IN THE "KNOW"

Busta Rhymes & Mariah Carey continue to bust-a-move on Billboard's Hot 100, where "I Know What You Want" (J/MonarC) rises 18-14. It's Carey's highest rank on this chart since "Loverboy" peaked at No. 2 in August 2001. "I Know What You Want", which features the Flipmode Squad, is also doing well on Billboard's Hot R&B/ Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, where it breaks into the top 10, with a move of 11-9. That means "Know" is also Carey's best performing title on this chart since "Loverboy". That "Glitter" (Virgin) track spent two weeks at No. 1. The rise on the charts is an outstanding result having only been released to Pop radio two days ago and already totalling over 84 million impressions (mainly from Urban radio). An airplay decrease is nowhere insight as the hot new video clip is released this week. Source: Billboard Radio

CHAMBRACELET YOUR DATES

Mariah's Charmbracelet tour is on its way, and there are already some data known. But still no one knows when Mariah's tour will bring her to Europe and the USA. Today, rumors about the European tour data emerged. But remember, these are just rumors.

MARIAH'S MUSICAL MOVIE HOPE

Troubled singer Mariah Carey is hoping the recent successes of Chicago and Moulin Rouge will salvage her film career. The star who featured in 2001's mega-flop Glitter is attracting interest because of her singing talents.
Her spokeswoman Cindy Berger says, "Producers are calling Mariah now because they all want to do musicals - but they want people with real voices, instead of having to dub in actresses' voices. They figure they can help her with the acting if she sings the songs right. There is interest."

Source: WENN

MARIAH EXCLUSIVE

Mariah Carey chats about her amazing career to date and what she does with all those awards!

You've just been voted the best vocalist of the past two decades! How did that come about?
It was Blender Magazine and MTV 2 who did the contest. They told me I was in the top five and asked me to tape a "Thank you" just incase I was number one - and it was! I was really happy, really proud and really excited. And it was voted on by the fans, so I have to thank them for that.

How do you feel about it?
I am very grateful for that type of statement, but I can't really say that I feel that I own that title by any means. I feel that I do what I do, and I'm blessed to have the gift of music. But there are some phenomenal singers out there that I have to always give it up to.

Who would you say is your favourite vocalist of all time?
It's really hard. Of course Stevie Wonder is always my favourite all around artist. But I'm also very inspired by somebody like Karen Clark, who's a gospel artist. I listen to her a lot, and I listen to a lot of Venessa Bell Armstrong. Mini Riberton, I've loved since I was little. There's so many - Aretha Franklin is another - but there's too many to name, I'd be leaving people out.

You have won so many awards over your career to date - what do you do with all of them?
I have these antique award cases that my decorator got me. They mean a lot to me because many of them represent fans voting, and that's what it's all about to me. The awards are for lots of different genres of music, and as a mixed-race person, to cross so many different boundaries really means a lot to me.

You've also just got your 100th certification. Just explain what that means?
When your record goes gold, which is a different number in each country, you get a certification - a gold certification. When it goes platinum, you get another certification, and so on and so forth. So, it means I've just got my 100th with "Charm Bracelet". The RIAA, the organisation monitors, gave me this blue diamond award, which I think is the first year they have given it out, and we had a fabulous party in LA, which was really fun. I was very grateful because "Charm Bracelet" the album is very personal to me, and if it's not my best album, it's definitely in the top two because it's one of the most honest records I've ever made. That and "Butterfly" epitomise who I am as an artist.

Your mother was an opera singer. What did you learn from her about music?
She taught me how to harmonise, and a lot about breathing control. But I think the main contribution that she made was teaching me to believe in myself.

Your voice stretches over an amazing five octaves. How do you go about hitting those notes?
It's just a feel thing. When I'm feeling it I know I can do it, if not I'll take it down low, but that's the beauty of singing.

What has been the high point for Mariah Carey so far?
There have been so many moments that were really high points, but I didn't get to soak them in and enjoy them. This year - particularly with the blue diamond award - has been incredible for me so far. I also just got a Soul Train lifetime achievement award, which was really cool. It did seem a little early to be getting that, but it was still amazing!

What's next for Mariah Carey?
I look at every day as a new creative moment. There's a lot of things that I'm doing that aren't necessarily music related, which I'm keeping to myself for the moment. As an artist there are a lot of contributions I can make that might make a difference - the charity work that I do is very important to me.

On September 11th you dedicated "Never Too Far Away" and "Hero" to the firemen in New York. Tell us about that?
I'm from New York and still live there, and my view used to be of the Twin Towers. And now I look out of my window and it's just void. I think all New Yorkers came together on that day, and I really felt that the firemen and the victims' families need a pick-me-up, so I went to Ground Zero and did that type of thing.

Let's talk about the Congretional Award of Honour that was handed to you for your contribution to youth work and non-profit organisations...
That was totally shocking to me. It's nice, but I don't do these charitable things to get accolades, I do it because it really means something to people. Particularly if you're working with young people and you can have a positive impact on their lives, it's really important to do.

Any plans for a UK tour in the near future?
I'm definitely coming back to the UK, probably in October. I haven't released any dates yet, but I do know that I will be here. The tour for the "Charm Bracelet" album is going to be very different for me than the other things I've done because it is such a personal record.

You've collaborated with a host of top artists - how do you decide who's next?
It's usually inspired by the track or the record. I don't know who's next, it just sort of happens!

Source: Capital FM

HER BOY'S NIGHT OUT

Mariah Carey is all over Europe these days, performing and soaking up adulation. Mariah loves being a star. She does not disdain perks. She does not hide from her fans. She does not pretend to be the girl next door. The other night in London, Mariah experienced a first - she sang and shook everything the good Lord gave her in a gay club. The boys, who appreciate all aspects of Mariah's career, including the hilarious "Glitter", went crazy for her. Her reception was so enthusiastic that she plans to pit-stop at other gay spots, abroad and over here.
These little miniconcerts are a preparation for her world tour, which kicks off in Southeast Asia in June. Remember when Mariah was "all washed up" because she had one record and a movie that flopped? Mariah, following her own drummer, has also not heeded the advice of industry experts who advised her to tone down the scanty clothes and sexy ways, and instead focus on her amazing voice. I guess Mariah figures she has a number of assets, so why can't she be a great singer with a great shape?
It seems to be working for her.

Source: MCArchives