As befits the biggest selling artist of the 1990s. Mariah Carey does things in style. She was doing her interview in an ultraswank Claridge's Hotel suite, but running late, decided to talk to SH in the back of her limo on the way to TFI Friday instead. After a chat about her Jack Russell terriers, Jack and Gwam and her upcoming world tour (her manager Louise is writing the set list next to her), she puts her friend Trey Lorenz's CD on her boombox and sits back…
So Mariah, what's been your worst job?
I didn't keep many jobs 'cos I got fired every week. Once I was a coat-check girl and I was always listening to my demo tape on my Walkman instead of serving. You'd have hated me if you'd had me for your waitress!
But after you were discovered (by Sony boss and ex-husband Tommy Mottola), you had a US No1 straight away. Was it tougher breaking through as a woman in the music business?
(Firmly) Yeah. It's tougher being a woman in general but (pauses), I wouldn't wanna be a man 'cos I wouldn't get to dress the way I like… as you can see from the pink ensemble and the baby doll shoes! (MC is wearing her Heartbreaker video outfit plus her trademark jeans ripped at the hips)
But didn't you know that belts are in this season?
They are, but not on my pants. I was doing the single cover for Heartbreaker and the jeans were a little baggy, and so I ripped the top off them. I wear 'em like this all the time now. A lot of companies are coming out with jeans like this!
Now, even after 14 US No1s, you're being compared by a lot of people to newcomer Jessica Simpson
I don't see that comparison except that we're on the same record label. I don't see the similarity.
What about contemporaries like Madonna?
I was a Madonna fan, but she made some disparaging comments about me that were unprovoked. Even though she continues to say rude things about me, I will give her credit for what she's done.
You're a source for wildly untrue tabloid accusations and Internet rumours. What was the funniest?
That I breed hamsters.
What about the one that you can only sleep in a moving vehicle?
That's partly true. My life is always moving so I probably feel I have no choice but to sleep with things moving.
And that you'd only let one side of your face be photographed?
I used to have that insecurity. I always used to cover up my forehead and certain people (We think she means her ex-hubbie — Ed) tried to encourage that feeling but I have come a long way since then. My Rainbow album cover has me showing my full face. It's the first album of mine not to cover one side of my face. (Smiles) There are still dark moments but I'm happy.
On a lighter note, you've recorded with the kings of rap including Snoop Doggy Dogg, Jay-Z, Nas and Puff Daddy. Who's got the biggest ego?
(Laughs) Read the papers. That would probably explain…
Do you mean Puff Daddy?
No comment, hahaha.
