It's that time of year again, when the Def Jam honchos rub their palms in glee and calculate how much their prize signing, otherwise known as Mariah Carey, is gonna bank them when her new album hits shops. Matiah's UK publicist (and coincidentally my very first boss) Connie Filippelo invited me to her playback session at the Mayfair hotel in London, where chairman of Def Jam and all-out music legend Antonio "LA" Reid had flown over to introduce both Mariah's and Janet Jackson's new albums to the UK press.

This is Mariah's 11th studio album, and considering the last offering, The Emancipation of Mimi, sold 7 million copies in the US alone and helped stabilize the prospects of the record label, you can understand LA taking a hands-on interest in his cash cow.

T-Pain, Young Jeezy and Damian Marley make an appearance on the album, which is called That Chick, and where the previous album excelled with the We Belong Together anthem, this year's record is all about the club bangers. Rest assured, Mariah's got another hit on her hands.

LA invited me down to the after-party, which was being held at the Crystal nightclub, where he'd bought the club for the night, but Jack Frost and the January blues got the better of me, so I declined.

LA's been hot news this week, having stood firmly behind Def Jam artist Nas and the controversial decision to call his new album Nigger. Reid said: "Anything Nas wants to do, I completely stand behind him. Nas is prolific, he's a genius-an amazing artist of respect." Never one to shy from controversy, the attention on the album is sure to enhance sales, and between God's son, Mariah and Janet, 2008 has got LA smiling all the way to the bank.
(Pride Magazine | Mariah Connection)

Rumors have circulated on the internet suggesting that Mariah Carey is releasing her first single in nearly three years to radio this week, however, it appears the new song has been pushed back til February 12.

According to the New Releases list on industry website All Access, Carey's new track, called "Touch My Body", will be released from her new album, said to be called "That Chick". The anticipation is high that the 37-year-old singer can deliver an album as successful as her multi-platinum selling 2005 album, "The Emancipation of Mimi".
(The Celebrity Truth)

Record executive Antonio "L.A." Reid is confident he can revive the careers of R&B singers Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson - because he never stopped believing in their star power. The Island Def Jam boss was eager to sign both artists to his label - despite the commercial failure of their respective albums released by Virgin Records.

After signing Carey in 2002, her subsequent debut with Island, The Emancipation Of Mimi, has gone on to sell more than 10 million copies worldwide - and Reid is convinced Jackson's upcoming album Discipline will have similar success. He says, "I firmly believe in truly talented people, particularly talented superstars. I believe if you have the talent, it's just a question of someone refining it and helping to make the right creative decisions."

"Talent always wins in the end; you're never over. As a matter of fact, I find that the marketplace generally is much healthier for icons than it might be for new artists, and I think that has been proven for many artists. When you look at the Eagles' success or the recent Led Zeppelin success, it tells me that people who grew up on these artists always love them, they just want them to make the right record. So I never really give up on them."
(PR-inside)

The current issue of Music Week Magazine has a very interesting interview/article on L.A Reid. Below you will some highlights relating to Mariah: On January 15 Terra Firma head Guy Hands, the man charged with turning the fortunes of EMI around, gathered his staff at the Odeon Cinema in West London and delivered his new and at times revolutionary vision for the company.

The following day Island Def Jam chairman Antonio “LA” Reid stood in front of representatives from Universal’s European territories and a selection of British media at the Mayfair Theatre to reveal two of the label’s biggest Q2 priorities; Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson. Dressed casually in jeans, a white shirt and blazer, the Grammy-winning record executive, who has guided the careers of artists such as TLC, Usher, Avril Lavigne and Dido to multi-platinum success, was in an upbeat mood, getting lost in the music and talking enthusiastically about the creative process behind the new albums.

“We should clap,” he told the audience. “We should clap because we just played music, and yesterday there was a very big company meeting in a theatre over the other side of town where they didn’t play music. A music company – or it used to be.” The timing, intentional or not, was perhaps all the more prudent given the history of the two artists Reid was presenting. Mariah Carey will this year deliver her second album for Island Def Jam, the label she signed to in 2002 following a disappointing period with Virgin Records. Carey signed with Virgin in April 2001 for close to $82m (£41.9m) but, following a disappointing performance of the Glitter movie and soundtrack, EMI cut its losses and paid Carey $28m (£14.3m) to sever ties. The Emancipation Of Mimi, her subsequent debut for Island Def Jam, has since sold more than 10m copies globally.

Jackson signed to Island Def Jam last year in the wake of two consecutive commercial disappointments: 2004’s Damita Jo and 2006’s 20 YO. Reid is adamant, however, that Virgin’s failure will be his own success.

Music Week caught up with the veteran music executive at The Berkeley Hotel in London. Music Week: In the case of both Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey, you signed artists at a low point in their careers. What is it that gives you confidence to get involved with artists that other labels may be hesitant about?

L.A Reid: I firmly believe in truly talented people, particularly talented superstars. I believe if you have the talent, it’s just a question of someone refining it and helping to make the right creative decisions. Talent always wins in the end; you’re never over. As a matter of fact, I find that the marketplace generally is much healthier for icons than it might be for new artists, and I think that has been proven for many artists. When you look at the Eagles’ success or the recent Led Zeppelin success, it tells me that people who grew up on these artists always love them, they just want them to make the right records. So I never really give up on them.”

Music Week: Is there a process that you go through when it comes to identifying the strengths of these artists and deciding the right album to make?

L.A Reid: I just listen to songs. Mariah Carey writes every song she sings; she may collaborate with various people but she is a songwriter, so with Mariah she’ll write, she’ll play it for me and I’ll tell her what I think, so there’s no real process there. Alternatively, if I think there’s a good collaboration I’ll suggest somebody and she’ll say, ‘OK I like this person, I’ll try that’, you know, and then we just evaluate the work when it’s done. She’s a true songwriter. With Janet, we spend more time with the producers and writers trying to find ideas that may appeal to her and that she can get into and mould into her own. I just try to get inside their heads and find out what it is they’re looking for. I provide a service. I do whatever they want me to do; whatever they need, I’ll do it to help them. It’s really their vision, not mine.

Music Week: Did you find the creative process fairly smooth this time around?

L.A Reid: Yeah. It always is though. Honestly, I don’t have issues with artists at all because, although I’m not a performer, they think of me as one of them. So no, we don’t hit creative snags, we just try things and some things work and some things don’t and that’s fine.
(Music Week magazine | Mariah Connection)

Mariah Carey has been spotted taking her dog shopping in a posh Gucci store. The kooky singer is known for her diva antics and yesterday was just another day as she took her beloved pooch with her into the Beverly Hill Gucci store.

Mariah cuddled her dog as she went on a spree in the store leaving with bags of goodies- which she obviously won’t have carried herself. The superstar singer also visited Van Cleef & Arpels before refuelling with champagne on Rodeo Drive.
(Female First | Photos courtesy of Mariah Connection)

In what may have been their first night out since becoming parents earlier this month, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden hit megamanager Benny Medina’s 50th birthday party on Friday night.

The couple was among the 200 or so who filled Medina’s Hollywood Hills home for the splashy shindig. Mariah Carey flew into L.A. just for the bash and gave a toast, before helping present Medina with his birthday cake, sources tell me. Prince, I’m told, showed up late in the night and was quickly escorted to the second floor of the house, where Carey retreated after the cake was served.
(E! Online)

A chart battle is looming for Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson. Jackson will release her new album Discipline on Feb 26, Carey's long player, tentatively titled I'm That Chick, is due on April 1. And judging by new tracks previewed at a Melbourne listening session last week, Mimi will blitz.

Carey beats, lyrics, and vocal delivery are superior. Mimi's new songs are about love, lust, being played and her breakdown - or her "breakthrough" as a Carey describes it. Touch My Body, shortlisted as the first single, hints at a new celebrity must have - a sex tape. "If there's a camera up in here then I'd best not catch this flick on YouTube," Carey warns. "If you run your mouth and brag about this secret rendezvous, I will hunt you down." Collaborating producers include Jermaine Dupri, Polow Da Don, Stargate, Danja, Tricky Sterwart and The Dream.

By comparison, the new Janet is geared to the clubs. With Timbaland's succesful electro experiments, US urban is moving towards chunkier beats and house. Yet Jackson's new tunes fail to repeat past glories. Her dance tracks are overproduced, the ballads are banal. "My body's here, it's soaking wet, I wanna give you something you won't forget," Janet sings on Tonight. "Ain't you curious, don't you wanna know, how deep my love can go? Don't resist the fight, do it all night."
(Herald Sun Australia | Mariah Connection)

Stargate’s producer Mikkel Storleer Eriksen talks about "That Chick." Eriksen who worked with Mariah on "That Chick" in New York, says he’s fascinated by Mariah as she’s an incredible artist and a funny woman. According to Mikkel, the album will be a hit and he was only able to talk and reveal some details to the Norwegian publication last Friday, as the label is very protective to avoid leaks.

Both tracks Stargate produced on Mariah’s album are very Stargate-esque with addition sounds like we are used to hear by Mariah. It’s a "feel good" impression to be with Mariah, she’s a hard worker and a famous vocalist, we worked from late at night to the early hours with a few glasses of champagne, says Eiksen. I’m really excited by "That Chick."
(Heroes of Mariah)

Two of the world's biggest music divas will be heading to Australia this year on the back of their latest album releases. Mariah Carey, who has racked up 17 number-one hits in the US alone and has sold more than 150 million CDs and DVDs worldwide, is preparing to release her album That Chick in April. Meanwhile, the release of the Janet Jackson album Discipline is imminent.

"We definitely want to get them out here at some point during the year," says a rep from their US record label who flew to Australia to unveil five tracks from each album. Insider had a private preview of tracks from both albums - two of the year's most anticipated releases.

Jackson's first single from her 10th studio album is Feedback, a cracking pop track. Another, Tonight, is up-tempo dance, so think Rihanna's Don't Stop The Music. Others include the pumping Rock With You and the curiously titled The Greatest Ex.

Carey's sound is more polished than Jackson's, and there's no doubt her album will get plenty of radio and television airplay. Timing is everything in this game, so Carey is yet to set an exact date for the release. The expected drop in April will be around the time Madonna's latest album is due. Although Carey's lyrics leave little to the imagination, there's no denying she has an amazing voice. Stand-out tunes include Love You Long Time, Touch My Body and I'm That Chick That You Want.
(The Daily Telegraph)

As Mariah, her nearest and dearest and I flew into Vegas on December 30, it was a buzz to see the blazing lights of the Vegas strip beneath us.

Seeing the height of the infamous fight location The Mandalay, the fake Eiffel Tower, the view of the choreographed fountains of the Bellagio, the Roman silhouettes at Caesars palace– I was high, both mentally and literally (but not chemically!)

We left the jet and headed straight to our rooms at The Venetian, with enough time to pee, pack and party! We showered and then hit Jay Z's party at the 40/40 club in Vegas's Palazzo Hotel. It was like an SAS mission getting in– unless you were on MC's guestlist! So we swanned through the escalator security, the door security, the red carpet lane and into the club.

It was great timing as we arrived alongside Jay and Beyoncé, who made their way straight to the stage to thank us all for being there and to wish us happy holidays. Then, Jay wanted to say happy birthday to a special friend of his, basketball player Lebron James who was celebrating his 23rd born-day there. Lebron took the mic as a girl popped out of a giant birthday cake, and then Kanye West, Ne-Yo, Mary J Blige and countless basketball players (I have no idea who) passed through. DJ Clark Kent killed it on the decks with a set so fly and retrospective we didn't stop dancing and screaming until 4am!

Then it was back to MC's suite where we hung out with a variety of MC's true friends and celebs, while listening to her new album and dancing about as if we were 12-year-olds at a slumber party! Da Brat retired at 5am whilst I made it till 7am.

Next day, myself and first time Vegas-goer Tracy Cloherty (former head of Hot97, now at K Rock) did a quick diva tour of the strip, where Paris is just across the street from Italy and u can buy sweat-suits for a dollar each. We spotted ads for “as much as u can eat– more than u could ever imagine," which made me laugh. Only in Vegas where the folks are so fat you can jog around them for exercise, would we see that! (The above statement is the opinion of this writer and not any American superstar in our presence.)

That night it was MC's New Years Eve party in club Tao. With all our pre-NYE celebration antics in her suite, we only just hit the club seconds before she had to countdown to midnight! She was rushed onstage to join DJ Suss One and we brought the New Year in as we meant to continue the rest of the year: rushed!

In VIP with us were Mario, Randy Jackson, head of BET Stephen Hill, Da Brat and– wait for it– Death Row legend Suge Knight! Even though I was slightly nervous about hanging with hip-hop’s most notorious villain, I am obsessed by the story of Death Row so it was only seconds before me and Suge got chatting after MC did the introductions. The conversation was fascinating. Suge: “I love that girl– I will hurt a n****r for her.” Me: “Yeah, me too. That's my sis and I love her too." Suge then said: "Ok good– so I got both of you.” Woo! Head rush! Suge Knight’s got me. So don’t mess readers, or you could get hung over a balcony– ya heard!

Then, Nas and Kelis and ex-sports star now actor Rick Fox passed through the party and we all danced until 5am with Suge on one side of me and MC and Brat on another. It was a legendary hip-hop dream! We kept hitting the DJ with our track choices, which included all old school hits from Tupac, Biggie, Jacko, Run DMC. It was a jamdown! And Suge said the DJ better play MC's wish-list or it could get ugly!

We staggered back to MC's suite, and I mean staggered, as my feet were done. Can you believe MC's security didn't want to carry me? Something about being here to look after MC not my feet. Outrageous!

Just as I was about to collapse on the bed, MC who had only eaten “morsels” for the past 24-hours, decided to order a little breakfast: Maine lobster breakfast at 8am (“coz Jazzy’s from London and hasn't tasted Maine lobster”!) We listened to MC’s new album again, with a superstar line-up of celebs, who all joined us in the suite and raved silly about it.

Then I staggered to bed for three hours, before we all jumped on a flight to the Bahamas, where we literally chased the sun! You can read that installment in next week’s Juice! Oh, I know I'm a little late but... Happy New Year!
(Voice Online)

After receiving several different release dates, Mariah Carey is finally set for an April return. That Chick is the follow-up to 2005's biggest selling album, Carey's The Emancipation of Mimi, which means it has much to live up to.

Longtime collaborator Jermaine Dupri is a believer. "It's kind of strange but I heard a lot of her records and it sound like the album is better than the last album," Jermaine Dupri told Billboard. Along with J.D. That Chick features production from Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am and Rodney Jerkins, while T-Pain and Damian Marley join Mariah on the mic.

According to Billboard, That Chick seems to run the gamut, with Mariah moving from R&B, to light pop and even trying out a new sound that fans have never heard from the diva with her take on Jamaican patois. Marley helps out with the island sound on the track "Crusie Control," while T-Pain lends his voice opposite Mariah on the upbeat track, "Migrate" in which Mariah warns, "Don't wait for me to buy drinks, or you're going to dehydrate." In the sexy R&B track, "Touch My Body" Mariah shuts down anyone hoping to get a shot of her with a cell phone camera, singing, "If there's a camera up in here then I best not catch this flick on YouTube."

As SOHH previously reported, Carey is really excited about her new disc. "It's hard for me to sit here and talk about it without sounding like I'm bragging if I'm in love with it, but I'm in love with this album," Mariah admitted to the L.A. Times. "I think that having the success with the last record allowed me to have more freedom... and just make records that I like. It's kind of a really fun record."
(SOHH)

Attention creative lambs,

Mariah Hero dot com has opened a spot for you to display your instinctive creativity! We are asking MH visual artists to design the new Mariah Hero.com ads. Participants should post their artwork at Mariah Hero’s artistry room. The contest is open from January 22nd to January 30th.

Your entry should include the following:
- One or two banners 380x80 pixels
- One or two banners 100x35 pixels
- One full-sized poster 550x650 pixels

Each item should emphasize “Mariah Hero.com”; the text “Mariah” should use Mariah’s Album font, which can be found at the downloads section of this site. No additional text is required. Animated images are a plus. For additional rules, visit this site's community.

Mariah Hero MB visitors are also encouraged to vote for their favorite artwork. Votes can be sent via PM to Badyr S. or via e-mail at admin@mariahhero.com, including Mariah Hero as your subject. Participants can only vote for another contestant’s work.

The winner will be announced on January 31st on Mariah Hero’s news section, and his/her work will be used to promote the site and the message board over the internet. The winner will also receive a CD single. Only Mariah Hero MB members can participate. You can login if you're a member or register at mariahhero.com/mb.
(Mariah Hero MB)

Mariah Carey has set an April 1 release date for the follow-up to her mega-selling album "The Emancipation of Mimi," which was the biggest selling album of 2005. Dubbed "That Chick," the set features production from Jermaine Dupri, will.i.am and Rodney Jerkins, plus collaborations with the likes of T-Pain and Damian Marley.

The album veers between breezy pop tunes like "Lovin' You Long Time" and the title track, ballads like "Love Story" and urban club bangers like the standout "Migrate."

The latter features T-Pain in a guest slot, providing the counterpoint to Carey's anthemic "single girls on the town" lyrics with the killer line: "Don't wait for me to buy drinks, or you're going to dehydrate."

Other highlights include the frisky R&B of "Touch My Body," with Carey cooing, "If there's a camera up in here then I best not catch this flick on YouTube," and the catchy "OOC" -- short for "out of control." There's also a new sound for Carey on "Cruise Control," which features Marley and sees the artist try her hand at Jamaican patois. "It's kind of strange but I heard a lot of her records and it sound like the album is better than the last album," Dupri recently told Billboard.

Here is the track list for "That Chick":
"Lovin' You Long Time"
"Touch My Body"
"That Chick"
"Thanx for Nothin'"
"For the Record"
"Migrate"
"Cruise Control"
"Love Story"
"OOC"
"Bye Bye"

Editor's Note: According to Universal Music International, the album title and artwork for the album have not been decided yet; this information was published at Mariah Connection.
(Billboard)

I've had a sneak peek at two of this year's biggest albums, Janet Jackson's Discipline and That Chick by Mariah Carey.

I can reveal that Janet, 41, kicks out the slow jams in favour of club bangers on her strongest and most varied collection in donkey's years. Destiny's Child producer Rodney Jerkins, 30, is the man behind the standout cuts. Sweet, synth heavy lead-off track Love Love Love is the musical equivalent of Fruit Pastels while buzzy hook fest Feedback is the girl's best single in a decade.

Elsewhere the deliciously Stevie Wonder-ish This Can't Be Good highlights Janet's whisper-quiet vocal texture, while Tonight sounds like a future No 1. Only the super sexy (or plain filthy) title track, a ballad penned by Ne-Yo, 26, misses the mark.

As for Mariah it's more of the same from the world's biggest-selling recording artist. If anything there's less schmaltz this time as the Long Island babe concentrates on blowing bass bins.

The brassy Lovin' You Long Time's riff gets more uplifting by the second while Mariah, 37, does a mean R Kelly impersonation on Touch My Body. Pick of the bunch is the Janet-like title track That Chick, with its "taste me, gotta flavour like ice cream" hook. Janet's Discipline drops February 25, Mariah's That Chick follows on April 1.
(Daily Star UK)

L.A Reid invites an exclusive VIP audience to hear the new albums...Last night in a central London hotel theatre, Def Jam head L.A Reid invited a very exclusive VIP audience to hear the new albums from both his 2 top divas Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey.

With stringent rules laid down at the top of the evening about not leaving the room for a bathroom visit, handing over all gadgets and returning song word sheets, we knew it was about to go down.

Beginning with Janet’s new material which sees Janet reworking her old sounds from the days of "velvet rope" and "control" Janet’s material was quite sexually overt and a little gross ("real heavy like my first period"!) but it was really Mariah’s new material that blew everyone away.

Ms Carey’s new album, tentatively titled "that chick," saw collaborations with T Pain , Young Jeezy and Damien Marley with production by her long time friend and producer Jermaine Dupri, Will I Am, Rodney Jerkins and The Dream.

The new music with catchier hooks and melodies than ever, even sees Mariah taking on an exciting new musical adventure where she sings in Jamaican patois on her Damien Marley duet "Cruise Control" where she references "dramas" and "baby mamas" and like your favourite rap star Mariah throws down new MC slanguage (‘you love yourself some me!’) that will have the teens adopting as soon as the album gets into the public domain..

Urban music lovers in the house were really excited about that track as well as hip-hop banger "Heat" produced by Wll I Am, "For Real ,For Real," and "Migrate" where 2007s hitman T Pain hooks up with Mariah but it was the title track "That Chick" with its double entendres which includes a tip of the hat to Michael Jackson with references to his Of The Wall Classics that had pop chart taste-makers excited claiming it was the number 1 track on the album closely followed by likely international pop hit "Love You Long Time."

In typical Mariah fashion there were the legendary ballads "Love Story" and tear jerker "Bye Bye" (an ode to people who have passed away) that will have reality pop contestants singing away for decades to come!

One track titled "O.O.C" summed up the night and the return of Mariah- once the albums out it’s gonna be "Out Of Control!."

To recap, here are the confirmed tracks from the new, tentatively-titled Mariah Carey album, That Chick:
"Touch My Body"
"Migrate" ft. T-Pain
"Heat"
"For Real, For Real"
"That Chick"
"Cruise Control" ft. Damien Marley
"O.O.C"
"Bye Bye"
"Love Story"
"Love You Long Time"
(MTV UK | Recap by Mariah Daily Journal)

Def Jam/ Island CEO Antonio `LA’ Reid jetted into London yesterday afternoon to present new releases from Ms Janet Jackson and Ms Mariah Carey.

Two of the world’s most iconic have been busy squirreling in the studio and return with Jackson’s Discipline and Carey’s That Chick.

Reid identified both artists as having a whole lot of `swagger’ - before dropping a little dig to EMI. "That’s a music company. Well, it used to be," he grinned before showcasing a bit more bitchiness. Or truth, depending on your POV! "We realised that it would take some work with Janet after her last two EMI album weren’t successful. Just like the last Mariah EMI album..."

Once that was done, it was on with the music. Reserving full opinion until we’ve had the chance to sit down properly with both records, we can however say that we think MC won out.

Janet seemed fairly ok - a couple of good club tracks - but otherwise somewhat generic uptempo and slow R&B numbers that sounded like they could have been off-cuts from All For You or Janet. And there was no need for Discipline. To put it bluntly, JJ apologises to her `daddy’ for `touching herself’ even though he `commanded’ her not to. "But I can smell you on my sheets/ Daddy I disobeyed you, now come punish me...I’ve been bad, make me cry..." and so on and so on. Yuck.

Luckily, Mariah kept it a whole lot cleaner (but not squeaky, that would be dry!) The first few tracks were big, but MC really hit hard with absolute banger Migrate featuring T-Pain. Oh my daze!!! "We sippin’ Grigio slow," murmurs Mariah over some serious dirty south bounce. Not too sure about her dropping a bit of patois on the Damian Marley assisted Cruise Control ("Me say no man... tink I’m jokin’"), but we’ll forgive her such strangeness considering the tune packs heat.

Vocally and sonically, this is yet another outstanding release from the world’s biggest selling superstar. Watch out for a full review once the records are in for review...Janet is out February 25 and Mariah drops April 1st...
(RWD Online)

So, Def Jam were showing off the two female jewels in their crown yesterday with playbacks of the new Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey albums. Label Boss Antonio "LA" Reid seemed very excited about both of them, although that is his job, and mentioned plans for six singles from Mariah's That Chick, which hits the stores in April.

Mariah Carey - That Chick
Their old diva (in terms of contract, not age, of course) is Mariah, who is riding high after the 7xPlatinum-selling Emancipation Of Mimi. We got to hear 10 tracks from the follow-up, That Chick, which I have to say sounded more polished and commercial than Janet's effort.

One track in particular is set to make big bucks, and that's Bye Bye - a torch song for people "who lost they grandmothers." I guarantee that Simon Cowell will be sick of hearing badly-realised auditions of it by the end of the year.

Lyrics were never Carey's strong point, mind you, so her paean to loss is summed up with not-very-insightful Hallmark platitudes like "I'd give the world to see your face" and "Life goes on." Profound, eh?

Still, at least it's better than when she desperately attempts to prove how bang up to date she is. In Touch My Body, she purrs to her lover: "If there's a camera up in here then I best not catch this flick on youtube (youtube)." Not exactly the sexiest boudoir come-on you've ever heard, is it?

But there are plenty of good tunes to counter the awesomely bad lyrics. Migrate, about a night out with Mariah while she wears jeans ("yeah, they fit," she informs us) is sure to be a candidate for heavy MTV rotation, although I hope to god they excise T-Pain's hopelessly strained vocals. Lovin' You Long Time, meanwhile, is a strutting uptempo number very much in the style of It's Like That.

Janet Jackson - Discipline
First up, though, was Janet's Discipline. If you've heard the single, Feedback, you'll have a pretty good idea of what to expect from the album. It's crisp, danceable R&B lavished with Janet's trademark velvet harmonies.

The stand-out track was probably Tonight, a bubbling club track which can only be Jackson's response to Rihanna's Don't Stop The Music. Reid mentioned that some of the tracks weren't finished - and this one sounded like it was missing a sample somewhere in the mix. Once that's added, this could be Janet's biggest dance success since Together Again.

Love, Love, Love and This Can't Be Good saw the lyrical return of the sweet singer who first raised her head on Let's Wait Awhile - all coy and bashful while falling head over heels in love. But the sleazy siren of 20 YO is also present. Title track Discipline is a gruseome plea for fetishistic S&M sex - with Janet referring to her lover as "Daddy" while asking to be tied up and disciplined. Given that her father is a well-documented control freak who used to beat his kids, this is more than a little uncomfortable.

Speaking of family connections, there's long been a rumour that Janet and Michael will team up again (as they did on 1996's Scream) this year. Well, nothing I heard today confirms that rumour - but there is a track called Rock With You that appears to sample the single of the same name from Off The Wall. Could the finished version feature guest vocals by the former King of Pop? I genuinely hope not.

The remaining two tracks, Rollercoaster and Greatest Ex Ever, didn't really set my world alight - but you never know what'll happen on repeated listens. The main thing seems to be that Janet is back on form, vocally and lyrically. The record is very safe and commercial, although I'm not sure where they'll go for the third single (Tonight surely has to be the second). But as a first step towards career rehabilitation Def Jam have made a strong play for their newest diva.

So, what have we learnt from this listening "event"? Well, I wasn't overwhelmed by the music - despite (or perhaps because of) the fact it was played so ear-splittingly loud that it felt like I was being punched repeatedly in the ears by a cyberman. Both artists have turned in a tuneful, competent set of R&B songs, but I'm not sure that any of them have the charisma or vitality to compete with the Rihannas and Beyonces of this world.

Both albums: 6/10 (scores may go up or down after further listens at levels tolerable to the human ear).
(DiscoPop UK)

Born and raised in New York, Adam Rothenberg was excited about getting to work with such a wonderful cast in Mad Money. He sites both Ted Danson and Katie Holmes as on-set confidants that helped him learn the ropes of the business. Not only can Adam be seen in this month's Mad Money (opens January 18th), he will also soon be sharing the screen with Mariah Carey in Tennessee.

You have an upcoming movie called Tennessee. How was that experience and what was it like getting to work with Mariah Carey?

"That, again, was great. I am always surprised when I meet super famous people. It is not that exciting. Well, it's not that. It's just that they are so real. Everyone on set is very nervous on that first day. We want people to like us. So you generally come together pretty perfectly, because you have a common goal. Mariah Carey was really nice. She was great. And I'm sure we will hear more about the film as it gets closer to its release date."
(Movie Web)

Mariah is one of the artists who are featured on Randy Jackson's first solo album, "Randy Jackson's Music Club Vol. 1," due to be released on March 11th, 2008. The song, titled "I Understand," closes the album and features Bebe Winans, Kim Burrell, Rance Allen, Mariah Carey & Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church Choir.

Mariah previously performed "Fly Like A Bird" with Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church Choir at the 2006 Grammy Awards.
(Mariah Carey.com)

What's the biz to do when the top-selling album of 2007 was a Christmas project, and the second-best was a soundtrack to a teen-themed Disney movie? Superstars underperformed, and not enough up-and-comers took their commercial fortunes to the proverbial next level.

Still, there's a wealth of highly anticipated albums heading into stores in 2008 and Billboard has the lowdown of which ones you should check out, from the Mars Volta to Mariah Carey to Nas.

Mariah Carey - TBA (Island, Spring/Second Quarter)
After one of the biggest comebacks in recent R&B history with 2005's multiplatinum "The Emancipation of Mimi," the stakes are quite high for Carey's next album. Jermaine Dupri, who was behind the "Mimi" success, is returning to helm the new album. "Ms. Mariah is on fire," Island Def Jam chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid says. "I don't want to hype the record, but she writes all her own songs. Of her producers, the most interesting to me is DJ Toomp, but she's also working with Stargate, Scott Storch, Danja and will.i.am."
(Billboard | Mark)

Mariah Carey and her pet pooch Jack Junior arrived back at her NYC apartment on Sunday, January 13, 2008 after a warm and beautiful vacation at St. Barts in the Caribbean. Mariah was also accompanied by female Hip Hop artist Da Brat.

Mariah Carey Philippines invites you to celebrate the release of "The Adventures of Mimi" tour DVD. A party will be held in the Butterfly Bar & Resto in Quezon City on January 19. The Butterfly bar is located at 265F Tomas Morato corner Sct. Fernandez St., Q.C.

Fans who live in Makati or those who don't know how to get to the venue may opt to go to the meet-up place in Wendy's in Glorietta, Makati City. Party starts at 9 p.m. so fans are requested to be at the meet-up place by 7:30 p.m. There is no entrance fee for the venue. For more information, please text KEN at 0927-8733546. See you there.

Editor's note: Mariah Carey Philippines was not part of the conceptualization of this party. We were simply invited to attend the event by the bar's owner. The owner of the bar and resto is not a member of the Philippine Mariah Carey Fanclub.
(Source: Mariah Carey Philippines | The Mariah Carey Archives)

In Recognition Of The Recording Academy’s 50th Celebration, Grammy Style Studio 2008 Doubles In Size At A New Home - Smashbox Studios, West Hollywood

The fifth annual GRAMMY Style Studio is The Recording Academy’s official styling suite where nominees, performers, and presenters are invited to select one-of-a-kind pieces from leading international red carpet and lifestyle brands to wear to the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards (airing on CBS live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008) and other GRAMMY Week events.

Previously held at Ocean Way Recording Studio in Hollywood, this year’s event moves to a new home - Smashbox Studios in West Hollywood (formerly Quixote).

Home to fashion shoots of some of the world’s leading recording artists (including Fergie, Jay-Z, Madonna, Gwen Stefani, and Justin Timberlake), this 5,000 square foot space will be transformed into a fashion haven using elaborate furnishings, musical equipment and decor from Gibson Musical Instruments and rare pieces of music memorabilia from Hard Rock International’s world famous collection.

From Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008 – Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, private styling appointments for talent will be held between 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. A media preview and artists’ interviews are on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008, with additional appointments scheduled throughout the week.

First designers confirmed to participate include Karl Lagerfeld, K Karl Lagerfeld, Elie Saab, Vivienne Westwood, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Hugo Boss, Ted Baker London, Thomas Pink, Toni Maticevski, Blue Notch Denim (Japan), Hush Puppies, K-Swiss, Stetson, Thrive, Technomarine watches and sunglasses from Fendi and Pucci Eyewear, with more confirmations to follow.

`Now in our fifth year of celebrating the intrinsic connection between music and fashion, the GRAMMY Style Studio provides a unique opportunity for artists to be dressed by leading international designers and top lifestyle brands,’ said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy, `And this year`s Style Studio is going to be better than ever as we have an even bigger reason to celebrate this synergy - our milestone 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards.`

Nominated artists invited to attend the suite include: Akon, Alicia Keys, Angie Stone, Amy Winehouse, Beastie Boys, Beck, Beyonce, Bon Jovi, Brad Paisley, Bruce Springsteen, Carrie Underwood, Chaka Khan, Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera, Common, Corinne Bailey Rae, Daughtry, Eve, Faith Hill, Feist, Foo Fighters, Green Day, India.Arie, James Blunt, Jay-Z, John Legend, John Mayer, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, Keyshia Cole, KT Tunstall, LeAnn Rimes, Lilly Allen, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Maroon 5, Michael Buble, Miranda Lambert, Mary J.Blige, Missy Elliott, Nelly, Nelly Furtado, Ne-Yo, No Doubt, Plain White T`s, Pink, Prince, Queen Latifah, Rhianna, Seal, Shakira, Sting, Sheryl Crow, Snow Patrol, T.I., The Black Eyed Peas, The Dixie Chicks, The Pussycat Dolls, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Roots, The White Stripes, Timbaland, U2 and 50 Cent just to name a few.

Media coverage of GRAMMY Style Studio 2007 included: Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, Extra, MTV, VH1, Fox 11 GDLA/Good Day Live, BET, Bravo, E! News, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, KTLA, Late Night with Conan O§Brien, Style Network, TV Guide Channel, CNN, Angeleno, Boulevard, L.A. Daily News, LA Confidential, People, Vanity Fair, InStyle, Blender, US Weekly, Women§s Wear Daily, DNR, E! Online, MTV.com, People.com, VH1.com, Global Television Canada and Channel 10, 9 and 7 Australia.
(Source: Top40 Charts | Mariah Connection)

Christmas represents the birth of Christ.

It also makes us think of snow, reindeer, Santa, fireplaces, Christmas trees, hot cocoa, skiing, snowboarding, gifts, horse-pulled sleigh rides and other Christmas card visuals. And thanks to Mariah, this is ALWAYS my experience of the holiday season!

I began my adventure in New York at Mariah's home, where seven Escalades picked us- and our huge amount of luggage- up, and sped us to a private air-field. There, two private jets (G5's) awaited our arrival, and eggnog with champers was served to get us into the spirit.

Also joining us on our annual adventure was a new addition to MC's family: JJ (Jack Junior), a new Jack Russell puppy. (MC's original, and already famous Jack (recently voted 3rd most famous dog in the world), this year decided to hang out in the Bahamas at MC's new house, where he enjoyed the warmth of the hot tub and rolling in the pink sand, whilst waiting for our New Year arrival.

We arrived in Aspen to deep powdery snow and the biggest house I've ever seen, with 10 bedrooms, complete with huge flat-screen TVs, real fireplaces, en suite sunken tubs, showers and walk in wardrobes. In addition, there was a 360 degree panoramic view of the mountains right outside my bedroom. On a few mornings, I watched real reindeer just chillin' outside my window!

On our first day, we were in our pyjamas, relaxing with Christmas music, (that's an MC Christmas tradition) and movies and hours in the hot tub, which was outside this year, in the centre of snowy hills and four huge fire-places.

The second day saw us eating all the good things that our chef whipped up- all in front of MC, who wasn't allowed to indulge at all, as she's shooting a video this fortnight for her new album, which is totally off the hook! I spent all holiday listening to it as MC sang parts to me and explained other more slick verses and choruses with double entendres. It really was like the best kinda listening party you could ever wish for!

By Day three, MC threw all the diva rumours out into the snow (and we all know that she can surely diva it up), by sitting me in her make up chair and giving me a facial. Yes, really! From cleansing and scrubbing to moisturising with finesse, it was making me hysterical to see her pampering me, whilst saying, "Sit back and relax dah-ling. I can give you the best facial you'll ever have- you know I have 500 hours at beauty school!"

That evening, we did the annual Denver Children's Charity evening that MC does, where 100 under-privileged kids are treated to snowboarding, skiing, dinner, games and fun, before MC arrives with Santa and his sleigh of reindeer and gives them all gifts and takes photos with them. Many of them have heartbreaking stories and this always makes us count our blessings and put our own lives in perspective.

On day four, we began our annual Brits versus the Yanks cussing session, where I was told that we Brits love us some Americanisms. I informed them that we taught them to speak English and until they could cuss me in their own language, they better keep quiet! Still, I was severely out-numbered so on this occasion, so the UK had to put up the white flag!

On day five, I encouraged our drivers to take me on a picturesque mountain walk, which was stunning! I wanted to take JJ on his first mountain walk like I do with his brother Jack, but he's too small right now.

On day six- Christmas Eve- MC's Pastor Clarence Keaton and his wife Eartha flew in from NYC to give us some Brooklyn flavour, bring us the realness, pray with us and host a midnight service at the local church. (Mind you, by the time we arrived it was around 1am! Oops! He forgave us though.) After that, we spent hours wrapping gifts until 8am, when the kids in the house (nieces, nephews and friends' kids) awoke and got beyond over-excited at the incredibly authentic ‘Santa's arrival'!

Finally, on day seven Christmas Day- we slept in until noon then hit the hot-tub for some Christmas morning champers, as it snowed on us in our bikinis, shades and santa hats. Later, we dressed for dinner at 9pm. The theme was 'red' and we donned long ruby red gowns and diamonds- and bare feet! (No one is allowed to wear shoes on the expensive carpet covering the hard wood aspen floors!)

We opened most of our gifts on Christmas day, but didn't finish finally until 1am Boxing Day! ("Santa" was kind enough to bring me and Mariah an abundance of goodies, including some very nice boots that we both modeled in front of the Christmas tree, that very moment!)

On Day eight- boxing day- there was post gift excitement, more hot tub costumed shenanigans, and our traditional sleigh ride with hot cocoa underneath the stars. Bliss.

On Day nine, I went on a two-hour snow trail along Rio Grande, where I saw beautiful icy rivers and snow capped giant truffles, along mountain waterfalls, which had to be seen to be believed. That evening, we all watched an ice hockey match (my first) and embarrassed ourselves with a cheerleading chant and routine!

Later that night, we opened all MC's cards and gifts from her fans, which were as creative and as thoughtful as ever. (Quick note for MC fans: Please don't write "Merry Xmas" to MC instead of "Merry Christmas," as she doesn't like to take the "Christ" out of "Christmas.")

Then we packed our bags and got ready for Vegas, where MC was hosting our New Years Eve party. Flying into Vegas was phenomena! The view flying in on the jet over-looking the Vegas strip was spectacular. As ever, loads of SUVs were lined up on the private field waiting our arrival... You'll get all that juice next week. Vegas, here we come!
(The Voice)

On January 15th, Vitamin Records is releasing "The String Quartet Tribute to Valentine's Day" which features some of the most cherished love songs in the history of pop music such as Mariah Carey's "Vision of Love," Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing," Norah Jones' "Come Away With Me," and more. Click here to visit the Vitamin Records' website for more details.
(Thanks Taylor Loftin)

All Access Music Group is reporting that Mariah's new single whose title is still to be determined is impacting Top 40/Mainstream radio stations on Tuesday, January 22nd. Although "All Access" gets its data directly from the record labels, please consider this a tentative date until an official announcement is made.

MariahDailyJournal is able to confirm another new song title from Mariah's upcoming album: I'm That Chick You Like. Reliable sources have revealed to us that the song is said to be L.A. Reid's choice for the first single from the yet untitled album. We are told that Reid had his staff at Island Def Jam vote between two songs and "That Chick" won by 10 or so votes.

Apparently, Mariah is currently deciding between "Migrate" and "I'm That Chick You Like" for her first single choice!
(All Access | Mariah Daily Journal)

All types of MiMi news today. Sources tell The YBF that Mariah's brand new single is a track named "I'm That Chick You Like". L.A. Reid very recently had the folks at Def Jam vote on 2 singles of hers, and "I'm That Chick" won. It's a mid-tempo record, and the date it's impacting radio is still TBD.

However, sources say Mariah isn't feeling that track for her lead single and is hell bent on preventing it from being released first. And L.A. only threw the track in the ring just to prove a point. Even though the lead single has been chosen, we'll see who actually has the say in the end when her first single hits the airwaves.
(Young, Black and Fabulous)

It just wouldn't be a winter wonder land if not for the annual Mariah Carey-in-the-snow photo op. This year the darling girl was snapped in Aspen, Colo., for the new special double issue of People magazine. The star wore a green camouflage jumpsuit, unzipped to the waist, exposing a low-cut black T-shirt.

She is carrying an adorable little dog in a matching outfit, but the pooch shows no cleavage and is zipped up. And, of course, on Mariah's feet - 4-inch wedgies - perfect for those dainty treks from the limo to the lodge. Happy New Year to my favorite unabashed diva;
(New York Post)

Armed with a five octave voice, Mariah Carey burst on to the music scene in 1990 with her self titled album. At that time, she became the first singer to have her first five singles reach #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts. She continued to record hit after hit, making her the best selling artist of the 1990's. She was named the bestselling artist of the millennium at the 2000 World Music Awards.

However, after the failure of her 2001 film Glitter, a series of strange messages Carey left on her website, and a bizarre appearance on MTV's Total Request Live, where the singer passed out popsicles to audience members and performed something resembling a striptease, many thought her career was over.

By 2005, after some personal and professional disappointments, Mariah released The Emancipation of Mimi to great critical and commercial success. As a result, Carey took a new tour on the road in 2006. The 2-disc DVD set, The Adventures of Mimi captures a concert from October 2006 in Anaheim, California. Whatever problems Mariah had, seem to be behind her for now. From the moment she steps on the stage in little more than a black bra, panties, high heels and gold glitter, Miss Carey is in fine vocal form.

Carey performs nineteen songs, spanning her entire recording catalog; from "Vision of Love" off her first album, to "We Belong Together" from The Emancipation of Mimi. While she definitely isn't an overwhelming public speaker ("can I get some loudness?") and seems particularly uncomfortable interacting with the crowd at times, she is very confident in her vocal abilities.

It is Carey's singing that makes The Adventures of Mimi worth watching. While her dance moves consist of various exaggerated hand moves and several half hearted hip gyrations, Mariah effortlessly showcases her five octave range. It is remarkable how easy she can make singing songs appear to be.

The biggest drawback of The Emancipation of Mimi is its perfection. The whole concert has an airbrushed, overly groomed quality to it. While Mariah Carey shows off her tremendous vocal talents, her stage presence lacks any real emotion. She doesn't look like she's working too hard. However, most Mariah Carey fans will be happy to see this nearly 90-minute concert of Mariah Carey singing her greatest hits.

The Adventures of Mimi also includes a behind the scenes documentary which consists mostly of posing and useless tidbits. "Lovers and Haters" is a piece directed by Spike Lee, in which Mariah responds to all her critics. The DVD also includes a jukebox function that is unnecessary for a concert DVD. Quite simply, fans of Mariah Carey should pick up The Adventures of Mimi for the concert, not the special features.
(Blogcritics | The Mariah Carey Archives)

Happy New Year! We start 2008 with a new message board version. The new look, all fresh and shiny, provides the perfect way to present our new boards and categories.

We are also planning to run a new live chat session later this month or in February with games and prizes. Stay tuned for that. We'll also have weekly chat sessions -To Be Announced. From everyone at Mariah Hero.com MB, we'd like to wish you the best for the new year!! Visit the Mariah Hero.com Message Board at mariahhero.com/mb.
(Mariah Hero MB)

Between Madonna's send-off album with Warner Brothers, a buzz around U2's upcoming release and the return of Usher, the music industry is hoping for a good year. Doug Krizner talks to Billboard's Bill Werde.

Krizner: The music business has been in a funk, as sales continue to drop. In 2007, the top-selling album was a Christmas project, second-best was a soundtrack to a teen-themed Disney movie. Well, there's a wealth of highly anticipated releases in the new year. Let's get a preview now from Bill Werde of the trade magazine Billboard. Bill, among the super-stars, a new album coming from Madonna, right? Her last with Warner Brothers?

Werde: I think there's going to be probably more curiosity about this Madonna record than there has been in a Madonna record in a long time, if only to see sort of what her send-off is from Warner Brothers. You know, Madonna did sign this deal with Live Nation, and it got quite a bit of attention as an industry-changing deal, where she basically left her record label and signed with a tour-promotion company that's looking to get into the record business.

Krizner: You were telling me earlier that there's a lot of buzz about a new album from U2.
Werde: Yeah, absolutely. Sources say there's about two albums worth of material now. And while it's hard to pin down a release date, I think a lot of the excitement is coming from comments made by Daniel Lanois, who produced much of the album, who has sortof told fans that they might expect an Achtung Baby-period U2, which was a really popular album for U2. So that's generating some good excitement.

Krizner: I was also reading that the new album from Usher is being highly anticipated. Can you give us a sense of what this might be like?
Werde: Well, the Usher record has actually been pushed back from last year. In the pop world, when an album's been pushed back, the speculation is that it's still looking for a strong single or a strong third or fourth single. Usher, his last album was really the album of the year when it came out. So for the music industry, this is really one to watch. I mean, Usher's a proven hit-maker.

Krizner: How much is at stake for the recording industry this year?
Werde: Well, you know, the sales of recorded music continue to decline, and digital growth is not offsetting that. So I think what happens is for major labels, there's more and more pressure for their blockbuster releases to really connect. Usher's sales are now over 9 million copies on the last album, and you know, we haven't had an album like that in the music business since then.

Krizner: Seems like a good segue into Mariah Carey - Billboard is saying that her 2008 release is perhaps the most highly anticipated album of the year. Any sense, Bill, of what it might be like?
Werde: Well, I mean judging by the producers that she's working with, I would expect an album that's not altogether different from her last album. Jermaine Dupree, who's really the megaproducer who a lot of people credit with turning her career around with her last album, is back to helm this one. You know, and she's working with a lot of the top hip-hop and R & B producers that are out there right now.

Krizner: Bill Werde is executive editor at Billboard. Bill, thanks so much for speaking with us.
Werde: Thanks Doug, it was a pleasure.

Krizner: In Los Angeles, I'm Doug Krizner. Thanks for listening.
(Marketplace)

Mariah Carey has blasted her diva reputation. The "Hero" singer, who is regularly criticised for having seemingly diva-like habits, insists the label is completely unfair and untrue. She said: "I am baffled, shocked and appalled when I am called a diva. I've never done one diva-ish thing in my life. The actual definition of a diva is a woman who sings well. The secondary definition is a woman who is difficult to deal with. I hope I am the first, but I really don't think I am the second. I don't believe I am truly nasty and act in a bad way."

Mariah also revealed she is trying to lower her carbon footprint by using eco-friendly light bulbs in her homes. She said: "I try not to waste electricity or water. Someone told me about these new light bulbs that last for 10 years and use a fraction of the energy, so I ordered some. I hope to have my bill cut in half by next year."
(FemaleFirst)

When We Belong Together singer Mariah Carey stepped ashore during a Caribbean holiday this week, for once all eyes weren't on her. Instead, centre of attention was her cute new puppy who got treated to a snack before mistress and pet boarded a luxury yacht.

The animal-loving diva, who'd dressed up a casual summer outfit with her trademark sky-scraper heels, clearly can't bear to be parted from new furry friend Jack Jr. Bought as a companion for her beloved 13-year-old Jack Russell Jackson P Mutley, the pampered pooch also joined Mariah on her annual festive break in snowy Aspen two weeks ago. The pair are now enjoying a sunshine break on the island of St Barts, which seems to be especially popular with famous faces this year.

Mariah is renowned for the luxury in which she keeps her pets, and once admitted that Jack - who has made numerous TV appearances and even has his own fansite - travels everywhere first class. "My dog flies private!" she revealed, adding: "I'm not going to put him back with someone I don't know!"
(Photos Courtesy of Mariah Connection | Hello!)

Nielsen SoundScan, the entertainment industry's data information system that tracks point-of-purchase sales of recorded music product, Nielsen BDS, the music industry's leading music performance monitoring service, and Nielsen RingScan, which tracks mobile ringtone purchases, have announced their 2007 U.S. year-end sales and performance monitoring data for the 52-week period January 1, 2007 through December 30, 2007. See full report here.

2007 Top-Ten Selling artists of Soundscan era: (1991-12/30/2007)

Artist - Units Sold
1 Garth Brooks - 67,402,000
2 Beatles - 55,695,000
3 Mariah Carey - 49,937,000
4 Celine Dion - 49,692,000
5 Metallica - 48,670,000
6 George Strait - 39,171,000
7 Tim McGraw - 36,413,000
8 Alan Jackson - 35,266,000
9 Pink Floyd - 34,453,000
10. Shania Twain - 33,531,000
(Nielsen SoundScan | Mariah Daily Journal)

Mariah Carey has claimed that accusations that she is a diva are inaccurate. Speaking onstage in Las Vegas, Carey argued that she "sings well" like a diva, but doesn’t have any attitude problems.

She said: "I’ve never done a diva-ish thing in my life. "The definition of a diva is a woman who sings well, the second definition is a woman who’s difficult to deal with. I hope I’m the first but I don’t think I’m the second."
(Digital Spy)

According to Billboard's list of upcoming releases, Mariah Carey's still-untitled new album will be released during the second quarter of the year, which means it will be released after April.

Eartly reports suggested that Mariah's album was to be released early this year. According to new information emerging from radio stations nationwide, the first single could premiere this month. There is no official announcement yet.
(Billboard | Mariah Hero)

Mariah Carey wants a voice machine like Stephen Hawking. The "Fantasy" singer, who has to stop talking for two days before a big show to give her voice a rest, believes a "robot voice" machine similar to the one used by the paralysed scientist would be useful.

She said: "Before a big show I have to do 'vocal rest' where I'm not allowed to speak for two days. It's so boring having to write notes to everyone! I need Stephen Hawking's voice machine for when I'm on vocal rest. I'd like a machine where I can just think and it comes out in a robot voice - that would be amazing!"

The 37-year-old musician also revealed her unique singing voice is down to nodules on her vocal cords. She added to Q magazine: "One of the reasons for my voice is I have nodules on my vocal cords. My mother says I've had them since I was a kid. That's why I have the high register and the belting register and I can still be husky. The only thing that really affects my voice is sleep. Sometimes if I'm exhausted I can't hit the really high notes.
(Monsters and Critics)

TAO Las Vegas was hosted by music superstar Mariah Carey. People waiting in lines to get into TAO burst into screams as she made her way to the press wall. Mariah moved right to the TAO stage and helped get everyone revved up along with DJ Suss One who was spinning at Mariah's request.

As Mariah led the countdown and the clock struck 12 the packed house screamed as balloons fell from the ceiling. Mariah made a toast to everyone and was escorted to her VIP section. Her table had about 30ppl, including rapper Da Brat and "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson.

Singer Kelis had the table across from Mariah with a group of 10ppl including her husband Nas. DJ Suss One had a special surprise for all the Mariah fans, he debuted Mariah's upcoming new single with T-Pain titled "Migrate," a mid tempo jam that got everyone dancing.

Afterwards Mariah was presented with a cake and showered in sparklers from TAO wishing her the best of luck for 2008. Mariah and her friends stayed until 3am celebrating the new year. Also spotted at TAO: model Cindy Margolis, NBA star Rick Fox, R&B singer Mario, Camille Gauty from "Las Vegas," Vanessa Simmons from "Runs House" and music band Earth Wind and Fire.
(Photos Courtesy of Sweet Mariah | The Vegas Eye)

Mariah Carey is back with a new body and hot look. The pop diva rocked club TAO last night in Las Vegas, where she counted down to 2008. Mariah arrived sporting a white cocktail number and for once her dress actually looked like it fit her.

When asked what her New Years resolution was she responded, "I should have them, but I§ve already done them. Mariah told reporters that she had reached her diet goals. That explains why she looked so good in the tight dress.

Mariah attended the bash with an entourage of 30, which included Rapper Da Brat,"American Idol" judge Randy Jackson, Kelis and Nas. Others that attended the party included Rick Fox, R&B singer Mario and the music band Earth Wind and Fire. Mariah closed the night by playing her new track “Migrate” which features T-Pain.
(Hollyscoop)

She's looking better than ever, and for New Year's Eve, Mariah Carey partied it up at hot spot TAO with a few of her closest friends. Actually, she brought an entourage of 30 people, according to a club source. But when you're as hot as she is, you certainly can't travel alone. She brought celebs like Da Brat, Randy Jackson, "Milkshake" girl Kelis, and rapper Nas.

Showing off her voluptuous form, the "Always Be My Baby" singer rocked a white strapless cocktail dress, just short enough to be a bit scandalous. And while it fit like a glove, it's a good thing no one tugged on it, as it looked like it could fall off at any moment.

The "Someday" diva explained that she's already hit her weight goal for the New Year, hence her lack of a resolution. "I should have them, but I've already done them," she quipped at press. TAO clubgoers were treated to a Mariah-hosted countdown to 2008, and she ended the night with a performance of "Migrate," her new single.
(Gossip Girls)

Mariah Carey is starting off the new year with high hopes. "The album is probably my favorite album that I've ever done," Mariah told "Extra" at a charity event on the slopes of Aspen. "I don't want to brag, I am am just humbly grateful that I was blessed to be able to make this record, because I love it."

The Grammy-winning pop diva is talking about her upcoming effort, her follow-up to the smash hit "The Emancipation of Mimi." It's still unnamed, but Mariah said to expect a surprise. "Honestly I have not named my new album yet," she confessed. "After 'The Emancipation of Mimi', which is something that came so naturally to me, the title, I really want to think about it because it might be something the complete opposite of that."

But when is she going to find time for a title? The singer has two movies on the horizon, including Adam Sandler's "You Don't Mess With the Zohan." She added, "I know I'm working a lot, but I want to incorporate fun into that. I just want '08 to be a really fun year."
(Extra TV)

After nearly vanishing into obscurity after a series of misadventures a few years ago, Mariah Carey returned to prominence with the surprising success of her latest album and tour, The Adventures of Mimi. More than just a concert video, the new tour DVD showcases an artist at the height of her powers and chronicles the amazing rapport she builds with her audience. Filmed in front of a capacity arena crowd in Anaheim, CA, the DVD captures Carey's greatest hits, both old and new, and features a few familiar old friends as well.

Unlike most modern-day pop stars, Carey has always been more focused on her vocal performance than her choreography. She's a songbird by nature, not a dancer, so it's no surprise to find her returning to her traditional stage presence of basically just strolling back and forth with nary a thought of incorporating the latest dance moves. She has a crew of backup dancers at times to add some physical sizzle, but she always keeps the focus fully on her vocals, not stage antics.

That's not to say there's nothing to look at, in fact her outfits in this production are likely the most revealing gear she's ever sported in concert. Starting with a black bra top and briefs barely covered by a see-through floor-length flowing negligee of some sort, she's game to show off her body throughout the production to the delight of her screaming fans. All the skin seems a bit incongruous during a couple of somber ballads, but I'm not complaining.

Dipping way back into her catalog to her cover of the Jackson Five's "I'll Be There," Carey brings original partner Trey Lorenz back to center stage to assist. He's stayed on the Carey payroll as her touring backup singer throughout the years, so his duet is no surprise, but it's still gratifying to see the original pairing together again. The other notable trip down memory lane finds Boyz II Men joining Carey for their old smash, "One Sweet Day." Aside from those two exceptions, the rest of the concert is all Mariah, and she never fails to impress with her strong vocals.

The set list is a strong mix of old and new, focusing on the modern, dancefloor-leaning sounds of her latest CD but leaving plenty of room for her earlier ballads. The new material gets an enthusiastic reception from the crowd, but nothing like the religious fervor they display when she belts out old chestnuts like "Hero." The crowd reaction drives home just how much her music has touched her audiences through the years, making her return to greatness all the more heartwarming. She's fully aware of her relationship with the crowd and does an admirable job of reaching out to them, taking time for brief stage banter and insight into her songs to add a personalized touch rather than staying on a strictly regimented schedule. This in turn makes the concert feel truly live rather than just another interchangeable stop on a pre-programmed tour.

The concert was filmed in HD and recorded in digital surround sound, although it's currently available only in regular DVD format. The full concert appears on disc one, along with a brief behind-the-scenes feature. Disc two features an expanded tour documentary, as well as a karaoke feature for a few of the songs and a worthless mini-movie directed by Spike Lee called "Lovers & Haters" where haters openly disparage Mariah while she rises above it. Skip the extras and just enjoy the nearly 90-minute concert in all of its glory.
(Blogcritics)