose bump all over. We bet there won't be any Santa Clause who doesn't want Mariah to sing "All I Want For Christmas Is You" to him.
(InTouch)

Singer Leona Lewis has grabbed this year's Christmas number one single - a week after winning ITV1 talent contest The X Factor. The 21-year-old stormed to the top with A Moment Like This, which only went on sale in shops on Wednesday.

Revived boy band Take That's Patience is the runner-up at number two, while their Beautiful World is the top album. McFly's Sorry's Not Good Enough and Girls Aloud's I Think We're Alone Now made numbers three and four. German dance trio Cascada are at number five with Truly Madly Deeply.

The Pogues' festive favourite, Fairytale of New York returns to the Christmas chart at number six. The track, featuring Kirsty MacColl, was first released in 1987. Another seasonal stalwart, Sir Cliff Richard, falls to number seven with 21st Century Christmas. It is his third top 10 hit since he last hit number one with 1999's Millennium Prayer. Mariah Carey's All I Want Is Christmas Is You shares the number 10 position, 12 years after its initial release.

In the album chart, Westlife are at number two with the Love Album, while Oasis best-of compilation Stop The Clocks is at number three.
(BBC News | The Mariah Carey Archives)

Is Mariah afraid of being confused with a porn star? No. Mariah Carey is one of the music world's biggest stars, so it was hard to believe that the Grammy winner has been worried that fans would ever mistake her for a porn star! But reps for adult-movie actress Mary Carey insist Mariah's lawyers were trying to stop Mary from trademarking her similar-sounding name.

"Confusion between your client and our client is likely," a rep for Mary said in a press release. "It's funny she thinks people are to get us confused," added Mary. "It is absolutely ridiculous."

But it's Mariah's rep who calls the rumor of litigation ridiculous. "There is no lawsuit," her rep tell In Touch. "I feel this a ploy for publicity. They're obviously just trying to cause drama to make some noise and bring attention to themselves."
(In Touch | Mariah Journal)

Mariah Carey will spend the holidays in Aspen, Colorado. She told local publication Aspen Peak that while she won't be skiing much, she does have some festive plans for the cold powder. "I'm not a great skier at all," she said in the magazine's winter issue. "I take one run and ski in an outfit that's cute."

So why Aspen? "I love having a white Christmas. I love the vibe of Aspen... I have a sense of feeling at home there." When in the snowy, mile-high town, Carey plans to do as the Aspenites do - or at least as she's been told they do. "I like to get out of the hot tub and roll in the snow. Someone told me that was a tradition in Aspen, but maybe they were lying to me. It's a tradition for us to have Santa Claus-looking bikinis, jump in the hot tub and roll in the fresh snow."
(Mariah Connection | MTV News)

It’s interesting in Chart Beat that you note this is the seventh year in a row that a holiday song has hit No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. In the `90s this didn’t happen so much. Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is the most notable modern holiday song, yet it only peaked at No. 6. In 2006 it would undoubtedly hit No. 1.

Why do you think holiday songs are doing so much better on the AC chart in the 00s? Jason Englisbe

Dear Jason, The answer becomes clear when you realize that the Adult Contemporary chart is an airplay-only chart, measuring which songs are played on radio stations that are identified as playing AC music. Changes in the chart over the years are merely reflections of changes at AC radio.

The trend in recent years - particularly in the last seven - is to turn to holiday programming in the last two months of the year. Many AC stations only program holiday music with no non-seasonal songs being played; other AC stations provide a mix of current hits with holiday music.

While I love Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas Is You," and while it’s selling well digitally (it’s up 8-7 on this week’s Hit Digital Songs chart, where it is the only holiday song in the top 10), your assumption that it would be No. 1 on the AC chart is incorrect. We do compile an Adult Contemporary Recurrent chart for older songs, and "All I Want for Christmas Is You" rebounds 15-10 this week after peaking at No. 9. Older holiday songs, including Nat King Cole’s "The Christmas Song," Burl Ives’ "A Holly, Jolly Christmas" and Brenda Lee’s "Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, " all rank higher than "All I Want for Christmas Is You."
(Billboard)

Mariah Carey likes to be at one with the snowfall over the Christmas period - dressed only in a skimpy Santa bikini. The We Belong Together singer spends the holidays lounging in a hot tub, before rolling around in the freezing cold snow.

Carey admits she loves her scantily-clad snow frolics in Aspen, Colorado, where she has spent the previous nine Christmases, and insists the festive antics are a part of an age-old state custom. She says, "I like to get out of the hot tub and roll in the snow."

"It's a tradition for us to have Santa Claus-looking bikinis, jump in the hot tub, and roll in the fresh snow." "Somebody told me that it was a tradition in Aspen, but maybe they were lying to me."
(Teen Hollywood)

Be sure to head over and check out the brand new MariahCarey.com! This newly designed gem will be sure to be the most PIP present you get this holiday season!

Honey B. Fly members can check out some exciting new members-only features on the site like Members Blogs where you can share all your thoughts on the new site or what your New Years plans are. Want to be the Honey B. Fly featured Fan of the Week? Just post to the message boards here and don't forget to add a picture of yourself.

Also, don't forget to check the new Members Gallery where you can post photos and multimedia, see what other members have posted and leave comments. There's plenty more flantastic additions to the new site, so what're you waiting for?
(Mariah Carey.com)

According to a Universal Italy source, Mariah's Tour DVD will apparently include her some live performances from her Anaheim, California show and other stops.

It will highlight her performances with prestigious guest stars, Jay-Z, Boyz II Men, Sean "Puffy" Combs, etc. It will be a deluxe 2-disc package: disc one will have the concert and disc two will feature behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, four karaoke songs, etc. The source also says the DVD will be released 3rd Quarter of 2007.
(Glittering Forum)

Mariah Carey, who's in Aspen now to host a party for Aspen Peak magazine, is getting in some fun before starting ­production next month on "Tennessee." She plays a country-and-Western singer. Producer Lee Daniels tells us, "I think she could have a country crossover career. I'm hoping she'll write a couple of songs for the movie."
(New York Daily News)

The Sunday Times of South Africa reported that Mariah is slated to arrive in South Africa on December 30, 2006 along with Oprah Winfrey, John Travolta, Gayle King, Jennifer Aniston. They will be staying at the new Palace of the Lost City at Sun City, one of the world's most beautiful resorts which also boasts the Big Five.

On January 2nd, Mariah will join Oprah when she opens the Leadership Academy for Girls, a school for gifted but underprivileged girls. They will leave South Africa on January 3rd. It is rumored that Mariah will be meeting with former President and world icon, Nelson Mandela.
(Mariah Journal)

Just posted on MariahCarey.com's Virtual Ticket section is a video of Mariah talking about her special guests who appeared on "The Adventures of Mimi" tour. Here are some of what Mariah had to say about her special guests:

Sean Paul - It was so good to have Sean Paul on the tour. He was very, very festive. The crowd really enjoyed him. Busta Rhymes - Busta is amazing. I was nervous in the beginning because Busta is very... he's excited. I can't come out with a "I came to have a party..." after what he tells people what to do and say on stage. He's a little intense. But I do the best I can with what I got.

Da Brat - When she comes out on Heartbreaker, it's just incredible. It's so much better than when it's just the screen to have Brat there. She's so full of excitement. Mike Jones - We were in Houston and Mike Jones came out and I wanted to watch him like, "why can't I watch his part?" I was so mad 'cause I didn't know if he was gonna come out or not. But that was completely an amazing moment.

Jermaine Dupri - When we did ATL, when Jermaine came out and was like "A-T-L!" and then everybody was really screaming wild. But he was like, "A-T-L!" Hello! scream a little louder. It was really funny. Sean "Puffy" Combs - It was just nice to have Puff come out 'cause he's very much a star no matter where he is.

Jay-Z - I didn't know whether Jay was gonna come out on Heartbreaker or not so I'm sitting there kind of waiting, "is he coming out, is he not coming out?" And Jay came out. It was so loud like the noise was so deafening when he came out. That was a real, real treat.
(MariahCarey.com | Mariah Journal)

Mariah Carey has been short listed for AskMen.com’s Top 99 Most Desirable Women of 2007. The 170 finalists have been selected, and now it’s up to you to help determine the final 99.

The purpose of the poll is to find out which of these women AskMen.com readers consider to be the “full package” – The picture of charisma, intelligence, humor, self-sufficiency, and physical appeal. In essence, who among them best exemplifies the ideal woman?

In 2006, more than 2 million votes were cast, and Jessica Alba emerged with the crown of Most Desirable Woman. Now, it's time to determine 2007's titleholder. Browse through the nominees in each of three categories, rate each on an ascending scale of 1 to 10, then check back at the end of January 2007 as we reveal your No. 1 pick. Do you want Mariah Carey to make the final cut? Vote here
(AskMen.com)

America's cell phones are ringing with the seasonal sounds of Mariah Carey's holiday classic, "All I Want For Christmas Is You", the first and only seasonal Mastertone to achieve an RIAA certification. The Mastertone has been certified Gold by the RIAA for sales of 500,000 units.

"All I Want For Christmas Is You" was first heard as a key track on Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas album. Originally released in 1994, Merry Christmas has gone one to become one of the top-selling holiday collections of all time, selling more than 11 million copies worldwide while earning 5x platinum certification from the RIAA. The album is currently #24 on the SoundScan Digital Albums chart and #13 on the Top Catalog Albums chart.

"All I Want For Christmas Is You" is currently #9 on the SoundScan Top 200 Hot Digital Tracks chart while another Mariah holiday standard, "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)", has just entered that chart at #171.

To hear Mariah's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" ringtone, please visit www.sonymusicbox.com and find out how to purchase it for your cellphone. Cingular is offering Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" as a free "answertone" to its customers until December 27, 2006.
(Mariah Carey.com)

She attracts almost universal hatred and yet sells millions of records. Can I be the only one out there who thinks Mimi's music is really rather good? There are certain stars in pop the public loves to hate - almost murderously, it sometimes seems. At the moment, for some people it's Pete Doherty. Others still wish to burn Phil Collins alive. Personally, I want to give Chris Martin a really thorough slapping whenever I see him doing his "look at me, I'm a hugely sensitive showman" routine on telly.

One star who attracts almost universal contempt these days seems to be Mariah Carey. Her very name is almost a cuss word, in middle-class circles at any rate. (At our office party this year, guests have been invited to run up CDs of a couple of tunes to rock the room, with just one proviso: no Mariah Carey. All I Want for Christmas is You was also named the worst Christmas song ever in yesterday's Observer Music Monthly.)

And this hate will almost certainly find further fuel from the weekend's news that Mimi is to sue porn star Mary Carey (to stop her trademarking the very similar-sounding name on the grounds that customers might confuse the two, thereby defaming her own "brand"). As a legal action it does sound like a fairly classic "only in America" legal case, particularly if you look - as in the interest of research, you understand, I did - at how very unlike the two Careys look. No link there, you might have noticed - you'll just have to google for Mary yourself. This is a family blog.

But back to the better known Carey. While I do find the tales of her prima-donnish behaviour, her ridiculous demands for grand luxuries in hotels, etc amusing - I can't share the hatred so many people seem to have for her music. (And, since she's obviously emotionally vulnerable, I get a bit irritated at the public venom directed at a fragile nature.) People have actually said to me, in conversations about music when I've enthused about my taste for R'n'B, "I don't believe it, next thing you'll be telling me you like Mariah Carey!"

The thing is, actually, I really do. I'm not a fan of her work while she was the property of Tommy Mottola, the Columbia records executive who star-spotted her, then became her husband while still managing her career. It's aimed at the mass market in a shameless way that deploys Carey's astonishing singing range to fake up strong emotion, and it's often nauseating.

However, since she and Mottola separated in 1996 and Carey was able to incorporate her love for hip-hop into the songs, she has just got better and better. The single We Belong Together is plainly one of the very best pop songs recorded in the last 20 years. Yet I can remember a lot of people, after Live 8, saying it was the most appalling thing they saw all day. I saw the performance too, and I thought it was great.

Tell me: am I entirely alone in recognising how good she is? Millions and millions of people buy her records - so why does my love for these songs feel like such a lonely passion?
(Guardian Unlimited: Arts blog)

No album in the past decade has gotten people more excited about the holiday season than Mariah Carey's chart-topping Merry Christmas. Featuring the smash hit "All I Want For Christmas Is You," the DualDisc Edition of Merry Christmas also features a new vocal performance by Mariah and remixed by Jermaine Dupri and a previously unavailable song, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman," along with previously unavailable classic Mariah holiday videos!
(Sony Music Store)

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
"Ring The Alarm" - Beyoncé
"Be Without You" - Mary J. Blige
"Don't Forget About Us" - Mariah Carey
"Day Dreaming" - Natalie Cole
"I Am Not My Hair" - India.Arie

Best R&B Song
"Be Without You" - Mary J. Blige
"Black Sweat" - Prince
"Deja Vu" - Beyoncé Featuring Jay-Z
"Don't Forget About Us" - Mariah Carey
"I Am Not My Hair" - India.Arie


Mariah is nominated twice with "Don't Forget About Us". The hit single is nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song. Last year, Mariah was nominated for 8 Grammy awards and took home three that were awarded to her prior to the awards telecast. This year, the 49th Grammy Awards will air live on CBS from the Los Angeles Staples Center on February 11.
(The Mariah Carey Archives)

Out now, the Christmas edition of the All Mariah magazine. Everyone who already ordered a copy or who is subscribed to the magazine, can expect the magazine in time for Christmas. All Mariah is a magazine entirely dedicated to Mariah Carey, with many articles and of course high-quality pictures. The magazine is in full colour on glossy paper and will be released 4 times a year.

All Mariah magazine is proud to welcome a new editor to our team, Alexis Brown. She wrote a review of the sold-out September 30 concert at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. But there are also articles from our regular editors. Anita Braaksma wrote a follow-up article on Mariah's remixes, Rashmi Shastri had an exclusive interview with Trey Lorenz, and Badyr Salcedo wrote a follow-up article about the Emancipation videos. Furthermore, Benjamin Szumskyj compiled a list of solo performances and collaborations Mariah has sung, that have not appeared on one of her own albums or in another form.

But there is more. In this issue you can also find articles on Mariah's cancelled Hong Kong concert, news on the DVD release, Mariah at the Wish Night 2006 Awards gala, etc. The complete table of contents is as follows:

04 Mariah & remixes - part 2 (by Anita Braaksma)
10 Mimi presents Trey Lorenz (by Rashmi Shastri)
15 Mimi, don't disappoint your fans (by Badyr Salcedo)
17 MGM Grand Garden Arena (by Alexis Brown)
18 Mariah plans to release DVD
21 Hong Kong concert shelved after row
22 The Emancipation videos - part 2 (by Badyr Salcedo)
25 The Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation Gala
26 Thank you Mariah
29 Uncollected Mariah: a working discography (by Benjamin Szumskyj)
30 Wish Night 2006 Awards Gala

(The Mariah Carey Archives)

People published a new picture of Mariah shopping at Dior in Beverly Hills on Tuesday. Star Tracks: Getting Her Kicks -

Pop diva Mariah Carey gets geared up for a Rodeo Drive shopping extravaganza in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, where the singer stopped by the Dior store.
(People)

Megastardom does not come without its hard work, passion, generous spirit, and quest for new and creative outlets… at least for Mariah Carey. The singer, songwriter, actress, and soon-to-be fragrance maker is on the go, on her way to Aspen, and has no plans of slowing down.

ASPEN PEAK: You recently wrapped up your US tour for your CD, The Emancipation of Mimi, and you’re already heading for Japan. How are you feeling?
MARIAH CAREY: This is usually my vocal rest day. I just did a couple of shows back to back. I don’t speak between shows, but this is my favorite magazine! I’m on my way to the airport, heading for Japan, and that tour is close to three weeks. I just came from Phoenix, and we had a slight party afterward, which I don’t really do. Right now, it’s all about the plane ride and silence.

AP: So this US tour was the first time you traveled by tour bus….
MC: I loved it. Everybody was laughing at me, like, “Yeah, right. You’re so never gonna do that.” I know I have this diva thing, but I really did like it.

AP: How was the experience overall?
MC: I had a lot of private time, which I don’t usually. My apartment in Tribeca is really big and there are people around all the time. This was cozy. It felt like I had more independence. My dog Jack had his little nook. He has become a celebrity in his own right—he was nominated for two Relly awards [from Live with Regis and Kelly]. The funniest part is that he’s taking the tour bus home right now.

AP: How does this tour compare with ones in the past?
MC: In my opinion, it was the biggest and best tour I’ve ever done. We had great supporting acts. Sean Paul opened up the first half of the tour. Busta Rhymes did the whole West Coast. It was great having them out there. The crowd was so diverse—from 14-year-old girls to 24-year-old hip-hop guys to older married couples.

AP: How many people tour with you?
MC: We had about 78 people, 13 trucks, and eight buses.

AP: I hear you’re going to South Africa in December with Oprah when she opens a new school for girls. How did this come about?
MC: Oprah sent me an invitation. I had been to the Legends Ball as well, which was amazing and one of the most—no, the most—fabulous event I’ve ever been to in my life. The luncheon and the special care and time she took for her guests were amazing. And this trip should be an incredible piece of history, so I’m looking forward to being there. It’s an honor and privilege to be invited.

AP: You’ll be in Aspen for Christmas—how were you introduced to the town?
MC: I’ll be there… for Christmas Day. I love the lead up to Christmas. I’ve been going [to Aspen] since about 1997. I went to Telluride first, which was cool and pretty.

AP: What do you plan to do here?
MC: I’m not a great skier at all. I take one run and ski in an outfit that’s cute. The point is that I love having a white Christmas. I love the vibe of Aspen… not necessarily the whole paparazzi-celebrity thing, which is cool, but I do stuff like going on sleigh rides with friends. We go all out to really have the most lovely Christmas and to relive my dreams of being a kid. Being out in Aspen is always so amazing and picturesque. I have a sense of feeling at home there.

AP: Are there any places you go every year?
MC: I usually go to Matsuhisa—I think it’s my favorite of all the Nobu restaurants. I’ve seen Chef Nobu there more than I’ve seen him in Japan. I’m usually at Joan Boyce’s jewelry store. I like Piñons. Their salad is my favorite.

AP: Back to the slopes: Do you ski only on Aspen Mountain?
MC: I’ve been to Snowmass. I think it’s easier for skiers like me. I don’t want to sit here and talk about how bad I am, but here’s the problem—I’m not an early-to-rise person. I really like to sleep, so by the time I get to the slopes, it’s always like the last run, so if I go to a snowboarding class or something, I’m not going to get much time in. I might as well ski one run and call it a day. But this year I’m going to try to go snowboarding. I haven’t gotten past the “fall on your buttocks” stage yet, so I’m waiting for that to happen.

AP: But you’ll have your friends here to look out for you.
MC: Yeah. I’ll have friends and extended family here. I have a friend from England who’s coming and in and another from Sweden who’s been a friend since the 10th grade.

AP: Do you stay in the same place each year?
MC: I try different places, but I really would like to have a place in Aspen one day. I’m a very specific person. I built the place where I live now, and I’ve built places before. I kind of like things to be exactly how I like them. We know what that process takes… a billion years and a billion dollars!

AP: Would you like to live in town?
MC: I think something on the outskirts would be cool, but I could come in if I wanted to. I really like the serenity, and it looks like something out of an incredible painting. It’s so gorgeous. It’s not just about celebrity moments there. It’s about fun. I actually go tubing all the time.

AP: You once worked with a charity and brought children here from Denver, who were living in an orphanage. Will you do that again this year?
MC: I’m trying to. It’s a lot of fun, and Christmas is obviously about giving and sharing. If that means your time and creating a fun environment for kids, I think that’s something everyone should try to do. It’s really important for me to give back. I feel I’ve been so blessed. Last year we went ice skating [with the kids], which is pretty funny to watch. It’s like watching me ski.

AP: Do you hike when you’re here?
MC: Sort of, kind of. I don’t think it would qualify in a hiking manual. I go on walks near where I’m staying, which usually has wooded areas and brooks.

AP: Where do you want to stay this year?
MC: I don’t know yet, but it has to have a hot tub. I like to get out of the hot tub and roll in the snow. Someone told me that was a tradition in Aspen, but maybe they were lying to me. It’s a tradition for us to have Santa Claus-looking bikinis, jump in the hot tub, and roll in the fresh snow.

AP: So after the week here, and then South Africa with Oprah, what’s next on your agenda?
MC: I’m working on a movie that I’ve been really excited about called Tennessee, produced by Lee Daniels, who was the producer of Monster’s Ball and The Woodsman.

AP: What’s your role in the film?
MC: I play a waitress who is a down-home country girl. It’s an ensemble piece and a nice role. The story is about two brothers who are on a journey to find their estranged father.

AP: When will the film be released?
MC: The goal is before Christmas 2007.

AP: You have a lot in front of you.
MC: Another big priority is a fragrance I’m launching with Elizabeth Arden. It’s the first time I’ve ever done a fragrance. It’s been an amazing and creative process. You sit down with the “juice” companies, and then they show you the different scents. You then compose the scent. The process was very similar to writing a song. The fragrance is almost done, and next is the bottling and then the marketing campaign. The fragrance will come out in conjunction with a new album, which I’ll start working on right after Christmas.

AP: Is there a working title?
MC: There is, but I can’t tell you right now!

AP: You’ve had an amazing success with The Emancipation of Mimi. You must be very proud of it.
MC: I’m really proud of winning the BMI Songwriter of the Year, and Song of the Year awards… it meant a lot to me. Unless people see you sitting behind a piano or strumming a guitar, they don’t recognize you as a true songwriter, which I consider myself to be first and foremost. A lot of people don’t realize that.

AP: Quite a year, right?
MC: The whole time I was just really looking forward to coming to Aspen.
(Aspen Peak Magazine)

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles’ held its 7th annual Wish Night Award Gala at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Friday, November 17, 2006. The star-studded event honored those who have supported the organization’s mission to fulfill a wish for every child with a life-threatening illness in Los Angeles County and is expected to net over $225,000.

Receiving the Inaugural Wish Icon Award from wish child presenter, and namesake, Mariah Escamilla, Mariah Carey conveyed how she felt to work with the Foundation and to be honored with the Inaugural Wish Icon Award, which will hereafter be called the Mariah Wish Icon Award.

"Every time I’ve ever done anything with the Make-A-Wish Foundation I’ve felt blessed," said Carey, who added that she "felt like it was fulfilling her wishes too" because she had also once been "a kid with a dream." Carey then smiled and held up the 14-year-old’s hand and asked the audience to "give it up” for her presenter “little Mariah."
(Make A Wish | Mariah Connection)

How do you help combat homelessness in New York City? Six celebrities and designers have taken a stand by participating in Minwax Chairs For Charity, a design event and online auction to benefit Furnish a Future, a program of The Partnership for the Homeless. All six expressed their creativity by designing and decorating a chair in their own signature style using wood stains and finishes. From a whimsical blue "anchor chair" for television host Meredith Vieira, to a powerful red, white and blue New York Giants chair covered with 30 team autographs, the unique designs express the personality and creativity of an exceptional group.

Accepting the creative challenge were the honorable Michael R. Bloomberg, mayor of New York City, with designer Jamie Drake; Grammy Award-winning singer Mariah Carey, with designer Mario Buatta; NBC's "Today" show host Meredith Vieira, with designer Chris Madden; tennis star Venus Williams; the New York Giants, and Nascar driver Elliott Sadler.

All of the participants donated their time and expertise to make the project a success, and from the look of the chairs, many of which are being finished to their specifications in the Minwax design workshops, they expressed themselves with color and flair. Each chair makes a design statement that's uniquely personal and very collectible. Minwax, the leading manufacturer of wood finishing and wood care products, is underwriting the project.

Chair designed by Mario Buatta for Mariah Carey
Renowned interior designer Mario Buatta designed this enchanting Balloon Chair for musical legend Mariah Carey. This eye-popping masterpiece boasts an interior of regal lavender and an elegant butterfly and bamboo print exterior complimented by a frame stained in white oak. The attention to detail makes this design truly sing.
(Various)

During Christmas week, many ABC radio affiliates will air Merry Christmas from Walt Disney World. Check your local radio affiliates beginning December 18th for this special holiday programming. Merry Christmas from Walt Disney World is a three-hour family special originating from the "merriest place on earth" and is hosted by Desperate Housewives' star Teri Hatcher.

This unique radio program will be packed with contemporary holiday music and cherished yuletide memories from celebrity guests. Hatcher will share the spotlight with Disney friends Donald Duck, Goofy, Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Together, they'll bring the festive sights and sounds of Disney World to life for millions of radio listeners across the country.

Scheduled to appear are Luke Wilson, Tim McGraw, Hugh Grant, Chris Rock, Beyonce, John Travolta, Mariah Carey, Tim Allen, Angelina Jolie, Evangeline Lilly, Disney Channel stars Miley Cyrus, cast members of High School Musical and a special correspondent from the Disneyland Resort in California, Desperate Housewives' James Denton.

The show will be packed with contemporary holiday music and cherished Christmas memories from celebrity guests.
(ABC)