News Tidbits``xLynn``x• "All I Want For Christmas Is You" appears at #126 on the Nov. 29th Billboard Hot Digital Songs with 10,813 downloads, up 76% to last week, bringing its total to date to 940,785 copies. This classic Holiday song is currently at #83 on iTunes' Top 100 Songs.

• Celine Dion's 1998 album These Are Special Times this week becomes the first holiday album by a female artist to top the 5 million mark in Nielsen/SoundScan history. It has sold 5,006,000 copies. It just barely beat out Mariah Carey's 1994 release Merry Christmas, which has sold 4,918,000 copies. But both of these ladies were beaten to the punch by Barbra Streisand, whose A Christmas Album has been certified for sales of 5,000,000 by the RIAA. The album was released in 1967, nearly 24 years before Nielsen/SoundScan set up shop. [Paul Grein's Chart Watch]

• New York's Hot 97's Angie Martinez has yet to premiere her new TV show, "The Angie Martinez Show," (airs Monday, Nov. 24 at 11:30 p.m. EST on BET), but she's already talking about her plans for the next show. "We're talking about doing a Christmas special. I'm definitely eyeing Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon. That's who I'm really trying to shoot for, for the next one." [SOHH] See Angie's last interview with Mariah here.

• Macy's Exclusive Mariah Carey Coffret - celebrate the season with this precious collection. This holiday exclusive from Mariah Carey Parfum and a 0.16 fl oz of the glowing new fragrance, Mariah Carey's Luscious Pink Parfum. A $168.00 value, Yours for just $35.00. Get it at Macy's, in-store and online.

• AskMen.com is conducting a poll for Top 99 Women of 2009. Cast your votes here. In the "Favorite Singers" category, find Mariah's picture (she's in yellow dress), and give it a 10 rating.

• To the right, watch a previously unreleased official Coca Cola commercial from Europe featuring Mariah's original song "Hero" as sung by singer Nisha Kataria.

• Angie Stone, who has been a major part of R&B and Hip Hop for the past 30 years, reveals all about the early days of pal Beyonce's secret romance with husband Jay-Z, magical moments with Mary J. Blige and Mariah Carey, among others, in her new book, "Life In The Shadows of A Sex Symbol." [ContactMusic]

International Newsbits
• Brazil. At Vagalume, the largest Brazilian Lyrics site, Mariah is currently at #5 on Top 100 Most Accessed Artists and #1 on Top 100 Most Viewed Lyrics with "I Stay In Love" (509,160 views to date). Keep voting for Mariah!

• Canada. The Adventures of Mimi concert, recorded in Anaheim on Oct. 8, 2006, will air on Much More Music's MMMOnStage on Wed., Nov. 20 at 8:00pm with repeats on Thurs., Nov. 21 at 12:00am and 3:00pm.

• South Africa. iAfrica is giving away six 30ml bottles of "Luscious Pink," valued at R295 each. Fans can click here to enter the contest.

• Turkey. MariahTurkiye, in cooperation with Sony Music Turkey, has twenty The Ballads CDs to give away to lucky Turkish fans! Head over to the site to find out how you can enter.

• United Kingdom. Mariah's foot was quite famous on Saturday night - it was the star of the show on Harry Hill's TV Burp! Watch a video here, it starts around the 2:40 mark.

Fans' Corner
• Male fans at MC Family, the biggest Mariah fan organization in Korea, sing along to "Just Stand Up" as a tribute to Mariah in this YouTube video.

Other YouTube videos from fans: Ramsey sends us this cute video of a little girl singing to Mariah's "Bye Bye," and Celebrity Oasis' own remix of "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time."

• Below are Christmas wallpapers from Arief & Luke; and drawings from Tavian & Boudir. Thanks for sharing, guys!

LOL! Video of the Year
Mariah Carey "Touch My Body"
Snoop Dogg "Sensual Seduction"
Yung Joc "Coffee Shop"

The awards show will be available in four parts on Music Choice On Demand from December 1st through the end of the month.``xEkkZpFuulykFALYQof``x1227027180``xNews``xMusicChoice via BusinessWire``x Mariah Prefers a Young Cannon``xLynn``xMariah Carey has hit back at critics who claim she is too old for toy boy hubby Nick Cannon. Mariah, fast approaching 40, is 11 years older than the actor/producer. But after a disastrous marriage to former manager Tommy Mottola, 59, she claims she couldn’t be happier with her younger man.

The singer says: "I don't see what the big deal is. Should I be with an old fuddy-duddy who would be boring and bleak? I have fun. It doesn't really matter to me. I've already dealt with someone who was older than me. I don't want to go back there. It's not about the age, it's just about finding the right person for you."``xEkkZpElFFAHawmsYhI``x1227021900``xNews``xThe Sun UK``x For a Song: Mariah Carey``xLynn``xWith the critical backlash to her 2001 "Glitter" film and soundtrack a distant memory, Mariah Carey rises again to star and sing in the indie pic "Tennessee" as Krystal, an aspiring singer who leaves a soured marriage to embark on a road trip to the heartland. Accompanied by two brothers, she ultimately competes in an open-mike contest with her song "I've Got a Right to Dream."

"It was Krystal's multidimensional core that drew me in," says Carey about her connection to Russell Shaumburg's script. "I felt like my own experiences would allow me to bring a character to the project that's hard-edged, raw and vulnerable."

Though Carey's song "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time" from her latest album "E=MC2" appeared over the end credits of Adam Sandler's "You Don't Mess With the Zohan" (a film in which she also makes a cameo), it's unusual for the performer to contribute something specific to a film. Deconstructing her songwriting process, Carey explains: "It was a different experience from an album project. I was very close to the story and in particular my character's struggle, so it made it easier for me as a writer. I just began channeling Krystal's pain and hope."

Between takes and guitar lessons on the set, Carey's humming and diary entries evolved into the Spanish-guitar-accented ballad that she sings during the film's competition scene. In the recorded version of the single, Carey leaned on Willie Nelson to play guitar.

"The song is basically a three-act play and chronicles the evolution of Krystal," says Carey.

"Dream" is reminiscent of Carey's '90s ballads that often evoked themes of soul-searching, lost love and inner strength.``xEkkyAyylFlUpvfltUu``x1226970438``xTennessee``xVariety``x Mariah to Perform at Grammy Concert``xLynn``x

"The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! - Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" will announce nominations in several categories, feature performances by past Grammy winners and nominees, and will set the stage for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards on February 8, 2009.

For the first time ever, nominations for the annual Grammy Awards will be announced live on primetime television in a special concert dubbed "The Grammy Nominations Concert Live! - Countdown To Music's Biggest Night." This special event will begin the countdown to the 51st Grammy Awards and includes live performances by past Grammy winners, as well as a celebration of the grand opening of the Grammy Museum. Some performers include Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Foo Fighters, B.B. King, John Mayer, and Taylor Swift.

The one-hour concert, hosted by Grammy winner LL Cool J and Grammy nominee Taylor Swift will be staged at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, and broadcast live on Wednesday, December 3rd, from 9 - 10 pm ET/PT on CBS.

Tickets to the live event are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com. Proceeds will benefit the Grammy Museum.``xEkkyAukFEZEMVJIcFr``x1226945917``xNews``xThe Recording Academy | Nokia``x Request "Right To Dream" on Radio!``xLynn``x

"Right To Dream" is scheduled
for digital release on Nov. 25.

"Right To Dream," the original ballad written by Mariah and country legend Willie Nelson for the film Tennessee, continues to be one of the most added songs on the Adult Contemporary format despite being played in small markets.

As we previously mentioned, "Right To Dream" is being pushed for an Academy consideration in the "Best Song" category. Let's please call our radio stations and request every single day so more people will get the chance to hear this beautiful song. If it becomes popular, maybe the Academy voters will like it more.

Please find your local AC station below and start requesting now!

KOST-FM 103.5, Los Angeles, CA - 800-929-5678 | Online
KGBY-FM My 92.5, Sacramento, CA - 916-646-9925 Online
WMXC-FM LiteMix 99.9, Mobile, AL - 800-527-8643 | Online
KESZ-FM 99.9 KEZ, Phoenix, AZ - 602-260-0999 | Online
KOSI-FM 101, Denver, CO - 303-631-2101 | Online
WASH-FM 97.1, Washington, DC - 866-927-4361 | Online
WJBR-FM 99.5, Wilmington, DE - 800-275-9521 | Online
WMGF-FM Magic 107.7, Orlando, FL - 888-633-5452 | Online
WBBQ-FM 104.3, Augusta, GA - Online
WILV-FM Love 100.3, Chicago, IL - 312-591-5683 | Online
WLIT-FM 93.9, Chicago, IL - 312-540-2000 | Online
KRBB-FM B98, Wichita, KS - 316-436-1098 | Online
KQIS-FM 102.1, Lafayette, LA - 504-406-1021 | Online
WLMG-FM Magic 101.9, New Orleans, LA - 504-260-1019 | Online
KVKI-FM 96.5, Shreveport, LA - 318-320-9696 | Online
WMJX-FM Magic 106.7, Boston, MA - 617-822-9600 | Online
WMAS-FM 94.7, Springfield, MA - 800-937-9627 or 413-731-9500
WMGC-FM Magic 105.1, Detroit, MI - 313-298-1051 | Online
WOOD-FM Star 105.7, Grand Rapids, MI - 616-458-1057 |Online
KEZK-FM 102.5, St. Louis, MO - 314-969-1025 | Online
KCKC-FM Star 102.1, Kansas City, MO - 816-576-7102 | Online
WRAL-FM Mix 101.5, Raleigh, NC - 919-860-1015 | Online
WZID-FM 95.7, Manchester, NH - 800-666-0957 | Online
KMGA-FM 99.5 Magic, Albuquerque, NM - 805-851-5995 | Online
KSNE-FM Sunny 106.5, Las Vegas, NV - 702-796-1065 | Online
WYJB-FM B95.5, Albany, NY - 518-476-9595 | Online
WALK-FM Walk 97.5, Long Island, NY - 631-955-9750 | Online
WLTW-FM 106.7 Lite FM, New York, NY - 800-222-1067 | Online
WRRM-FM Warm 98, Cincinnati, OH - 513-749-1098 | Online
WDOK-FM SoftRock 102.1, Cleveland, OH - 216.578.1021 | Online
KMGL-FM Magic 104.1, Oklahoma City, OK - 405-478-5104 | Online
KKCW-FM K103, Portland, OR - 503-796-1033 | Online
WLTJ-FM Q 92.9, Pittsburgh, PA - 412-697-0965 | Online
WWLI-FM LiteRock 105, Providence, RI - 401-433-4200 | Online
WSPA-FM Magic 98.9, Greenville, SC - 800-905-0989 | Online
WTFM-FM 98.5 SoftRock, Kingsport, TN - 423-245-9898 | Online
WJXB-FM B97.5, Knoxville, TN - 865-656-2975 | Online
WRVR-FM The River 104.5, Memphis, TN - 901-535-9787 | Online
KVIL-FM 103.7, Dallas, TX - 214-787-1037 | Online
KODA-FM Sunny 99.1, Houston, TX - 713-212-5991 | Online
KQXT-FM Q101.9, San Antonio, TX - 210-732-1019 | Online
KBEE-FM B98.7, Salt Lake City, UT - 801-470-9870 | Online
WTVR-FM Lite 98, Richmond, VA - 804-474-0000 | Online
WSLQ-FM Q99, Roanoke, VA - 800-410-9936 | Online
KRWM-FM Warm 106.9, Seattle, WA - 800-622-1069 | Online
KISC-FM KISS 98.1, Spokane, WA - 509-241-9898
WMGN-FM Magic 98, Madison, WI - 608-321-0098 | Online

``xEkkyAplVuEmlcPcQGW``x1226929380``xTennessee``xMariahDailyJournal | Kerry``x Photos: Mariah's Weekend Holiday in Mexico``xLynn``xMariah and husband Nick Cannon were spotted at a resort in Mexico on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008.

``xEkkyAEllyEhPlbtJvK``x1226922461``xPhotos``xGossipGirls | FadedYouthBlog | Bojan``x Tennessee To Screen at Bahamas Film Festival``xLynn``xFilms screening at this year's Bahamas Film Festival in Nassau include Ryan Fleck's "Sugar"; Aaron Woodley's "Tennessee," starring Mariah Carey; helmer Austin Chick's "August," starring Josh Hartnett, Adam Scott and Robin Tunney; and Spike Lee's "Miracle at St. Anna."

Opener "Rain," an indie pic from Bahamian filmmaker Maria Govan, was developed through the fest's Filmmaker Residency Program in 2005. Sean Connery will hand Laurence Fishburne the career achievement nod, and thesp Anna Faris will be feted with the rising star tribute.

The festival runs Dec. 4-11.

Note: Tennessee is also scheduled for a special one-week screening from Dec. 5-11 in Los Angeles, California at the Laemmle's Music Hall 3, as we previously reported.``xEkkylAlkuyagGXzPpo``x1226901846``xTennessee``xVariety``x No-Show for Mariah at Total Finale Live``xLynn``xEarlier tonight, MTV's Total Request Live bid its final "Bye Bye" to the airwaves with a star-studded extravaganza dubbed Total Finale Live. Mariah who was advertised and expected to be a part of the show did not show up for reasons unknown. Some fans speculate that Mariah may be under the weather as she sounded hoarse and sick at last Friday's Miami event.``xEkkyAppAFZgtPAnZtB``x1226901660``xNews``xMariahDailyJournal``x Funny-Smelling Smoke at Fontainebleau``xLynn``xThe stunning Mariah Carey performed with gusto in the grand ballroom. She was in high spirits, and so was the crowd -- the aroma of potently skunky smoke wafted across the room and onto the left side of the lengthy stage, prompting Mariah to acknowledge it mid-song. "Whoa!," she said, before heading back to the other side of the stage. She seemed happy that folks were enjoying themselves, but explained "I don't want to get a contact high while singing."``xEkkylAyZylyubIjRhQ``x1226900368``xNews``xMiami New Times``x UK Charts: "Hero" Remains at #1, Ballads Rises to #13``xLynn``xX Factor charity single "Hero" - released to raise money for servicemen and women injured in the line of duty - has made it three weeks running at number one. The track, recorded in support of the Help For Heroes and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, is the fastest selling charity record of the decade and the fastest selling single of 2008.

Other Mariah songs on the official UK singles charts this week: "All I Want For Christmas Is You" is up 41 spots to #59, and the original "Hero" up 33 to #67.

In the album charts, Simon Cowell's pop opera foursome Il Divo knocked Girls Aloud off the top spot. Welsh rockers The Stereophonics are straight in at number two, beating Cheryl Cole and Co into third, while, following her appearance on last week's X Factor, Mariah Carey's The Ballads rose from #28 to #13 (+15).``xEkkylZpEyuptpNjmvQ``x1226873764``xCharts``xThe Press Association | MariahDailyJournal``x Mariah Scans``xLynn``xBelow are scans from this week's issues of Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, In Touch, People, OK!, Us, and Life & Style magazines; and from UK's Daily Mail.

``xEkkyZFpuylbzkDouiU``x1226842860``xMagazines``xMariahDailyJournal | Tom``x Video: Mariah at Fontainebleau Grand Opening``xLynn``x

[ Download this video ]

To the right, watch a YouTubeLive video from the Fontainbleau's Grand Opening in Miami Beach, Florida on Friday, Nov. 14, 2008. It shows a brief interview with Mariah and a clip of her performing "It's Like That."

"I love being in Miami anyway so it's great to be here for the Fontainebleau's opening. And especially since, I mean, Frank Sinatra performed here, Elvis performed here, it's just the legendary greats and I just feel really, you know it was an honor to be able to be here tonight and to perform. I had a great time."``xEkkylFlAVZjgTptDiD``x1226842557``xVideos``xgci2 | Bernard``x Photos: Mariah at Fontainebleau Grand Opening, Miami``xLynn``x

Miami Herald writer Lesley tells us that Mariah performed a total concert with dancers, full back up and band; and a setlist that included her hit songs like "It's Like That," "Heartbreaker," "Always Be My Baby," "Touch My Body," "Shake It Off," "Hero," "Dreamlover," and "I'll Be There" with Trey Lorenz.``xEkkyZllAFZOYeZcYyV``x1226792537``xPhotos``xMariahDailyJournal``x Mariah Performs at Miami's Fontainebleau Grand Opening``xLynn``x

Last night's Fontainebleau opening was a cocktail soaked, Manolo-heeled fun house of sorts, where thousands milled around the laybrinthe-like mega resort marveling at its restoration, renovation and, mostly, at the random mix--a celebrity Chex Mix of sorts--of A, B, C and Z listers who were around every corner.

Crooner Robin Thicke hit the stage and wooed the crowd with a rousing rendition of the Al Green classic Let's Stay Together. Taking the song literally, everyone crammed the stage to catch the headliner, Mariah Carey, who also put on an incredible performance which had some local publicists speechless for a change. Mariah was on fire, and so were some very funny-smelling cigarettes wafting through the ballroom.

In the Carey crowd, a VIP section of more scene stealers, including Paris Hilton and her real BFF Vegas showman Jeff Beacher, FB owner Jeff Soffer's BFF Brett Ratner, whose Prison Break star, Sucre, aka Amaury Nolasco, was among the most gregarious in the house. Also there, randomly, Kate Hudson with a mega entourage that could have smacked down Diddy's.``xEkkyZZVpupeqdxZCxq``x1226778640``xNews``xThe Miami Herald``x Billboard Update``xLynn``xBelow, find Mariah's chart positions in Billboard magazine issue dated November 22, 2008.

"I Stay In Love"
Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: #82 (Last Week #97)

E=MC²
Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums: #51 (Last Week #53)

The Ballads
Billboard European Top 100 Albums: #80 (Last Week #54)

Merry Christmas
Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Catalog Albums: #15
Billboard Top Holiday Albums: #42

"I Stay In Love" Update
• "I Stay In Love" was at #7 (peak: #6) on BET's Top 10 Videos yesterday, its 6th appearance on the countdown since its debut on Oct. 29.

• According to Mediabase, as of week ending Nov. 13, 2008, "I Stay In Love" has registered 4.333 million audience impressions with 1196 spins (Rhythmic - 555, Urban - 403, Pop - 198, Urban A/C - 16, Hot A/C - 16, Alternative - 2, BET - 6).

Keep supporting Mariah! Please use our banner on top or click on this link to vote, stream, request and download "I Stay In Love."``xEkkyyAVVyAqhKxDWCz``x1226699169``xCharts``xBillboard | MariahDailyJournal``x Mariah's London Shopping List``xLynn``x

You'd think Mariah Carey wouldn't have needed to go shopping on her whistle-stop trip to London. After all, she arrived with five suitcases for the three day affair.

But it looks like she couldn't resist stopping by at Harvey Nichols with her stylist and former Arena Fashion Editor Andrew Davis to kit her out for her X Factor appearance. They picked up the Amanda Wakeley floor length black beaded dress (£1749) she wore on stage, plus a D&G black corset pencil dress (£280), DSquared2 black jersey dress (£355), McQ satin bustier dress (£295), a CK pink robe (£49) and six Calvin Klein bras (£48 each).

Mariah Carey in Amanda Wakeley? Beyonce in Gareth Pugh? The Americans seem to love adopting Brit fashion when they're over on our shores.``xEkkyylEZuuxKvVFfdN``x1226685344``xNews``xGrazia``x Video: Mariah on UK's This Morning ``xLynn``xOn Thursday morning, ITV's This Morning aired Part I of host Ruth Langsford's exclusive interview with Mariah when she was in London last week. Below are excerpts from the interview.

Addressing the Daily Mirror article, "Xcess Baggage": "Those are not even my bags. I think they just took a picture of bags that were with us. No, I can tell from just looking here. Nope, not mine! I do take a lot of stuff with me and fortunately, you have people to help me with the packing because I'm not good at packing. I'm good at selecting but not packing."

On The X Factor's "Hero": "It just makes me really proud to be able to see yet again do something that's helping others and to see that the kids were inspired to do their own rendition of the song and I think they really did a good job."

Her favorite song out of all her songs: "There's a song called 'Close My Eyes' that is really kind of like my life story up to a point and I wrote it over a four-year time period and it's something that I definitely relate to and a lot of people who had difficult childhoods tell me that they relate to it. I would have to choose that one. It's tough to choose them 'cause as a writer, they're your babies."

On writing songs: "Sometimes I'll wake up in the middle of the night and have an idea. I have to go record it really quickly before I forget it. Sometimes someone will have an idea and say, 'Well, there's this movie called Hero about this guy who...' it was this Dustin Hoffman movie, and I took a walk to the loo and I came back and I had the outline for the song and so that's one of those blessings that it comes to you where it kind of all comes together really quickly."

On Barack Obama: "Yay! I mean I'm ecstatic. When my parents first got married, I'm the youngest of three so when my parents were first married as an interracial couple or biracial couple, it was illegal for them to be together in a lot of States so I just feel like we've come so far as a nation. I always said it was gonna happen but I don't know if I really believed that it would happen. And the great thing is, he's such an amazing, he's the right person for the job. I think that everyone's gonna change the way they feel about America with Barack Obama in office."

Part I - Mariah's Interview with This Morning, ITV, Nov. 13, 2008
[ Download here ]

And here's Part II of the This Morning interview with Mariah which aired earlier today. Below are excerpts.

So what are you like at Christmas? Are you Mrs. Christmas dressing up, decorating the house? "I love the whole thing. I am Miss Festive of the World. I really am. We go to Aspen because I need to be around the snow. I get depressed when I'm not with like the white Christmas snowy whole thing."

What does anybody buy Mariah Carey for Christmas? "People say it's tough to get me gifts. They always preface the gift-giving with 'You're the hardest person in the world to get a gift for' and I'm like, 'No, I'm not.' When I was little my mom didn't have enough money she would wrap up even like an orange or something and say that it was from the cat and I would smile just to be able to open stuff. I just love opening presents."

How do you get on with Nick as working partners? "We had a great experience. This latest video is called, 'I Stay In Love,' we shot the video in Vegas which was fun to begin with and it was the only video in the history of me making videos that I was...I ended on time, actually early, both days in a row. There was no drama and everybody was like, 'What is this new thing?' No more stories about divaness, divaland, divalicious. I enjoyed working with him, I know it's the first time so who knows."

Part II - Mariah's Interview with This Morning, ITV, Nov. 14, 2008
[ Download here ]``xEkkyyuVZlpqjndsvts``x1226649380``xVideos``xMariahDailyJournal | Gareth``x Red Book: Mariah's Sweet Dreams of Christmas``xLynn``x

Here's what Mariah Carey's winter wonderland looks like: A tree decorated with gold and silver butterflies. A manger in the front room. Christmas music blasting from every speaker. A new husband Nick Cannon to snuggle up next to in the horse-drawn sleigh. by Julia Dahl

Mariah Carey has a lot to celebrate this year. Her 11th studio album, E=MC², was a massive success; she released a new fragrance, Luscious Pink; and Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world. But for Mariah, 38, the year's biggest thrill is much more personal: In April, after a whirlwind romance, the star married 27-year-old Nick Cannon in a small ceremony in the Bahamas.

Six months later, Mariah is still glowing.

"I'm really looking forward to being in love on Christmas," gushes the singer, whose assistant calls her "The Queen of Christmas." We're sitting in the back corner of a Brazilian restaurant near Mariah's New York City apartment. "It's easy to be lonely that time of year, and in the past I just drove into that festive mode with a sort of I-don't-care attitude. The holidays are always great, but being in love is going to be the icing on the cake."

Mariah is clearly ready to jump headlong into the season. Step one? Figuring out the personalized Christmas card. She dips her French-manicured nails into her purse to produce last year's effort.

"It's my fantasy version of myself," she says, pushing it across the table, and indeed, the card features a cartoon Mariah in a come-hither pose, dressed in a skimpy Santa dress and knee-high boots. She's accompanied by her two dogs, Jack and Jack Jr., and they're all soaring through the air with Santa on his sleigh. It's actually pretty charming.

"But look, this is the best part." She opens the card and a tinny version of her hit Christmas song, "All I Want For Christmas Is You," fills the air. Mariah beams, but her elation reveals something more than just artistic pride. These days, the songbird who seems to have everything (a hot new hubby, more number one songs than Elvis, and a rumored baby on the way--or at least on her wish list) says she is spending more time appreciating life's simple pleasures. "So much of the season is about being thankful," she tells me. And in this spirit, Mariah settles in and shares her plans for her favorite holiday.

What's the theme for this year's card?
I have to figure that out soon! I started sending cards out about 10 years ago. But "Happy Holidays! Love, Mariah" became pretty played out, so a couple of years ago I started having fun with it, playing around with images and music. I like the cartoon thing, and I think it'll definitely be musical again--I've had a bunch of people tell me their kids play with the card all year long, so I guess it was a hit.

Will Nick be on the card this time?
If he wants to be. I haven't asked him yet. He might be doing his own thing--he's very independent, which is one of the things I love about him. But it'd be fun to do one together.

Have you and Nick talked about how you'll celebrate Christmas this year? What do you usually do?
I'm usually working right up until Christmas, but no matter what's going on, no matter where I am, whether it's right after a tour or a video shoot somewhere, on December 21, I head to my house in Aspen and start celebrating! I have an extended group of friends and family from all over--as far as Sweden and the United Kingdom, even--and every year we gather in Aspen to make it the most festive Christmas ever. We try to outdo ourselves every year.

This year, in addition to everything I love about celebrating the holidays, it's all going to be heightened because of Nick--in a really good way. I think he senses that Christmas is a big deal to me, so he's sort of just going with the flow, so that's cool. I'm pretty sure his family and friends will be out there too. We have to figure it out, but we're gonna make it work!

How does the week begin?
The first thing that happens is I get off the place and get into the car, they have Christmas music blasting and a bottle of champagne ready to pop open! It sounds awful, but I'm a big kid in that way. As soon as I get in that car, I am engulfed in Christmas. I think Nick will be up for that, I really do. He'll be laughing.

Aspen must be the perfect place for a white Christmas.
It is. Aspen is all about the snow and the environment, so it automatically puts you in that celebratory mood. I don't really do up my New York apartment for Christmas; I save everything for Aspen. The house there is all done up with lights and bells--not over the top, but quaint. It's like a gingerbread house. And then you open the door and the first thing you see is this enormous tree and a manger.

I started going to Aspen the year after my album Butterfly came out, and that year I collected a ton of butterfly ornaments. So every year, before we get up there, I have a woman who comes to the house and sets up what we call the butterfly tree. It's gorgeous, all silver and gold with angels and butterflies on it and gold, silver, and white ornaments. And we have a manger set up in the front room because, to me, the season is about celebrating, about being with friends and loved ones, but first and foremost it's about the birth of Christ, and I think it's important to remember that.

How does that religious aspect of the holiday fit into your celebration?
One year I did a concert for Camp Mariah, which is a camp I started that benefits underprivileged children. And every year I work with the foster kids of Denver. We do a holiday event for them, and the last couple of years--I worry about saying this in case any of them read it--Santa has come and he looks much like Santa, a real beard and everything! And all the kids get gifts and get to take pictures with him.

You grew up on Long Island in New York and lived with your mom after your parents divorced. What was Christmas like when you were little?
My mother, now she was festive. She always wanted Christmas to be exciting. We didn't always have enough money for a lot of presents, but she'd wrap up whatever she could--even an orange--and say it was from the cat or something, just so I could have things to open. I think that when kids are little, it's really all about opening things; it doesn't matter so much what they are. And my mother always made things very fun.

Your mother was a singer also. Was music a big part of celebrating?
Yes. She usually had a Christmas party where she'd make mulled wine and invite all her friends, and we'd decorate the tree and everyone would sing carols. So music is very important to me around the holidays. By the end of the week in Aspen everybody is ready to kill me, because from the minute we get there to the minute we leave, I have the Christmas music on. Usually it's satellite radio, but we throw our favorites in there, like the James Brown Christmas album and the Jackson 5 Christmas album. Oh, and I love the Chipmunks' Christmas album! It's such a throwback to childhood--just laughing and having a good time.

Are there places of your childhood you try to incorporate into the celebration?
Every year we do what we call "Charlie Brown Christmas tree," where we string up those big red and green bulbs and hang tons of ornaments--mostly ornaments my fans have sent me over the years. They did pictures of, like, me and the dog, just really cute stuff. A couple of years ago, one of my friends gave us the idea of taking Polaroids of each other and then decorating them and putting those on the tree. That was really fun; I think we might do it again this year. It's a wonderful time for us all to bond and really get into the spirit.

Last year I was very inspired by the movie Elf--how much do you love that movie?--so we set up one of the upstairs bedrooms like the North Pole, all covered in fake snow, with tents and an area where the kids could play with toys like Etch A Sketches. My friend's two children were 3 and 1 at the time, and they were in heaven!

It sounds like you really love the "traditional" Christmas stuff.
I do, but we try to make it our own. The focal point of the week is the 23rd, when we do a real sleigh ride! Depending on how many of us are up there, we get one or two horse-drawn sleighs, and we bundle up and go riding in the snow under the stars. We always drink cocoa with butterscotch schnapps to keep warm, and we sing at the top of our lungs, not even remotely trying to sound good. Later, we go in the hot tub in our Christmas bikinis, then roll in the fresh snow and jump back in the tub.

Christmas bikinis?
Of course! I like the Santa ones, but they don't stay on very well, so I usually just do a red bikini with a Santa hat.

Speaking of bikinis, what about lingerie? This year you'll be a newlywed at Christmas; are you thinking about some naughty Santa outfits?
Honestly, I always get Santa lingerie--even if nobody's going to see it! I mean, why not? But this year I'm definitely excited because it'll be appreciated!

You mentioned cocoa for the sleigh rides. Do you have any other holiday food traditions?
Every Christmas Eve I make linguine and white clam sauce for everybody. They always ask, "Are you gonna make your clam sauce?" I'd be worried if Nick hadn't tried it yet, but he did and ate the whole plate! I also make stuffed shells. It's kind of random because I'm not Italian, but the recipes were my father's, and he gave them to me before he passed away, so it's become a tradition. And we always have A Charlie Brown Christmas on TV [while we eat]. Before the kids go to bed, we leave out cookies and a note for Santa.

The rest of us stay up late that night, and I usually end up wrapping presents until the sun comes up! My problem is, I do too much shopping out there because I never get a chance before that, so I'm sitting up all night wrapping. Then I sleep in Christmas day, which kind of ruins Christmas morning for everybody.

Do they all have to wait until you get up to open presents?
Well, they don't have to! Definitely I always tell everyone to let the kids open presents before I get up. We do stockings; we all have stockings with our names on them, even the dogs.

Since you do a big Christmas Eve dinner, is Christmas night more relaxed?
Actually, that's the night we dress up for dinner. Last year, my pastor came and did a service for us and ate dinner with us. And when I say dress up, I mean I'm in a gown. I've got lots of vintage pieces and I wear either red or white, and jewelry. Usually, a couple of days before, while everyone else is skiing, I just sit around playing dress-up. I don't know what that's about--I mean, who does that?! But skiing means being cold and getting up really early, two things I'm not very good at.

Have you decided yet what presents you want to get for Nick?
I've had a few ideas, but I wouldn't want this to come out before Christmas and give all my ideas away!

How about you? What do you want?
Honestly, I haven't really thought about it. I just want to have a really good time--a restful, enjoyable time. I want to be ecstatic and have the best Christmas ever. And I know that's a really huge request right now. There's so much going on in the world that's pretty dismal, but I've always had that glass-half-full outlook. That's how I am. And I really think it'll be a memorable Christmas.

``xEkkyyEuVEpiLrjvgKS``x1226607060``xMagazines``xRed Book, Dec. 2008 Issue | Text & Scans: MariahDailyJournal``x Mariah: My diva days are over``xLynn``xMariah Carey has insisted her days of behaving like a diva are over - and credits hubby Nick Cannon with calming her down. The couple - who tied the knot in April - worked together on Mariah's video for her new single I Stay In Love, with Nick on directing duties. And the sexy singer was amazed the shoot passed without incident and finished on schedule, thanks to Nick's efficient approach.

In an interview with This Morning, Mariah said: "It's the only video in the history of me making videos that I ended on time, actually early both days, and there was no drama, and everybody was saying what is this new thing?! So I guess this was definitely him. No more stories about divaness, divaland, divalicious. I enjoyed working with him, but I know it's the first time so who knows."

Mariah also divulged details of how the couple got together, revealing the spark between them was instantaneous. She gushed: "We met each other in 2005 on a couple of award shows and we had that thing - you look at them and talk to them, and you are like what was that, that was interesting, but I liked it!"

And the star also said the pitter patter of tiny feet could soon be echoing around the couple's vast LA abode. When asked if babies are on the cards, Mariah coyly replied: "Maybe sometime soon. We will see."

Catch the interview in full on This Morning tomorrow at 10.35am on ITV1. ``xEkkyyEupEpnJuSmrpM``x1226606880``xNews``xThe Sun``x Mariah is Rolling Stone's 79th Greatest Singer``xLynn``xThe November issue of Rolling Stone names the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Mariah is ranked at no. 79.

79 | Mariah Carey

Born:
March 27th, 1970
Key Tracks:
"One Sweet Day," "Vision of Love," "Fantasy"
Influenced:
Brandy, Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis

"When I was little," Mariah Carey says, "I used to wake up with a really raspy voice and"--she shifts to her signature squeak--"talk in a really high voice. My mother couldn't understand it, and she's an opera singer. But then I started to try to sing using that voice." Carey is famous for her staggering vocal range -- including those ravishing high notes -- and power. Her mastery of melisma, the fluttering strings of notes that decorate songs like "Vision of Love," inspired the entire American Idol vocal school, for better or worse, and virtually every other female R&B singer since the Nineties. But technical skill alone doesn't make for hits, and Carey's radiant, sweetly sexy presence has been knocking them out of the park for two decades. She's scored more Number One singles than any solo artist -- 18 and counting.

For the complete Top 100 list, click here. ``xEkkyyEuEAyYmrSRMiq``x1226507460``xNews``xRolling Stone``x HBF Contest: Win Tickets to Total Finale Live``xLynn``xAfter ten years on air, MTV's Total Request Live is coming to an end. On November 16, MTV is going to throw a ridiculous celebration, Total Finale Live.

Mariah and a parade of celebrities and performers like no other will take a last stroll through the TRL studio set and past the squealing audience as they look back at a decade of incredible shows, guests, music videos and more.

MariahCarey.com has a pair of tickets to give away to a Honey B. Fly member and their chosen guest to be a part of the celebration. For details on how to enter, click here. Contest ends Thursday, Nov. 13th at 6:00pm ET.

The TRL Studio is located at 1515 Broadway in New York City. Total Finale Live will air live on MTV on Sunday, Nov. 16th at 8:00pm ET.``xEkkyyEuEuukmcFBdDr``x1226503860``xNews``xMariahCarey.com``x Early Tennessee Screening in Los Angeles``xLynn``xMariah's new movie, Tennessee, will open for a one-week qualifying engagement in Los Angeles for Academy consideration for Best Picture and Best Song ("Right To Dream") starting on Friday, December 5th.

The limited screening will be held at:

Laemmle's Music Hall 3
9036 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 274-6869

The film will open in only one theater in Los Angeles to satisfy the requirements of the Academy qualifications. According to Vivendi Entertainment, the plan is to roll out the film to additional markets in late January 2009/early February 2009, but it will not be released in theaters on December 19, 2008, as previously announced. We will let you know as soon as a national release date has been set.``xEkkyuVuEZFYfJeRMYx``x1226457773``xTennessee``xVivendi Entertainment | MariahDailyJournal``x Mariah Interviews with Radio 1's Scott Mills``xLynn``xMariah also interviewed with Scott Mills of BBC Radio 1 while she was in London last week. Click on the Play button below to listen to Mariah talking about her The Ballads album, The X Factor appearance, her classic holiday song, "All I Want For Christmas Is You," and the best present she's given to someone - a house!

Scott says he loves "All I Want For Christmas Is You," "For me, when 'All I Want For Christmas' comes on then I know it's actually Christmas. It's my favorite." He suggested to Mariah to do another Christmas song. Mariah replied, "I'm going to. I'm actually doing a movie that is inspired by 'All I Want For Christmas' and the whole album with HBO so it's gonna be pretty cool."

[ Download an MP3 here ]``xEkkyuuZpyZOAhHVfdc``x1226450667``xVideos``xMariahDailyJournal | Alison``x Photos: Mariah Outside Hotel de Paris, Monaco``xLynn``xBelow are photos of Mariah and husband Nick Cannon posing outside the Hotel de Paris before making their way to the 2008 World Music Awards at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club in Monte Carlo, Monaco on Sunday, November 9, 2008.

``xEkkyuFAAAkJsTCZEmO``x1226441760``xPhotos``xMariahDailyJournal``x Mariah Scans``xLynn``xFrom the Nov. 19th issue of In Touch.

They said it wouldn't last... But Mariah's happier than ever
Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon celebrate their six-month anniversary

At Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon's Halloween bash at Marquee in New York on October 30, love was in the air. The happy couple changed costumes twice before Nick took over the DJ booth from DJ Reach, played three of Mariah's songs in a row and gave a special anniversary toast to his wife. "This is to six months, six years and six decades," he said. "I love you, Mariah!"

After dating for less than two months, Nick and Mariah's secret wedding in the Bahamas on April 30 took many by surprise. "People thought it wouldn't last," an insider says. "But Mariah is so in love, it's ridiculous. It's like she's a love-struck teenager whenever she's around Nick. It's very nice to see."

They're made for each other
When Mariah, 38, impulsively married Nick, 28, her close friends worried that the actor would sponge off of the pop icon, who is worth an estimated $225 million. "He is not her equal," a source told In Touch not long after the wedding. "He's basically around to attend to her diva-ish ways."

Sure enough, Nick has sometimes seemed more like Mariah's assistant than her husband. At public events, he often plays the role of her bodyguard, fending off adoring fans and escorting her to the bathroom. "She is used to being catered to," a pal says. "Mariah has always gotten what she wants when she wants it."

But obviously, Nick doesn't mind - and their relationship appears solid. "He has Mariah's back," the insider explains. "He's helped her blossom into a person who loves to go out and interact with people."

Mariah, who was in an unhappy marriage with music mogul Tommy Mottola for five years, is just as taken with Nick. "She loves that Nick works on his own projects and is financially independent," the insider adds. "This time around, it's genuine love."

And more scans from In Touch, Life & Style, OK!, Star, Jet, and Hip Hop weekly magazines.

And from the German TV direkt, OK!, Life & Style, In Touch, and Gala.

``xEkkyuFZAAAOGklszrn``x1226441599``xMagazines``xMariahDailyJournal | Dennis``x News Tidbits``xCasey``x• Singer Mariah Carey shares her secrets on looking gorgeous, and tells how she's managed to lose a stone following a strict exercise regime and a low-fat diet - plus the occasional treat. Being in love clearly suits Mariah Carey. Not only is she "happier than she's ever been" with new husband Nick Cannon but, at 38, she's also in the best shape of her life. Talking exclusively to the Mirror following her performance on The X Factor - when she wowed viewers with her stunning curves in two figure-flaunting dresses on Saturday night - Mariah says "I feel great, it's hard work to stay in shape but the results are worth it." Continue reading... (Mirror)

• Actor Jesse Metcalfe who hosted the 2008 World Music Awards was spotted at the aftershow party talking to Mariah Carey in a bid to pick up some tips from the top. A source said: "Jesse can sing and play the guitar so a career in music has always been in the back of his mind. It's a similar sort of sound to the Nine Inch Nails. He's been inspired by how successful Jared Leto made the leap from acting to music and ended up picking up a prize at the MTV Awards in Liverpool last week. He was very excited to meet Mariah as she is one the most successful artists of all time." (The Sun)

• The Macy's store in Woodbridge Center, New Jersey (237 Woodbridge Center Drive) will be having a special event to promote Mariah's new perfume "Luscious Pink." It will be from 9:30am-9:30pm on Nov. 22.

• Mariah doubles Saturday-night magic. More than 10 million people saw Mariah Carey sing on ITV1's The X Factor, nearly twice the number who watched BBC1's drama Merlin on Saturday, November 8. The main The X Factor programme averaged 10.2 million viewers, 43% of the audience between 7.20pm and 8.50pm. Another 8.3 million people, 36% of the audience, watched The X Factor Results show at 9.35pm, in which Laura White became the latest hopeful to leave the show.

• "Hero," a version of the Mariah Carey ballad sung by finalists of The X Factor was at the top spot in the UK charts for the second week. The track sold 189,600 copies this week, bringing the total sold to date to 502,844 copies. (Reuters)

• In the UK, Mariah currently has 5 songs on iTunes' Top 100 Songs chart: "Hero" at #55, "Anytime You Need A Friend" at #58, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" at #61, "I Stay In Love" at #64 and "Without You" at #94. Also, Mariah has 3 albums on the Top 100 Albums chart: The Ballads at #12, E=MC² at #33 and Greatest Hits at #60.

• In the US, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" is currently #1 and #72 on iTunes' Top Holiday Songs chart, while "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" is #33, "O Holy Night" is #49 and "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" is #69. Also, Merry Christmas is currently #13 on the Top Holiday Albums chart.

• According to Amazon.com and other online retailers, a new Mariah release from Sony Legacy entitled "Love, Mariah" is scheduled to be released on January 27th, 2009. Could this be the release date for The Ballads in the US?

Mentions:
• Appearing on The View Monday morning, MSNBC's anchor Keith Olbermann addressed a question on the minds of many: after years of Bush administration critiques, what will "Countdown" consist of now that a Democrat is about to enter the White House? "We're switching to all Mariah Carey as of tonight," Mr. Olbermann joked. (New York Times) [Watch on YouTube]

• Also on Monday's episode of The View, Whoopi Goldberg mentioned Mariah and Nick waiting until they were married to be completely intimate which sparked a discussion on celibacy. Co-host Sherri Shepherd recalled practicing a similar belief with her husband. "I just wanted to know that we could have some discipline, maybe that's what Mariah was feeling," said Shepherd. Click here to watch a clip of the discussion.

• While shopping on Sunday's episode of The Girls Next Door, model Kendra Wilkinson explained, "I learn how to be girly without having to wear a dress. So cute. Like, Mariah Carey lookin' stuff." Watch a clip here.

International News

• Australia. Merry Christmas Gold Edition will be released in Australia on Nov. 15. It can be pre-ordered now at Sanity. This Gold edition is reportedly now available in Austria and Switzerland.

• The Ballads. In Argentina, the album, released on Oct. 21, debuted at #9 on the Albums chart. In Brazil, the album is set for release on Nov. 28. It is now available for pre-order at Saraiva.

• "I Stay In Love" has finally reached radio stations all across Germany. Vote for the song on Defjay Radio's Top 4 @ 4. Also, help Mariah become the Pop Queen 2008 and get a 1 hour special on the German music channel VIVA! Click here to crown her now!``xEkkyuEyuplzdGrioBx``x1226420008``xNews``xMariahDailyJournal | Bernard | Dennis | Nacho | Bojan | Gustavo | Shante | Claudia | Roya | Matt | kmaoc``x Will Alexandra Burke ever wash again?``xLynn``xSaturday's star-for-the-night Alexandra Burke was so nervous before meeting Mariah Carey that she was afraid she would faint in the presence of the superstar. She told ITV beforehand, "If I see her I will die. Literally, I will faint. You'll have to take me to A&E."

The 20 year-old singer was hugely apprehensive of performing her Mariah track, "Without You." Firstly, she'd received dubious comments after performing tracks by Mariah and Whitney in weeks one and two. Alex said, "It crushed me to have those bad comparisons to the people I love."

And secondly, she knew she'd to sing it in front of the lady herself! She said, "I don't want to disrespect it because Mariah is going to be there. You don't wanna go overboard. She's going to be in my face!"

When Friday's Mariah masterclass came, Alex was the most excited gal there. She said, "Meeting Mariah Carey was indescribable. I have dreamed of this moment since I was a little girl. When I was singing, I couldn't ever look at her".

And she admitted, "I realise my emotions got the better of me. I cried about six times. The moment I could see her foot coming down the stairs, I was in tears."

Newspapers have reported about Alexandra having showbiz connections, but she was certainly an ordinary gal in the throes of very extraordinary excitement - bless! "I have met Stevie Wonder - but after I shook hands with him, I didn't wash my hand for a week."

And now there is a similar dilemma for the girl Simon said gave "The best performance of the week." A grinning Alex told ITV, "After a Mariah hug, I can't bathe again! I'm going to smell. But it's Mariah - and she's lovely. I'm going to smell of Mariah Carey - ah, gorgeous, nice butterflies!"

Meanwhile, The X Factor voice coach, Yvie Burnett, shares her excitement about Mariah singing in this ITV video.

"Mariah is renowned obviously for so many things other than just her voice, and everyone knows who she is. But for me as a singer myself, I find it amazing that she can sing with such incredible range. She sings really low at the beginning of all her songs and then she just goes up to these incredible high notes and the way she can reach both ends of the range is just amazing. I personally love hearing her sing, her songs are great with lots of emotions in them and I'm so excited about hearing her live. I've never heard her live so I'm excited. I can imagine what the contestants...it's just must be unbelievable to be able to hear her on that stage."

``xEkkyuyEVAEbruUlzuG``x1226419860``xNews``xITV``x Mariah to Perform at the American Music Awards ``xLynn``xMariah Carey will perform at the American Music Awards later this month, People has learned.

Carey joins previously announced performers: the Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Ne-Yo, Pink, the Pussycat Dolls and the reunited New Kids on the Block.

Paris Hilton, Kate Walsh and Akon will also be presenters at the telecast, which airs live on ABC on Nov. 23.

Alicia Keys leads the nominations with five. Coldplay and The Eagles are up for four apiece, while Lil' Wayne and Chris Brown are up for three awards each. All five are up for Artist of the Year honors, the night's biggest award.

Tickets to the telecast, which will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel from the Nokia Theater LA Live!, are still available to the public.``xEkkyFVyykFvLmsDDVY``x1226360223``xNews``xPeople``x Mariah Thanks Fans, Nick in WMA Speech``xLynn``xShe may have notched a World Music Award, but Mariah Carey had another very important thing on her mind last night - her husband of six months, Nick Cannon.

"It's a blessing to live this life. Thanks to the fans and for the 18 number one singles I've had," Carey, 39, told the crowd after receiving a special achievement honor from presenter Alicia Keys. "Special shout to my husband and best friend Nick, I love you."``xEkkyFFAuyAHpVgZwdU``x1226343069``xNews``xPeople``x Mariah Gets Diva Treatment``xLynn``xMariah Carey is legendary for her diva ways. And she reinforced them in spectacular fashion at last night's World Music Awards.

The singer's extraordinary demands included a £100,000 private jet transport to the ceremony in Monte Carlo and a £10,000-a-night penthouse suite at the exclusive Hotel de Paris for two nights.

Never one to travel light, she also asked for similar VIP treatment at the hotel for her 15-strong entourage of stylists and personal assistants. And when she felt a little peckish, she decided that the five-star hotel just wasn't quite up to standard. Instead she had renowned Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse brought to her hotel to cook her a private dinner. Seemingly impressed with the results, she then asked if he could stay and teach her how to cook the clam linguine for her new husband Nick Cannon.

Never mind that the 38-year-old was appearing for only 15 minutes on the night. After collecting her Special Achievement award, she made a short speech before being escorted immediately home.``xEkkyFupFlZhFympXZv``x1226343000``xNews``xDaily Mail UK``x Mariah Chats with Jamie Theakston on Heart FM, UK``xLynn``x

Earlier today, UK's radio show Heart Breakfast on Heart 106.2 FM aired host Jamie Theakston's exclusive interview with Mariah from her London hotel suite. In the interview, Mariah talked about her new husband Nick Cannon and married life, her mentoring The X Factor contestants, "Hero" being the #1 song in the UK, her new albums The Ballads & E=MC², UK tour, among other topics.

Listen to the full interview below.

[ Download an MP3 here ]

You can download Jamie Theakston's past interviews with Mariah here.``xEkkyFEZklyqDuOkyAV``x1226320886``xVideos``xMariahDailyJournal | Heart 106.2``x Photos: Mariah at the 2008 World Music Awards``xLynn``xBelow are photos of Mariah at the 20th Annual World Music Awards held at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club in Monaco on Sunday, November 9, 2008. Mariah was honored with the "Special Achievement Award" at tonight's award proceedings.

Awards Show

Backstage

View more pictures in our Gallery.``xEkkykZyAVZFcsTUAhh``x1226280557``xPhotos``xMariahDailyJournal``x Photos: Mariah Leaves The Dorchester for The X Factor``xLynn``xBelow are photos of Mariah and husband Nick Cannon leaving The Dorchester Hotel for The X Factor studios on Saturday, November 8, 2008.

``xEkkykuEZZVckvbGmRc``x1226234520``xPhotos``xMariahDailyJournal``x Mariah on The X Factor``xLynn``xThe UK's The X Factor opened its Mariah Carey Night with a montage of Mariah's career and hits, followed by her performance of "I Stay In Love" and then the show proper. On the results show, she sang "Hero" live and was joined by the finalists. Judge Simon Cowell praised her and said, "I love Mariah. Mariah, very simply, is the biggest star in the world. You could see what Mariah did tonight for the contestants. It was an inspiration. I don't think Mariah gets enough credit either for being a great songwriter because Mariah wrote that song, 'Hero,' as well; and a lot of the songs you heard tonight."

Mariah has confirmed her upcoming World Tour on the show. "Yes, I'm definitely gonna be doing a tour. I'm definitely going to be coming here. I always enjoy coming here so that's gonna be fun. So around top of the year."

AUDIO
Click on the Play button below to listen to Mariah's live performance of "Hero." For MP3s of all The X Factor performances incl. Mariah's "Hero" and "I Stay In Love," download in a single file here.

VIDEOS

Download: Mariah Montage

Download: Mariah Performs "I Stay In Love" + Interview

Download: 1. "Anytime You Need A Friend" - Eoghan Quigg

Download: 2. "My All" - Ruth Lorenzo

Download: 3. "Endless Love" - Laura White

Download: 4. "Against All Odds" - Rachel Hylton

Download: 5. "One Sweet Day" - JLS

Download: 6. "Open Arms" - Daniel Evans

Download: 7. "Without You" - Alexandra Burke

Download: Mariah Performs "Hero" + Interview

EXTRAS:

Download: Backstage Interview - Xtra Factor

Download: "Hero" Video World Premiere - The X Factor Top 12

Download: Mariah Leaving The Dorchester for X Factor - Jose Manuel``xEkkyElkVAZwpfTrfns``x1226186197``xVideos``xMariahDailyJournal | Gareth | Jose Manuel | Gary``x Mariah Receives Two WMA Nominations``xCasey``xNominations for tomorrow's 20th anniversary of the World Music Awards have been announced. Congratulations to Mariah for receiving two nominations!

World's Best Pop Female Artist
Mariah Carey
Leona Lewis
Madonna
Rihanna

World's Best R&B Artist
Mariah Carey
Alicia Keys
Leona Lewis
Rihanna

Both Mariah and Ringo Starr will be presented with the special Sales Achievement Awards.

The 20th Annual World Music Awards will take place on Sunday, November 9th in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

The awards will air live in the Middle East and Africa, but go out tape-delayed in more than 100 countries. In Ireland, the awards will air on Sunday, November 16th on RTE Two. In the UK, the awards will air on Friday, November 21st on Channel 4 with a repeat on Sunday, November 23rd. In the US, the awards will first run on Tuesday, December 2nd at 8:00pm on myNetworkTV with 2 repeats also scheduled.``xEkkyEZVFAuHQdidVxO``x1226178994``xNews``xWorld Music Awards``x Billboard Update``xLynn``xBelow, find Mariah's chart positions in Billboard magazine issue dated November 15, 2008.

"I Stay In Love"
Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: #97 (Debut)

E=MC²
Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums: #53 (Last Week #55)

The Adventures of Mimi
Billboard Top Music Video: #35 (Last Week #30)

The Ballads
Billboard European Top 100 Albums: #54 (Last Week #61)

"I Stay In Love" Update
• "I Stay In Love" placed at #6 on BET's Top 10 Videos yesterday, its 3rd appearance on the countdown. It debuted at #9 on Oct. 29, and was #10 on Nov. 5.

• According to Mediabase, as of week ending Nov. 7, 2008, "I Stay In Love" has registered 3.098 million in audience impressions with 999 spins (Rhythmic - 457, Pop - 159, Urban - 354, Urban A/C - 18, Hot A/C - 3, Alternative - 3, BET - 5).

Keep supporting Mariah! Please use our banner on top to vote, stream, request and download "I Stay In Love."``xEkkyEyZAkpjradFnNQ``x1226171520``xCharts``xBillboard | MariahDailyJournal``x Mariah Songs on The X Factor Revealed``xLynn``xOne Sweet Day has finally arrived - It's Mariah extravaganza!

This week, the contestants must choose a track made famous by Mariah Carey. With a back catalogue worthy of the best-selling woman in music, there are plenty of tracks to choose from.

As announced earlier, all of the contestants will join Mariah on stage to sing the chart-topper "Hero."

But in addition, each competitor has decided on another track to twirl their tonsils around. The songs are (not in show order):

Alexandra Burke - "Without You"
Daniel Evans - "Open Arms"
JLS - "One Sweet Day"
Rachel Hylton - "Against All Odds"
Ruth Lorenzo - "My All"
Eoghan Quigg - "Anytime You Need A Friend"
Diana Vickers - "Always Be My Baby"
Laura White - "Endless Love"

``xEkkyEyEFEESYNBjzBt``x1226161080``xNews``xITV | Alison``x Mariah Cares``xLynn``x

Pop diva Mariah Carey will sing her hit Hero on the X Factor tonight in a show of support for The Sun-backed Help for Heroes campaign.

The singer, 38, was rehearsing with the remaining eight contestants yesterday as the cover version of the ballad looked set to top the charts for a second week.

Mariah co-wrote Hero and had a US No1 with the song in 1993. And as this week's celebrity mentor, the star -- known for her whopping vocal range -- also gave the finalists a singing masterclass.

An ITV1 insider said: "Mariah's really pleased that her song is helping do so much good, so she was keen to sing it on the show. It makes sense -- it is her song after all. The plan is for her to sing it with all 12 finalists so they'll get a first taste of singing with a musical legend. Not surprisingly there are a few nerves."

Meanwhile, the X Factor single had sold 140,000 copies in its second week by last night -- and is set to smash the 200,000 mark before tomorrow's chart show. It has outsold Beyonce's new single If I Were A Boy five to one. And it had record first-week sales of 313,244 -- pipping Girls Aloud in the race for chart domination. Experts reckon the track will get an extra boost with the video's first show on ITV1 at 6:10 tonight.

Hero has made hundreds of thousands of pounds for Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal, who help injured soldiers. PM Gordon Brown is scrapping VAT on each single sold while stores including Tesco, HMV and Woolworths are handing over their profits. ``xEkkyEpyFpyHNJaqwFm``x1226109906``xNews``xThe Sun``x Mariah Interviews with UK's Mirror``xLynn``xMariah Carey clearly knows how to test a man's resolve - just ask new husband Nick Cannon. The singer has confessed that she kept the rap star waiting until they were married before, well, you know...they got down to the intimate side of their relationship.

But Mariah says hanging on for that two months from when they met in February to when they tied the knot in the Bahamas in April was well worth it. She adds: "It's not that we had no intimacy, we just didn't have complete intimacy. It's just me, and my feelings. I definitely don't want to push it on anybody else. But we both have similar beliefs, and I just thought that it would be so much more special if we waited until after we were married. And it was, and it still is."

As the couple celebrate their six-month anniversary, the US star has declared she has never been happier. And no doubt X Factor fans are over the moon that she has agreed to appear on the show tonight to mentor the wannabe stars and belting out her new single I Stay in Love.

One of her most famous songs, Hero, is currently at number one in the British charts and the X Factor finalists have recorded a version of the rousing ballad to raise funds for Help For Heroes, a charity helping British troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is already the biggest-selling single of 2008. Mariah has flown in from New York to help the aspiring singers, and perform alongside them on tonight's show. She says: "I think they've done a really good version. I'm a songwriter first and foremost, and it's always a big compliment when someone wants to cover one of my tracks. I've been to the Middle East myself, to visit the troops, and I know what amazing work they do out there."

So who is her favourite to win X Factor? She replies: "It's hard to say. There are a lot of talented people this year. But I have really been looking forward to working with them, and getting to know them all individually."

Mariah met Nick, who is also a DJ and actor, on the set of her video Bye Bye. After a whirlwind romance she was whisked down the aisle in the Caribbean. And the singer says life has been a blissful since they she and Nick got hitched. Sitting in the Dorchester Hotel in London, she tells the Mirror: "We celebrated our anniversary with a huge Halloween party. I went in a cookies costume, and Nick dressed as milk. We had the most amazing day." Lovingly caressing one of her huge heart-shaped diamond earrings, she went on: "He bought me these, and the biggest bunch of flowers you've ever seen. He's incredibly romantic."

The surprise wedding made headlines around the world. But no one was more stunned to be taking a second trip up the aisle than 38-year-old Mariah. Her first marriage to former Sony Records boss Tommy Mottola ended acrimoniously a decade ago, and she admitted she was reluctant to take the plunge a second time. She adds: "I was hesitant for a long time to get into a relationship and lose control of my heart and myself as a human being. I was very protective of myself. But this was something different. I was hesitant after having a bad experience, but this was something bigger than both of us. There was no question of not being ready when I met Nick. It felt 100 per cent right."

The couple are so certain their love will last they have both had tattoos of each other's names etched on their bodies. Mariah says: "We really do feel we are soulmates. We actually first met each other in 2005, and we definitely had chemistry then, but we were both with other people and it wasn't the right time. But whenever he was asked on TV who his celebrity crush was he would always say me, and friends would tell me, 'Nick Cannon really likes you.' I would just say. 'Oh, he's probably just saying that'. I didn't know what to believe. Then we met again on my video shoot and it all just clicked. It was pretty whirlwind, amazing."

Speaking about the time Nick, who is 10 years her junior, proposed, she adds: "It was the day that they lit the Empire State Building in New York in pink and lavender, my signature colours, because it had just been announced that I'd had my 18th number one hit, beating Elvis Presley's record. Nick handed me a sweet wrapper. I got to the candy ring, he's always giving me those as he has a very sweet tooth, and I said to him: 'Mine's broken, there's no sweet inside.' He told me to open it anyway and there was this beautiful diamond ring inside." The very 17-carat sparkler she toyed with throughout our interview.

There was also a hint of broodiness. Two years ago she appeared to rule out becoming a mum, but now admits to being "ready for a family". Mariah says: "I've changed my mind because I am with The One. I think we would make good parents, and that we'd be able to figure everything out together. People are constantly asking me if I'm pregnant, but I don't like to talk about it too much. I just think about it as the next phase. We'll see."

Apart from her personal life, it seems Mariah has plenty to be happy about professionally, too. She currently has two albums - E=MC2 and Ballads - in the UK charts, and has sold more than 200 million records worldwide.

The pop star also exclusively revealed to the Mirror she has a mammoth world tour planned for next year, showcasing her huge back catalogue of hits. She adds: "I love going on the road, it's the best way to connect with the fans. I still get nervous before performing. I get through it by saying a prayer before I sing, and trying to keep focused."

With that, Mariah's manager comes to collect her to meet the X Factor stars. He tells her they are beside themselves with excitement at the prospect of meeting their idol. She replies: "Well it's my honour. I'm just as excited myself."``xEkkyEEFyplDNJTgmaT``x1226109780``xNews``xMirror``x Jamie Theakston Interviewing Mariah for Morning Show``xCasey``xOn Monday, November 10th, Heart 106.2 in London will air an in-studio interview with Mariah for Heart Breakfast, hosted by Jamie Theakston and Harriet Scott. Theakston has interviewed Mariah several times and whenever the two of them are in the same room, hilarity ensues.

The morning show is broadcast from 6:00am to 9:00am in the UK. This station can be streamed live here.``xEkkypAkllZPvUpTODj``x1226096487``xNews``xHeart 106.2``x Mariah Mentions on TV``xLynn``xMariah was mentioned on two TV shows last night.

[ Download this video ]

UGLY BETTY
When Betty invites her neighbor and crush, Jesse, to the Mode Fashion Heats Up party, Jesse misunderstands and thinks that she wants his band to play. The next day, Betty tells her boss Daniel that she's found somebody to play at the party.

Daniel: "Already done. Guess what? We got Mariah Carey. It turns out Connor knows her. Isn't that great?"
Betty: "Oh. Um, yeah. I mean Mariah is alright. But can we just put a pin in her for a second 'cause I think I found someone way fresher - Jesse's band 'Dark Sexual Journey'."

(Daniel makes a fake phone call to Mariah)
Daniel: "Hey, Mariah, it's Daniel. It turns out we're not gonna need you to sing. We got Jesse. The guy from my assistant's building. He is so cute. He is just the dreaminess."
Betty: "I hate when you're sarcastic."

KATH & KIM
Mariah was also mentioned last night on NBC's Kath & Kim which stars Molly Shannon (Kath) and Selma Blair (Kim) as the hilarious mother-daughter duo. Kim was trying on clothes and Kath said to one outfit, "Oh Kim, that is adorable! It's very Mariah Carey. No, you know what? Very Miley Cyrus. So cute."``xEkkyplAFVlySUbEJLM``x1226092958``xNews``xMariahDailyJournal | Ashley | Davidia``x Luscious Pink Design Challenge Update``xCasey``xTo all Mariah Carey's devoted fans - the Luscious Pink dress design competition will be closing on November 12th. Now's your chance to enter your fabulous design for the acclaimed artist!

A quick update: Mariah Carey is challenging her fans and aspiring designers to design a Luscious Pink dress to add to her famous closet. Designers can submit their entries through www.mariahcareybeauty.com. One lucky winner will have their dress design come to life! Three dresses will be made - one for Mariah to debut on her upcoming tour, one for the design contest winner, and one to be auctioned off to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness, the proceeds of which will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Think you're up for the challenge? Well here's your chance to show the world! Mariah is searching for a truly inspired designer to create a Luscious Pink masterpiece. Start your design from scratch or use one of our dress templates. If you're looking for inspiration, the pink dress above is one of the most popular entries so far! Just remember: this dress is for MARIAH CAREY, the best-selling female recording artist of all time! So make her proud!

Mariah Carey's Luscious Pink is the glowing new fragrance from the award-winning artist. In stores now.

Listen to Mariah talk about the contest by pressing the play button below:

"The contest is almost over! I can't wait to pick my favorite Luscious Pink dress and have it come to life. Stay tuned for the winning designer to be announced. I can't wait!"

``xEkkyplEAkZnzINFCKy``x1226085527``xNews``xMariah Carey Beauty``x Diva Invasion``xLynn``xX Factor judge Dannii Minogue says the show is bracing itself for a diva invasion from US superstar Mariah Carey.

Mariah will perform her new single, "I Stay In Love," as a special guest on the show.

And Dannii says the American star, in the UK to promote her new Ballads album, will put any would-be divas among the remaining contestants easily in the shade.

Dannii added: "Could it get any more nerve-wracking for the contestants? I think there's puppies and kittens being sent. Apparently, her dressing room is all going to be painted white and only certain types of flowers and candles and all that - I don't know. I want to see. Because all of the guests stay in the 'motor home' out the front so I want to see if it does actually get changed."

In related news, X Factor creative director Brian Friedman said he was excited about having Mariah Carey on the show. "I've never worked with Mariah. I'm looking forward to seeing her perform. She's incredible when she's live and I love every album she's ever put out. And then we're going to get the contestants all singing her music too so it's going to be a great show."``xEkkypVEpFVzlpXTCnc``x1226054635``xNews``xDaily Record | Metro``x Videos: Mariah & Nick Head to London``xLynn``x• TMZ TV caught a video of Mariah & Nick as they were leaving their Tribeca apartment for the JFK airport in New York.

Mariah Leaving Tribeca Apartment - TMZ TV
[ Download here ]
• From Blick, Mariah & Nick leaving the Heathrow International Airport in London, England.

Mariah Leaving Heathrow Airport, London - Blick
[ Download here ]
• Video footage of Mariah & Nick arriving at The Dorchester Hotel in London, England from the German show Exclusiv on RTL, Nov. 6, 2008.

Mariah Arriving at The Dorchester, London - RTL Exclusiv
[ Download here ]
• And another footage of Mariah arriving at The Dorchester personally recorded by Jose Manuel. It is the original video file that he uploaded on YouTube.

Mariah Arriving at The Dorchester, London - Jose Manuel
[ Download here ]``xEkkypFkuZuTmVTlRgv``x1226037660``xVideos``xMariahDailyJournal | Dennis | Jose Manuel``x Photos: Mariah Arrives in London, UK``xLynn``xBelow are photos of Mariah and husband Nick Cannon arriving in London on Thursday, November 6th.

At the Heathrow International Airport
[ View more pictures here ]

At The Dorchester Hotel
[ View more pictures here ]

Related News Stories:
• Mariah Carey arrives for X Factor (Mirror)
• Mariah's bonkers boots (Metro)
• Diva Mariah Carey arrives with 20 suitcases (Daily Mail)``xEkkVAlFEpEJvuNwETK``x1225990260``xPhotos``xMariahDailyJournal | Gossip Girls``x Update: Mariah's Arrival in London``xLynn``xMariah will be landing at Heathrow Airport tomorrow, November 6th at 10:20am and then immediately head to The Dorchester Hotel located on Park Lane in London.

We encourage our British fans to come out to the airport or hotel to greet Mariah upon her arrival. Be sure to wear your favorite Mariah t-shirts, bring festive signs and anything else to show your love!``xEkkVAEFEApFbQhseZp``x1225916790``xNews``xMariahDailyJournal``x News Tidbits``xLynn``x

• Mariah Carey: DVD Collection, a 2-disc DVD package that contains Fantasy: Live at Madison Square Garden and #1's has just been released and is now available in the US at Amazon.com, and in the UK at Play.com. (Front & back covers pictured on right)

• Universal Music Group International chairman/CEO Lucian Grainge was presented the Music Industry Trust's Award at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday, Nov. 3rd. Artists who paid tribute to Grainge include U2, Anastacia, Sugababes, Keane, and on film, Mariah Carey, the Pussycat Dolls, Elton John, and Lionel Richie. Billboard

• Mariah Carey couldn't make up her mind at Marquee. She and hubby Nick Cannon threw a bash for friends like Busta Rhymes and L.A. Reid, but the diva disappeared three times to change costumes. "At one point," laughed a spy, "she was running around in just a bikini." New York Daily News

• A modern day comparison to Peruvian soprano Yma Sumac is Mariah Carey. She has a multi-octave vocal range which can reportedly reach five octaves. "The young Mariah Carey used to sing in a lowish voice and then these stratospheric notes would sound more and more like whistling," says Gillyanne Kayes, vocal trainer and voice researcher. "It takes a high degree of skill to sing across a range. The colour, or timbre, of a voice is not the same all the way through." BBC UK

• Adding to last year's classic holiday tunes, Target's exclusive Songs for a Cause CD will feature three new songs, including Mariah Carey singing "Joy to the World," Frank Sinatra singing "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" and Elvis Presley's rendition of "The First Noel." It is currently available at Target stores nationwide. With the purchase of each CD, priced at $5.99, $2.00 of the purchase price will go to support The Salvation Army. PR Newswire

• Last month, singer Brandy sat down with Stylz & Roman of B96 in Chicago for an in-studio interview. Before cutting to a Mariah song, J. Roman jokingly asked Brandy if she had heard of Mariah. "You know I've heard of Mariah Carey. She's the reason why I'm singing," responded Brandy. Later in the interview, Brandy talked about auditioning for her record deal with Atlantic and cited both Mariah and Whitney Houston as influences. "I sang 'Vision of Love' and 'Greatest Love of All'. So, I owe them, you know, everything." Watch the interview on YouTube.

• Asked if there was anybody she'd still want to meet, singer/actress Jennifer Hudson tells the Windy City Times in a recent interview, "Oooo, I have not met Mariah Carey yet. So I would like to meet her."

• Country singer Whitney Duncan has just released her version of Mariah's classic holiday song, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" on iTunes. Also on iTunes are covers of another Mariah holiday song, "Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)" by Miss America 1998 Kathe Shindle and Karmine Alers.``xEkkVAEypVuDtMDrLRD``x1225916460``xNews``xMariahDailyJournal | Bernard | Jason | Marc | Bojan | Kyle``x "Right To Dream" Audio Clip & Lyrics``xCasey``x"Right To Dream," the original ballad Mariah co-wrote with Willie Nelson for her film Tennessee, went for adds at Adult Contemporary radio on Monday, October 20th. Listen to a 30-second clip below and find the song's lyrics.