Five years ago, you made the movie and album, Glitter —
The debacle.
Okay, the debacle. How do you look back on that experience now?
As a blessing in disguise. It was a very humbling experience, which is something we all need to go through now and again. Especially in the entertainment industry. It got me into a much better place spiritually. When you go through that kind of thing — when you're being attacked, first by the media, but also dealing with personalities in the music business, moguls who are ultra-powerful — it's important to take a break and realize that you deserve to be happy, you deserve to be able to create music that you love.
You've had 17 No. 1 singles — tied with Elvis for the second-most in history. Unless something terrible happens, you'll probably surpass the Beatles' record of 20. That's got to cross your mind every once in awhile.
It's not a goal of mine. Elvis and the Beatles? We're talking about the two most legendary entities in music ever. But I am comfortable with what I've achieved. I don't need to pass anyone. I was talking to Quincy Jones the other day — not to name-drop [laughs], but he came by my video shoot with Snoop Dogg. And he said, “You know what, you really did it.” And that was one of the most incredible compliments I've ever had. He was talking about how it's very easy to do it one time, in the beginning. But to repeatedly have success and make it seem as though it's the first time every time, that's really what makes the difference.
One of the real measures of your impact on music is American Idol. For a while there, the show was like one big Mariah impersonation contest. Do you watch it?
Everybody asks me about American Idol, so I've put it on every once in a while. If you're saying I've had a cultural impact, then that's a big compliment.
You've had another kind of cultural impact, too. There's been a lot of babymaking over the years to your old ballads.
And it's funny, because I'm totally repressed in that way! [Laughs] Or I was back then. I was just a baby myself!
What do you think of pop music these days?
I think this is a very good time. I'm very partial to R&B and hip-hop and gospel music. I really like Keyshia Cole a lot. Dem Franchize Boyz are doing their thing. Bow Wow's new record is in heavy rotation in my car. I think that's why it's such a good moment — because these kinds of records are getting much more airplay than they would have a while ago.
A lot of people were shocked that you got shut out on the 2006 Grammy Telecast. How did you feel about it?
I know this is gonna sound like I'm lying — even Barbara Walters was like, “Come on, Mariah” — but the three Grammys I did win were so great. Don't forget, I haven't won a Grammy since my first album. I had only two. Jay-Z came to my house once, and he was looking at the awards in my awards case — and he didn't even know I saw him do this. And he was looking up at the top shelf where my Grammys were, and he was making this face like, “Huh? She only has two Grammys? I'm pretty sure she has more than that.” So when I got to the Grammy telecast, I already knew I had won three awards in the pre-show, in all those R&B categories, which is what I've always strived to do as an artist. So I was happy. My awards case was hooked up.
What's the vibe like when you're in the same room with your fellow pop divas? Do you all secretly hate each other?
You know, it's rare that I'm in the same room with — well, I don't really know who exactly you're talking about. Honestly, they call everybody a diva today. But you know, my mother is an opera singer. And when you have an opera singer mother, you hear the word “diva” from the day you're born. It's true. I've been hearing the word “diva” since the day I was born. So if someone wants to call me a diva — well, I guess I'm an authentic one, honey.
