Mariah Carey Connection

She’s one of the biggest-selling female artists in the world, with 18 worldwide No.1s under her belt-and Mariah Carey makes no bones about it. When she jetted into London on a whirlwind promotional tour last week, she took no prisoners. One DJ suffered her wrath after he mistakenly suggested that she’d sold 90 million records rather than the 165 million she’s actually shifted.

This time around, the queen of divas is showcasing not just a brand new album, but a brand new body, too. At 38 years old, Mariah boasts the body of a teenager again- and judging by her sensational new photos, she’s not embarrassed to show it off.

It’s nearly midnight when NOW finally catches up with Mariah. Clasping a chilled glass of Chabilis, she arranges herself by a window, Her favourite white orchids are dotted around the room and she’s bathed in the flattering glow of flickering tea lights. The effect is either romantic or a bit nutty depending on your point of view.

Still this is the woman who “doesn’t do stairs” and insisted that a hotel roll out a red carpet for her. Against that background tonight almost seems reasonable.

As she spills the beans on her new body, babies and marriage, we discover that as although she has a penchant for referring to herself in the third person, Mariah’s really just an ordinary girl who craves attention- albeit on a grander scale than most of us.

On the cover of your latest single Touch My Body you’re pictured starkers, hiding behind a large black hat. Why’s that?

I’ve lost weight!

The photo’s very tasteful.

I wouldn’t do sleazy or explicit photos. Many photographers see me in the style of Marilyn Monroe. That’s why they come up with props that they’ve seen in old Holly wood photos, That’s nice, but my own style is more modern. I’d rather go around in Diesel than classic outfits.

You’re obviously in great shape. How are you feeling about your new figure?

I’m really proud. I’ve lost a lot of fat and a little muscle. Now I have the body I had in high school. My jeans size is the same as when I was 17.

You look as if you’ve lost at least a stone.  How did you manage it?

I like to swim, but I don’t do it fanatically. I can run fast, but I don’t lose weight doing that- my endurance is pretty low. So I did yoga and strength training- but carefully. Too much and your legs and arms ends up even more powerful. My thighs became really hard. Here, come on, feel…

I’m not sure that I should…

Go ahead, grab my thigh.

Wow, hard and firm-congratulations! Who helped with that?

My trainer Patricia. She’s French, from Bordeaux. I met her by chance on vacation in St Barts and asked if she’d teach me aerobics. That’s her speciality. She’s teeny weensy and very thin- as thin as one of my arms. Before, I didn’t pay attention to my diet, but if you don’t eat sensibly then no amount of sport is going to  help you lose weight.

So you haven’t always had to watch your weight?

I was always relaxed about it. It wasn’t the end of the world if I suddenly weighted three kilos [around 6lbs] more and didn’t fit into my pants. My proportions were OK, as everything got fatter at the same rate.

Why is your shape more important to you now?

I like to dress fashionably and the really cool things only come in size 2 or 4 [UK size 6 or 8]. I decided to pull myself together. But don’t worry: Mariah will never have an eating disorder. And she’ll never be as skinny as a rake either.

You new album E=MC2 is named after Einstein’s theory of relativity?

Pretty bold, right?

Er, yes. Do you know much about physics?

Zero! In school I was so bad at maths that I couldn’t even pass the simplest course. I was so crap, they didn’t let me study a foreign language either.

So what made you choose E=MC2?

The album title is so ironic. Einstein and me- it’s a joke.

Oh right. Besides that, does the title mean anything?

The theory of relevance.  I’m often asked how I’ve been able to remain relevant with my music for almost 20 years.

How do you do that, then?

Don’t let yourself be dragged down. Be confident, but not egotistical. Listen to other people, but make your own decisions. I was married [to record boss Tommy Mottola between 1993-98], then I freed myself.  I felt like a prisoner, like I was being kept down, for years. But that doesn’t work in the long term with Mariah Carey because I’m strong and can assert myself.

You don’t seem like the type to let things get you down.

Nah, but in my marriage that was the case.

There’s a track on your new album, Side Effects, with the lyrics; “You were scared that I’d become so much more than you could handle.” Is that about your marriage?

Yeah. That was my reality. I had to be tough. I always had to function and smile. I nearly had a breakdown. I also felt under pressure from my old record company. I had to always go from one appointment to the next, always witty and on the ball. No one can stand that for long, I was really unhappy.

Your 2005 album The Emancipation of Mimi was a massive hit. Did that put pressure on you when you were making E=MC2?

No, this album was fun to make. Can’t you hear that? [She sounds a bit cross.]

Oh yes, the mood’s upbeat. Were you trying to make an album that showed everyone how happy you were?

I didn’t want to prove anything to anyone. I made this for me and my friends- I want to play lively, fun music for them when they come over. I live on the 18^th floor and last summer we all sat on the roof terrace and listened to my music.

Do you go out to bars and nightclubs much?

Not often. Too much partying isn’t good for me. I have to be responsible when it comes to my throat. Mostly my friends come over and we lie around and have a pyjama party. There are no guys and we prance around the apartment in pyjamas, talk nonsense and drink wine. I love that.

No guys allowed?

Sometimes there are some. The main thing is that they don’t take pictures of us when we’re sleeping. Then I would be mad. [She laughs hysterically.]

Your current single Touch My Body sounds a bit saucy, with lyrics such as; “Put me on the floor wrestle me around, play with me some more.”

You shouldn’t take it so seriously- it’s all in fun and totally cute. The song isn’t especially deep.

Do you come on to men in real life like you do in the song?

You have to forget your indecent fantasies and accept that I’m harmless and playful and anything but a man-eating vamp! Touch My Body shouldn’t provoke or shock in any way, absolutely not.

But it’s a bit filthy. Are you looking for a bit of rough?

It’s OK when a man’s a man in a way that’s playful and full of fantasy.

Like how, for example?

I’m not going to get any more intimate than that!

What kind of man do you like?

I’m not very demanding. All I want is a man who loves me for myself, who accepts me for who I am and who sees the real me and not the singing freak.

You’ve reportedly been dating music manger Mark Sudack for four years. Is marriage on the cards?

I’ve learnt that it’s better not to talk about these things.  There’s a lot of speculation but why should I always add to it? I don’t find it necessary to publicise my private life.

Do you dream of one day having a family?

Of course-I’ve just turned 38. But I also don’t drive myself crazy when it comes to having children. If it happens, then I want to the one to take care of the child. I don’t want to be a part-time mother.

Mariah on…

BRITNEY SPEARS

It’s easy to say “With Britney, this and that didn’t work out,” but I’m not that presumptuous. I’ve experienced it myself. Setbacks come if you lead your life in the public eye and let people get closer to you then you should. But it was never as dramatic with me as with Britney. I’ve never done hard drugs and I always had a firm hold somewhere

LEONA LEWIS

It makes me feel old when girls like Leona say that I’m their role model-although I do have the body of a 12 year old! No, it’s an unbelievable honour when other singers say that I’ve inspired them or when people say my songs helped them through difficult times.

What’s my diet secret? Wine and Cheese!

My personal trainer overhauled my diet, so no more cookies, no more crackers and very little sweet stuff for me. I’m allowed wine, of course! But without chips and chocolate. The only thing I’m allowed to eat with wine is olives-and a little cheese.

Source: Now Magazine | Text and Scans: Mariah Connection UK