Mariah and Monroe make for an adorable twosome

 Out for a fun mommy-daughter day, Mariah Carey carried little Monroe to an awaiting car in New York City on Monday (October 22). The "Butterfly" songstress looked classy in an all-black ensemble, as she toted around her one-and-a-half-year-old mini-me, while spending time in the Tribeca neighborhood.
 Although Mariah's twins are still young, it looks like they have inherited their dad, Nick Cannon's, love for sweets. In a recent interview with Us Weekly magazine, Cannon talked about his and Carey's "candy room" in their Los Angeles home, and explained that the young ones love it as well, saying, "They go crazy for lollipops!"
(GossipCenter)

Perfectly framed

Totally cute! Cameras caught a sweet mom-daughter pair - Mariah Carey and little Monroe - heading to their car during a stay in New York. The pop diva's daughter, who's going on 18 months, was darling as can be in her pink glasses and pretty gray plaid skirt. Her long dark hair was accessorized with a pink ribbon, and she clutched a bunny blankie in her hand.
 Mariah, meantime, wore a figure-hugging dress, patterned hose and amazingly high heels. Her accessories: a loooong scarf, large sunglasses and (best of all) her ever-present smile. No sign of Roe's twin brother, Moroccan, but surely he wasn't far behind. Wonder if he wears glasses, too?
(Famecrawler)

Here's looking at you kid!

She's only 18 months old, but it appears Mariah Carey's daughter Monroe has inherited her mother's sense of style. The 42-year-old pop star took her daughter out for a walk in the Tribeca area of New York on Monday, both wearing a stylish pair of specs.
 Mariah hid her eyes behind her usual diva shades, while baby Monroe sported a pair of cute pink glasses as the duo stepped into an awaiting car. The diva, who is currently a judge on American Idol, was dressed up to the nines in a black pencil skirt and lace tights. And the star didn't seem to have any problems with balancing her cute baby while walking on a pair of seriously high heels.
 Meanwhile, Monroe also looked like most stylish baby on the block in a grey plaited skirt with a white cardigan and a matching pink bow in her hair, as she carried a toy bunny with her. There was no sign of Mariah's husband Nick Cannon or their son Moroccan, making it a true mother-daughter day out.
 And while Monroe has inherited her mother's style credentials, dad Nick recently revealed the couple's twins have his sweet tooth. In an interview with Us Weekly, he revealed the couple have a special candy room in their Los Angeles home where the twins love spending time. "I always dreamed of having a candy room. Sugar is my first love," he said, before adding his 18-month-old kids share his taste. "They go crazy for lollipops!"
 Mariah has been caught in feud with fellow American Idol judge Nickie Minaj, but has since been focusing on her own singing career. She has been hitting the studio with producer The Dream to work on her new album, her first since 2009.
(Mail Online)

ON THIS DAY!!!

October 23, 1991 (21 years ago)

Can't Let Go was released.

October 23, 2001 (11 Years Ago) 

Never Too Far was released. 

Mariah mention on Meek Mills new mixtape.

Maybach Music Group rapper Meek Mill unveils the opening track from his upcoming album dubbed ‘Dreams and Nightmares Intro. Lambs listen for the Mariah mention. 

LISTEN HERE

Mariah Carey

It was an early spring evening in 1990 and Columbia records was rolling out the red carpet to celebrate their newest artist, Mariah Carey. The exclusive party was held at Carbo's Cafe Upstairs. Open bar with top shelf liquors and a smorgasbord of food all entertained the crowd until the curtain opened and an introduction of Mariah.
 Dressed in her signature black body fitting dress, she stood on stage with a couple of backup singers and a piano. She began with her smash "Vision of Love" and at that moment I was taken with that incredible sultry, smooth voice as it touched on all 5 octaves which led to the first of many standing ovations.
 I remember walking up to her in my Z Cavaricci pants and Gerbeau dress shirt feeling so cool and posing for the picture taken by Atlanta's own Rick Diamond. I don't know who had bigger hair, me or Mariah! Even a little chest hair showing! We could have gone out on the town. (We did in my dreams.)
 I thanked her for taking time to perform for us and sign autographs because I knew she was going to be so big that I'd never get the chance to meet her again. (I did about 10 years later at a Star 94 interview with Steve and Vikki.) The rest is history. So, thank you Mariah for that great moment. Just one of many I experienced during my time at Star 94/WQXI radio.
(Tom On Air)

10 Greatest R&B albums of the last 10 years

 In my constant pursuit to increase reader interactivity and excitement on The Lava Lizard, I am elated to introduce a new series to the site entitled Flaming Features. This segments allow you to participated in discussions with your fellow readers. Kicking off the fun with a bang is our list of the 10 greatest R&B albums of the last 10 years.
 From Alicia Keys' "The Diary of Alicia Keys" to Usher's "Confessions", there have been several R&B albums that were both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. However, those aren't the only points that were considered by The Lava Lizard team as we compiled this list of the greatest releases.
 Perhaps, the most important facet was the impact of these albums on the genre of R&B music, fellow artists and the fabric of Pop culture. Focusing primarily on those records released during the 2002-2011 period, this list focuses on those efforts that were critical to the development of R&B. So, without further sugar-fueled rambling by me, see the list of the 10 greatest R&B albums of the last 10 years.

1. "The Emancipation of Mimi"

You knew "The Emancipation of Mimi" would be at the top of this lineup so don't even try to act surprised. Released in 2005, this album relaunched Mariah Carey's cooling career and helped her to reclaim her crown as the industry's ruling diva.
 Without attempting to recreate her past works, Carey unleashed the full force of her range on "Mimi"' with a glorious combination of R&B, Soul, Funk and Gospel. Best of all, she was being herself without trying to fit in with the younger generation of competing artists.
 Of course, we all know the monster hit "We Belong Together" off "Mimi" but it's commercial success wasn't the only reason it was great; it was the music. The song redefined the modern R&B ballad with its mid-tempo production and influenced the works of several artists in subsequent years, such as Alicia Keys ("No One"), Mary J. Blige ("Be Without You") and Leona Lewis ("Bleeding Love"). "Mimi" is the perfect representation of Carey's legacy. Standout tracks: "We Belong Together", "Stay the Night", "Mine Again", "Get Your Number" and "Fly like a Bird".
(excerpt from The Lava Lizard)

Nick Cannon has a candy room

 Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey have a candy room in their house and the "America's Got Talent" host likes to spend most of his time there. The couple - who have 18-month-old twins Moroccan and Monroe together - created the room in their Los Angeles home complete with photo booths and tubs full of their favorite treats.
 Nick told Us Weekly magazine: "We have a nice side of the house where you can't sit on the couches. I rarely go over there, I spend time here (in the candy room). The kids go crazy for lollipops." While they may have an entire room dedicated to treats, Nick recently admitted he doesn't want the twins to be spoiled and wants them to appreciate how lucky they are.
 He said: "I want my kids to understand that every child isn't as fortunate as they are, I want them to grow up helping others. I was raised by my grandmother. We were low-income, but she was always taking in foster kids. She would help anyone, and it was a good lesson for me growing up."
(BigPond News)

ON THIS DAY!!!

Hero - October 19, 1993

HAPPY 19th ANNIVERSARY!!! 

Mariah Covers Singapore's Women's Weekly

Queen of Comebacks

Is she a self-indulgent diva or a brave woman who keeps on fighting, no matter the odds? Discover the secrets of Mariah Carey, pop's most complex star.
By Madeline Lin

Mariah Carey's latest single is entitled "Triumphant." And no wonder. At 42, she has gorgeous 19-month-old twins, a loving husband and a US$18-million dollar contract as a new judge on the TV hit talent show American Idol.

But amid the dreams, there is also plenty of drama. In January this year, Mariah shared photos of her in Aspen with her husband Nick Cannon, a TV and radio host. They proudly carried their twins - nicknamed "Roc and Roe" - and tweeted pictures of the family in matching designer ski outfits.

But just a few days later, Nick was rushed to hospital - it turned out he had kidney failure. In February, he collapsed again due to blood clots in his lungs. This time, the photos were not so happy - they showed Mariah sitting anxiously by Nick's bedside.

Aged just 31, Nick has been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition. He has had to quit his daily radio show, but says his condition is under control. No doubt to thank Mariah for her support, he whisked her off to Paris to re-pledge their marriage vows in April this year.

This time, the pictures show Nick on bended knee, presenting Mariah with a diamond big enough to rival the lights of the Eiffel Tower glinting behind her. Dressed in matching white outfits, the couple looked like rock royalty in a glam world where money is no object.

Misunderstood?
You can say all this glamour (and drama) is fitting for a woman who is known as the ultimate self-indulgent diva. Before concerts, she has demanded such perks as "a basket of puppies" and "no furniture with patterns." She even has a helper to walk backwards in front of her - in case she trips in her high heels.

No one can say it's normal... but before we judge her, her past may be telling. Born to an Irish-American mother and an Afro-Venezuelan father, Mariah has had a tough childhood. By age four, she went to sleep with loud music in her headphones to drown out her parents' fighting. "There was always tension. They fought all the time," she says.

"I write these songs about feeling different and alienated because I grew up bi-racial, not feeling like I belonged, and not having any money.

"I started writing poetry when I was six. One teacher didn't believe the poems were mine because they were so dark and sad. But I wrote about what I experienced in my childhood."

After her parents' divorce, Mariah's older sister went to live with their father, leaving Mariah and her brother with their mother, a struggling opera singer. Money was in short supply. So Mariah became a back-up singer, attending school during the day and working in recording studios and bars at night.

But her family problems were far from over. At age 15, Mariah's older sister became pregnant, drifted into prostitution, then became addicted to drugs and alcohol. By 1994, her problems were so severe Mariah and her mother went to court to gain custody of Alison's two children.

Mariah's eldest nephew Sean is grateful. Now an Ivy League law school student, he says "Mariah became the caretaker of our family at an extremely young age. Without her, I don't know where I'd be."

Role Model
Sadly, Mariah's first marriage repeated her parents' doomed pattern. At age 23, she wed Tommy Mottola, the boss of her record company, but says she was trapped in an "emotionally abusive" marriage. Tommy apparently monitored her every move and ordered staff not to look her in the eye to intimidate her. Says Mariah, "I longed for someone to kidnap me. I used to fantasise about it."

When she finally divorced four years later at 27, Mariah sang about being "free as a butterfly."

But perhaps the stress caught up. Mariah began acting more and more oddly, smashing items in hotel rooms and performing a striptease on live TV. She was hospitalised with "a physical and emotional breakdown," and her contract was bought out for US$50 million (accompanied by humiliating sighs of relief from studio executives). Insiders said her career was over.

Back On Track
But it turned out that a good rest was all she needed. Mariah's next three albums were massive hits and in 2008, she finally got lucky in love when she met Nick on a video shoot.

Three years later, her twins Moroccan Scott (a boy) and Monroe (a girl) were born - and only after Mariah had endured a miscarriage.

Even today, the dramas are not over. Mariah's sister Alison, who is now HIV-positive, has resurfaced, using the media to beg Mariah for "a glimpse of her nephew and niece." Last year, she was reported to work as an "adult escort" charging US$250 for "erotic body rubs." So far, there is no news from Mariah about this possible family reconciliation.

Complicated and demanding? Yes, that's Mariah. But she is also just a woman who has had defeat, setbacks and hurts just like any woman.

Her saving grace is that she acknowledges that she is imperfect.

"I'm not vain, I'm insecure," she once said. Mariah also knows the most important thing - you have to make the most of your life, and keep coming back.

She jokes, "There is light at the end of the tunnel... hopefully it's not a train coming towards you!"

THE SLENDERISATION OF MIMI
Mariah gained 32 kg carrying her twins, but jokes, "In photos, it looks like 4,000 kg! So I have empathy with people who have to lose weight." Post baby, it's considered safe to lose one kilo a week, or up to five kilos a month. But check with your doctor first - especially after a C-section.

1. DE-BLOAT Mariah claims 18 kg worth of her baby weight was due to water retention. Combat bloating by eating a low-salt diet, elevate your legs when possible and drink lots of fluids to flush toxins out. Go for water-rich fruits and greens, like watermelon and cucumber.

2. BE A WATER BABY Mariah loves swimming, which gives your body an overall workout. To tone up, Mariah also did underwater leg lifts, arm circles and squats.

3. GET OUT Mariah's been snapped taking her Jack Russell dogs for walks in the park. Walking is a great way to stay active, and connecting with a pet boosts positive feelings and gets you out of the house.

4. EAT IT! Mariah followed a diet from US weight-loss company Jenny Craig. She ate three small meals plus two snacks per day, or 1,200 to 2,500 calories a day. Her meals were 50 per cent carbohydrates, 25 per cent protein, and 25 per cent fat, like a tuna wholemeal sandwich.

5. LOOK FOR EMOTIONAL SUPPORT One of Jenny Craig's strongest points is 24/7 support available to encourage healthy eating and exercising. Similarly, look for a workout buddy to amp up your weight loss bid and make going to the gym more fun. Sharing your plans with family members can prevent them from bringing home sinful morsels that add inches to your waistline!

(MDJ)

ON THIS DAY!!!

Through The Rain Was released October 17, 2002

Mariah is on this weeks cover of Hip-Hop Weekly

Stevie Nicks on Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey feud

Nicki Minaj, don't mess with Stevie Nicks. While poolside in East Hampton, N.Y. promoting her new documentary, "In Your Dreams", Nicks commented on the "American Idol" feud between veteran vocalist Mariah Carey and rapper Nicki Minaj. Footage obtained from the "A.I." auditions showed Minaj threatening Carey by saying things like "off with your head" and "I will knock you out".
 "How dare this little girl! If I had been Mariah I would have walked over to Nicki and strangled her to death right there," Nicks told The Daily. "I would have killed her in front of all those people and had to go to jail for it."
 Nicks shot to stardom in the 70s as singer for Fleetwood Mac, while Carey first earned celebrity cred in the early 90s. Minaj, conversely, is a relative newcomer to the industry: She released her first mixtape in 2007, but did not have her big break until 2010's "Pink Friday".
 The 64-year-old Nicks said that, if she were an aspiring singer today, she would go on "American Idol". Nicks, however, has no plans of ever judging the show - even though she was a coach for contestants last season. "If you stick me in the middle of a burning fire," she told The Daily, "I don't think I'd like it very much."
 The Minaj-Carey feud has renewed interest in the upcoming season of "A.I.", but some think the fight was staged to boost ratings. "I think right now because the show isn't airing, they are trying to keep the buzz up," Season 3 contestant Diana DeGarmo told Celebuzz. "I think it's just a case of them causing a stir to get people excited to see it. Then when it starts, it'll be back to the contestants."
 However, other reports claim that there really is bad blood between the two. Barbara Walters, a friend of Carey's, said that the singer had revealed that Minaj had threatened to shoot her.
 TMZ, which first released the "A.I." fight tape, claims that the Minaj-Carey feud goes back years. The Harajuku Barbie appeared in Carey's 2010 music video for "Up Out My Face". Minaj was not a superstar at the time, however, and Carey reportedly felt like she was helping to foster Minaj's career.
 "Mariah went out of her way to be nice to Nicki and make her comfortable," B. Scott, a TV personality and Internet celeb who also appeared in the video, told TMZ. But Minaj was supposedly rude to Carey even then, "making faces at her laced with rude comments under her breath".
(The Huffington Post)

(She Late Apologized)

Stevie Nicks has apologized for saying, "If I had been Mariah, I would have walked over to Nicki and strangled her to death right there," after hearing about their fight on "American Idol". The Daily reported that Nicks, who was a coach for the contestants on the last season, said she was glad she wasn't involved his year.
 Talking about rapper Minaj's outburst against Mariah Carey, Nicks said, "How dare this little girl! If I had been Mariah I would have walked over to Nicki and strangled her to death right there." She added during an interview day promoting her new documentary "In Your Dreams", "I would have killed her in front of all those people and had to go to jail for it."
 But today Nicks released a statement saying, "I want to apologize for my remarks about Nicki Minaj's behavior toward Mariah Carey, which I said during a long and exhausting day of interviews. It was very out of character for me and I deeply regret what I said. I feel very protective toward Mariah Carey who has gone through many difficulties in her life and I spoke without thinking. I think all artists should be respectful toward one another and that includes me. I am truly sorry."
(New York Post)

Queen Latifah speaks on the Nicki/Mariah beef

 Hip-hop legend Queen Latifah has been one of the few folks who hasn't shared an opinion upon the American Idol drama between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey. After the two pop stars got into a huge brouhaha on the set of the popular Fox singing competition last week, Carey alleged that Minaj threatened to shoot her. The situation got so big that Mariah's husband, Nick Cannon, jumped into the mix to defend his wife, who he felt was being unfairly attacked.
 Never one to back down from confrontation, Latifah spoke out about the situation, believing that Nicki was in the wrong. As the Flavor Unit CEO appeared on CNN's Anderson Cooper, Queen Latifah defined the fight to be nothing but "ignorance", and said that the Young Money pop princess needs to learn a healthy dosage of respect for her elders.
(Vibe)

President Barack Obama shares thoughts on "Idol" feud

Taking a moment out of his hectic schedule, President Barack Obama recently chatted with Michael Yo of E! TV and Y100 Miami. During the interview, the President weighed in on the infamous feud between "American Idol" judges Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey.
 "I think that they are going to be able to sort it out," Obama said. "I am confident. I am all about bringing people together. Working for the same cause. So, I think that both outstanding artists are going to be able to make sure that, you know, they're moving forward and not going backwards."
 When asked who he favored out the two performers, the 51-year-old Head of State responded, "Mariah, she's actually done some events for us. I've gotten to know her and Nick, and she's a wonderful lady." He made sure to add, "Nicki I don't know, but I've got her on my iPod."
(GossipCenter)

"The Diva is 'Triumphant' atop the Dance tally"

Mariah Carey Scores Sweet 16th No. 1 On Dance/Club Play Songs
The diva is 'Triumphant' atop the tally once again.

Mariah Carey's "Triumphant (Get 'Em)" is aptly-titled, as the song becomes her 16th No. 1 on Billboard's Dance Club/Play Songs chart.

The new "American Idol" judge shows contestants how it's done, as the song, aided by remixes of the original version, leaps 2-1 on the survey to be released on Billboard.com next Thursday (Oct. 18). It's her first leader since "Obsessed" topped the tally the week of Oct. 3, 2009.

With 16 No. 1s, Carey ties Kristine W for fifth-place among artists with the most leaders in the list's 36-year history. Madonna leads with 43 No. 1s, followed by Janet Jackson (19) and Beyonce and Rihanna (18 each). (On the overall Billboard Hot 100, Carey has banked 18 No. 1s, the most among women and the second-most among all artists after the Beatles' 20.)

Here is a recap of Carey's sweet 16 Dance/Club Play Songs No. 1s:

Title, Chart Date Reached No. 1
"Someday," March 16, 1991
"Emotions," Nov. 30, 1991
"Dreamlover," Oct. 16, 1993
"Anytime You Need a Friend," Aug. 27, 1994
"Fantasy," Oct. 21, 1995 (three weeks at No. 1)
"Honey," Oct, 18, 1997
"I Still Believe," April 10, 1999
"Through the Rain," Feb. 8, 2003
"It's Like That," May 21, 2005
"We Belong Together," Aug. 6, 2005
"Don't Forget About Us," Jan. 21, 2006
"Say Somethin' " (featuring Snoop Dogg), May 27, 2006
"Touch My Body," May 10, 2008
"I Stay in Love," Feb. 14, 2009
"Obsessed," Oct. 3, 2009
"Triumphant (Get 'Em)," Oct. 27 2012

(Billboard)

Sorry Lambs I was o Vacation

ANTI BLEAK!

Fashion magazine FLARE has revealed a first look at Mariah's OPI nail-polish line, which will debut in January 2013. Earlier today, they posted the photo below on their Twitter page with the caption "Mariah fans, get excited! Coming in January from @OPI_PRODUCTS." A second photo reveals names of some of the designs: A Butterfly Moment, Sprung, Pink Yet Lavender, Anti-Bleak, Stay The Night, Get Your Number, Can't Let Go, The Impossible.

(OPI)

Mariah on new album: "It won't be ready until January"

Mariah Carey has revealed new release details for her upcoming album. The singer is currently working on her eleventh studio record between recording the new series of American Idol and hopes to unveil the collection in early 2013. "I want to go sooner, but I guess it wouldn't be ready until around January, somewhere around there," Carey told On Air with Ryan Seacrest.
 "I wanted to put another single out, a ballad. I love it, but I'm still writing, I'm still working. So, you never know what it's going to end up being." Carey released her latest single "Triumphant (Get 'Em)" back in August. The track reached 144 on the UK chart and has so far failed to enter the US Hot 100.
(Digital Spy)

Triumphant Chart updates!

Triumphant continues to move up on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play Songs chart to #5 (Last week: #8)
and holds on tight on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at #61 (Last week: #61)
Taken from Billboard magazine issue dated October 6, 2012.

List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones

MOST WEEKS AT NUMBER ONE
16 weeks
Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men — "One Sweet Day" (1995-1996)
14 weeks
Whitney Houston — "I Will Always Love You" (1992-1993)
Boyz II Men — "I'll Make Love to You" (1994)
Los del Río — "Macarena" (Bayside Boys mix) (1996)
Elton John — "Candle in the Wind 1997" / "Something About the Way You Look Tonight" (1997-1998)
Mariah Carey — "We Belong Together" (2005)
The Black Eyed Peas — "I Gotta Feeling" (2009)


NUMBER ONE DEBUTS
Michael Jackson — "You Are Not Alone" (September 2, 1995)
Mariah Carey — "Fantasy" (September 30, 1995)
Whitney Houston — "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" (November 25, 1995)
Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men — "One Sweet Day" (December 2, 1995)
Puff Daddy and Faith Evans featuring 112 — "I'll Be Missing You" (June 14, 1997)
Mariah Carey — "Honey" (September 13, 1997)
Elton John — "Candle in the Wind 1997" / "Something About the Way You Look Tonight" (October 11, 1997)
Céline Dion — "My Heart Will Go On" (February 28, 1998)
Aerosmith — "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" (September 5, 1998)
Lauryn Hill — "Doo Wop (That Thing)" (November 14, 1998)
Clay Aiken — "This Is the Night" (June 28, 2003)
Fantasia — "I Believe" (July 10, 2004)
Carrie Underwood — "Inside Your Heaven" (July 2, 2005)
Taylor Hicks — "Do I Make You Proud" (July 1, 2006)
Britney Spears — "3" (October 24, 2009)
Eminem — "Not Afraid" (May 22, 2010)
Kesha — "We R Who We R" (November 13, 2010)
Britney Spears — "Hold It Against Me" (January 29, 2011)
Lady Gaga — "Born This Way" (February 26, 2011)
Katy Perry — "Part of Me" (March 3, 2012)


MOST TOP TEN SINGLES
Madonna (38)
Elvis Presley (36)
The Beatles (34)
Stevie Wonder (28) tie
Michael Jackson (28) tie
Elton John (27) tie
Janet Jackson (27) tie
Mariah Carey (27) tie


MOST NUMBER ONE SINGLES
The Beatles (20)
Mariah Carey (18)
Elvis Presley (17)
Michael Jackson (13)
Madonna (12) tie
The Supremes (12) tie
Whitney Houston (11) tie
Rihanna (11)[26] tie
Janet Jackson (10) tie
Stevie Wonder (10) tie


MOST CUMULATIVE WEEKS AT NUMBER ONE
79 – Elvis Presley
79 – Mariah Carey
59 – The Beatles
50 – Boyz II Men
47 – Usher
44 – Rihanna
37 – Michael Jackson
36 – Beyoncé
34 – Elton John
33 – Janet Jackson
31 – Whitney Houston


MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN TOP TEN
69 weeks – Katy Perry "California Gurls" (featuring Snoop Dogg), "Teenage Dream", "Firework", "E.T." (featuring Kanye West), "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" (2010–11)
48 weeks – Ace of Base "All That She Wants", "The Sign", "Don't Turn Around" (1993–94)
46 weeks – Rihanna  "Love the Way You Lie" (Eminem featuring Rihanna), "Only Girl (In the World)", "What's My Name?" (featuring Drake), "S&M" (2010-11)
42 weeks – Santana  "Smooth" (featuring Rob Thomas), "Maria Maria" (featuring The Product G&B) (1999–2000)
41 weeks – Mariah Carey  "Fantasy", "One Sweet Day" (with Boyz II Men), "Always Be My Baby" (1995–96)


PRODUCERS WITH THE MOST NUMBER ONE SINGLES
George Martin (23)
Jimmy Jam (16) (tie)
Terry Lewis (16) (tie)
Steve Sholes (16) (tie)
Barry Gibb (14) (tie)
Mariah Carey (14) (tie)

SONGWRITERS WITH THE MOST CONSECUTIVE YEARS WITH A NUMBER ONE HIT
Paul McCartney (8) (1964-1971)
Lionel Richie (8) (1979-1985)
Cole Porter (7)
Mariah Carey (6) (1995-2000)


SONGWRITERS WITH THE MOST BILLBOARD NUMBER ONE SINGLES
Paul McCartney (32)
John Lennon (26)
Mariah Carey (17)
Barry Gibb (16)
Brian Holland (15) (tie)
Sean Garrett (15) (tie)


MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN TOP TEN AFTER DEBUTING IN TOP TEN
21 weeks - Nicki Minaj — "Starships" (2012)
20 weeks - The Black Eyed Peas — "I Gotta Feeling" (Number one for 14 weeks) (2009)
19 weeks - Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa — "Payphone" (2012)
19 weeks - Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men — "One Sweet Day" (Number one for 16 weeks) (1995-1996)
18 weeks - Avril Lavigne — "Girlfriend" (Number one for one week) (2007)
17 weeks - Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg — "California Gurls" (Number one for six weeks) (2010)
17 weeks - Puffy Daddy and Faith Evans featuring 112 — "I'll Be Missing You" (Number one for 11 weeks) (1997)
16 weeks - Eminem featuring Rihanna — "Love the Way You Lie" (Number one for 7 weeks) (2010)
16 weeks - Mariah Carey — "Fantasy" (Number one for 8 weeks) (1995)
15 weeks - Pink — "So What" (Number one for one week) (2008)
15 weeks - Mariah Carey — "Always Be My Baby" (Number one for two weeks) (1996)
15 weeks - Whitney Houston — "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" (Number one for one week) (1995-1996)


SIMULTANEOUSLY OCCUPYING THE TOP TWO POSTIONS
Elvis Presley: October 20, 1956 through November 3, 1956
"Hound Dog" / "Don't Be Cruel"
"Love Me Tender" ("Best Sellers in Stores" and "Most Played by Jockeys" charts)
The Beatles: From February 22, 1964 until April 25, 1964 the Beatles held the top two positions, with various singles. In some of the weeks, the band held the top three or top four slots, the only act in chart history to do so. On April 4, 1964, The Beatles occupied the entire top five.
"Can't Buy Me Love"
"Twist and Shout"
"She Loves You"
"I Want to Hold Your Hand"
"Please Please Me"
Bee Gees: March 18, 1978 through April 15, 1978
"Night Fever"
"Stayin' Alive"
Ashanti: April 20, 2002 through May 18, 2002
"Foolish"
"What's Luv?" (Fat Joe featuring Ashanti)
Nelly: August 10, 2002 through August 31, 2002
"Hot in Herre"
"Dilemma" (songs switched positions on August 17, 2002)
OutKast: December 20, 2003 through February 7, 2004
"Hey Ya!"
"The Way You Move"
50 Cent: April 16, 2005
"Candy Shop" (50 Cent featuring Olivia)
"Hate It or Love It" (The Game featuring 50 Cent)
Mariah Carey: September 10, 2005
"We Belong Together"
"Shake It Off"
Akon: December 2, 2006
"I Wanna Love You" (Akon featuring Snoop Dogg)
"Smack That" (Akon featuring Eminem)
April 14, 2007
"Don't Matter"
"The Sweet Escape" (Gwen Stefani featuring Akon)
T.I.: October 18, 2008 and November 1 through November 29, 2008
"Live Your Life" (T.I. featuring Rihanna)
"Whatever You Like" (songs switched positions several times)
Black Eyed Peas: June 27, 2009[34] through July 18, 2009
"Boom Boom Pow"
"I Gotta Feeling" (songs switched positions on July 11, 2009)

In addition to her historic 18 No. 1 total on the Hot 100, Carey has tallied 15 toppers on Dance/Club Play Songs, 11 on Radio Songs and 10 on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

Note: Triumphant just moved up 5 spots to number 8 on the Dance/Play chart! Get 'Em!!!

Mariah and Nicki Minaj: We're getting along "wonderfully"

The speculation that Mariah Carey was not pleased with Fox's decision to bring Nicki Minaj on as another new judge began weeks before the network actually confirmed it, so we're not surprised that there are new rumors suggesting that the two are in the midst of a feud.
 But according to Carey, a real feud would take much longer to develop than the time she's had with Minaj. The songbird and new "Idol" personality said as much during a press conference in New York on Monday, as she and Minaj laughed at the reports that they're "at each other's throats".
 "We're getting along wonderfully, darling," Minaj told press, as Carey responded, "Dearest heart!" Besides, Carey added with a laugh: "How are we going to feud in two days?! Like, a feud takes a little longer to... you know, spread out." Randy Jackson, ever the "Idol" mediator, assured reporters that they're all having a good time.
 Meanwhile, the other newcomer, Keith Urban, explained why he decided to sign on for "Idol" in the first place: "What I like about it, for me it's not just American Idol, it's about the dreams... the American dream. That's why I moved to America, you know," Urban said. "My dad loved America when I grew up in Australia, and I listened to all this American music. And the fact that you can come from nothing, a tiny little town in Australia with this deep, deep love for American country music, and be able to move here, and have the career that I've had, that really is the American dream. So this show can give somebody in the middle of nowhere that opportunity as well."
 Minaj agreed, explaining she just couldn't say no to a brand as big as "Idol". "I feel like, you don't even have to live in America to respect American Idol," she told press. "I remember watching American Idol the first season and feeling inspired. I spoke to Jordin Sparks the other day, and here she is starring in a movie. I've been asked before to do stuff like this, but this is such a credible brand. It's really serious, it's the real deal, it's not anything else other than really looking for talent. And if I can be a part of it then I'm down for it. And plus, I get a chance to wear a whole bunch of different wigs!"
 But leave it to Mariah Carey, who throughout the conference was giving proof that she'll be the one to watch when "Idol" returns in January, to be more blunt. "Do I get a drum roll?" she asked before admitting that, "honestly, and I'm just being completely honest, I've never been a fan of this type of thing. I'm just going to be completely honest. But I realize what it's done for such talented artists, and truly giving them careers. When Randy Jackson was talking about careers before, you know, you can look to the American Idol mammoth brand and say they have created superstars. And you can look at them and say they will have lasting careers. And I think there's an image that goes along with the whole brand and the whole name and the whole thing, and I just felt like, look, I've done a lot of stuff, this is something that would be really interesting."
 Interesting, to say the least.

(CNN)

"Triumphant" Moves up 5 spots to #8 on the Billboard Dance/Play chart

(Billboard)

American Idol Announces Judges

Press conference held on the set of the American Idol auditions on September 17, 2012.

It's official: American Idol is adding new judges from the worlds of country music and hip hop.

Fox announced Sunday that 44-year-old Aussie singer Keith Urban and colorful 29-year-old rapper Nicki Minaj will sit with pop diva Mariah Carey at the season 12 judges table of the reality hit, along with returning judge Randy Jackson. The confirmation settles months of behind-the-scenes reports and speculation about the show's panel that saw singers such as Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Nick Jonas, Adam Lambert and Kanye West floated as possible judges.

"Nicki's an unbelievably captivating international phenomenon who has made an indelible mark on rap and pop," said Fox's president of alternative Mike Darnell in a statement. "And Keith is another great addition to Idol – he's one of the biggest stars in country music and I know that our fans and contestants will fall in love with him. With an unparalleled star like Mariah, fan-favorite Randy, chart-toppers like Nicki and Keith and our incomparable host Ryan [Seacrest], we've put together one of the most exciting judging panels around."

Earlier this summer, Fox announced the exit of Idol season 10 and 11 judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, along with the hiring of Carey. The network then strongly considered shifting Jackson to a mentor role. After quietly selecting Minaj and Urban for slots, Fox recently made an offer to Latin singer-songwriter Enrique Iglesias to fill a fourth spot, but those talks broke down last week. In addition to Carey receiving about $17 million for her role on the show, we're hearing Urban will pull down about $4 million. According to one report, Minaj will earn around $8 million.

The network hopes the new hires will boost the ratings of the aging series – or at least stabilize its declines. Though Idol remains TV's top entertainment series, the show suffered a record year-over-year ratings drop last season. Part of the problem is the marketplace has become more crowded with singing competition shows like NBC's The Voice and Fox's own X Factor.

The announcement also confirms Idol will return to a four-judge format that the show previously used in its eighth and ninth seasons. Idol switched back to three judges after some felt the show was spending too much time showcasing the judges' opinions rather than the contestants' performances. But hot rival The Voice has managed to function just fine with four judges, and X Factor has employed a judging quartet as well.

One question is whether the addition of Minaj and Urban will result in a greater diversity of singers going to Hollywood, or just give the panel some fresh perspective. Though Idol's most successful graduate, Carrie Underwood, is a country artist, and the show has had several rock and country contestants over the years, Idol is best known for celebrating pop music (the show is based on the British series Pop Idol). Rap music has been practically nonexistent on the show.

American Idol returns to Fox in January...

(Entertainment Weekly)

MC TWEETED:

On my way to meet the new #IdolJudges

American Idol Season 12 Judges Panel Confirmed

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest has confirmed the judges panel for the show's 12th season, which begins in January 2013:

It's official, your new American Idol judges are Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson! Everyone gave a heartfelt toast about being on the show after we ate last night. Cant wait to see the first contestants today

Can Mariah save Jermaine Dupri from financial ruin?

 Jermaine Dupri was once a millionaire producer who dated some of the hottest women on the planet, including the incomparable Janet Jackson. The last few years have been tough on J.D., with numerous rumors of home foreclosures, IRS tax bills, and car repos. Some say he tricked all of his money away on Janet Jackson; some say it was his luxurious lifestyle. We don't know.
 According to TMZ, J.D. has just dodged another bullet and has saved his Atlanta home from foreclosure for the second time. The home was reportedly up for foreclosure auction this week because he allegedly failed to pay $193,000 in mortgage debt. At the last minute, J.D. filed an emergency motion in response, asking the court to block the auction, claiming he only owed $89,901... and he paid the bill in full by the time he filed the motion.
 On the bright side, J.D.'s long time collaborator Mariah Carey is back in the studio and prepping a new album. Her first single, "Triumphant", was co-produced by J.D., and we hear that she has been in the studio with him working on her new music. Hopefully Mariah Carey's single will do well, and other artists will be enticed to work with the one-time top producer again.
(AllHipHop)

Triumphant reaches #2 on 106 & Park today!

Triumphant goes to number 3 on 106 & Park

Triumphant goes to number 3 on 106 & Park Way to go Lambs, keep voting HERE!

Also if you are in the US you can also text MAR to 79922

Mariah Carey On Her Most Revealing Song

Mariah Carey's 1997 album "Butterfly" holds a number of hits, including the smash singles "Honey" and "My All."

But it's also the album on which Carey tucked an introspective and revealing song called "Close My Eyes."

The powerhouse vocalist was honored by Broadcast Music, Inc. on September 7 for her songwriting, and she told CNN that the compositions she holds closest typically aren't the songs that became chart-toppers.

Instead, her favorites are often lesser-known cuts from more obscure records.

She cites "Underneath The Stars" from the 1995 album "Daydream" as well as "Looking In" and "I Am Free" from the same album as some of her favorites.

Of big No. 1 hits such as "Touch My Body" "We Belong Together" and "Hero," Carey said: "I still love those songs," but added, "I love the obscure songs because they're very close to my heart. Especially a song called, 'Close My Eyes' - that's like my life story."

The down-tempo, piano-backed track paints a picture of a woman with a past - "I was a wayward child, with the weight of the world that I held deep inside," Carey sings. "Life was a winding road, and I learned many things little ones shouldn't know."

But, like her new single "Triumphant (Get 'Em)," the chorus speaks of courage in the face of adversity: "But I closed my eyes, steadied my feet on the ground, raised my head to the sky. And though times rolled by, still I feel like a child as I look at the moon... Maybe I grew up a little too soon."

While Carey didn't go into detail about the experiences that inspired that song, she did describe what led to the creation of "Triumphant."

Carey said her husband, Nick Cannon, was going through some health problems around the same time her friend Whitney Houston died.

"There was just so much going on," she said.

"It was such an awful time... I don't even know how to express what was happening, but I had to express it through music in terms of going the opposite way, almost to encourage myself."

And by encouraging herself, she hoped to encourage others. "I say, 'Stay triumphant. Keep on living.' That is what I wanted people to hear - I wanted people who didn't have the strength... That's why I'm glad that I put this record out, because that's what it meant to me. And I was also singing what I would want to sing in an encouraging way to my kids." Carey's twins with Cannon, Monroe and Moroccan, celebrated their first birthday in April.

There's a good chance "Triumphant" will have the impact Carey's hoping for, as she's heard from fans how her songs have changed their lives.

"This (BMI Icon) award is so amazing because ... this is really about songwriting and there have been many times that people have told me throughout my career that: 'This song has changed my life,' 'This song helped me get through the death of a family member,' " Carey said.

"And as the writer of that song... there's no greater feeling than that."

(CNN)