Judging by these photos you look in exceptional shape. What's your secret?
Sheer hard work. I've been working out loads doing water aerobics. I have a trainer who really cracks the whip — she's very forceful with my and that's what I needed.
We never realized you were quite so er… busty.
Ha-ha! It's a very subtle technique called pushing them together.
Aaaah, interesting. You've recorded a cover version of Def Leppard's “Bringin' On The Heartbreak.” Are you a secret metal fan?
Well I do like Def Leppard. That may surprise some people but it's all about the song with me and that was a great song. I don't exactly go head banging around the house but I've heard a fair bit of Def Leppard and I have to say it's cool. I've heard that they're into my version, which is a great compliment.
What's been your finest rock'n'roll moment?
I haven't trashed a hotel room intentionally but I've occasionally spilt some cranberry juice on the rug. That's when the management call me a rock star. But the truth is I'd rather watch the TV than throw it out of the window.
That's a very poor effort. Come clean, did you really say “I don't do stairs” backstage at an awards ceremony?
I'm sorry to disappoint you buy I never said that. There are so many of those stories. There are rumours about how I walked into a hotel and insisted on completely redecorating a room before I stayed there, and that I refuse to walk on grass or carpet. So how do people think I get from A to B? I guess I must hover. I'm not one of those people who demands things just because they can. If I need something, then let's get it. Otherwise I'm pretty easy going.
You're single at the moment, so what sort of men have you got your eye on?
I'll take whatever as long as they're tall. I'm pretty tall, I usually end up with guys smaller than me. So it's got to be a guy who's bigger than me. A nice Englishman would be good too.
Sounds like one of your exes, Mr Jamie Theakston
That's another big fat lie that I have to nail. I never went out with Jamie, we merely made a joke about it and the next thing I know, we're getting married. I do like Jamie but nothing ever happened.
Any reason why Eminem would take a lyrical swipe at you in his song “Superman”?
You mean did I have a sexual relationship with Eminem? No, I didn't. I hung out with him a few times, but nothing sexual occurred. I'd admit it if it did, but it didn't. Maybe he thought because nothing happened he'd look bad or something.
What's the worst job you've ever had?
I used to sweep up hair in a salon and quit after one day. It was one of those places where they change everyone's name to be more showbiz. They tried to give me the name Echo. I told them if Mariah isn't exotic enough for you, I'm out of here. So I walked.
Did your flop movie, Glitter, sour you on acting?
No, I've since done a movie called Wisegirls with Mira Sorvino that was a great experience. It was this little indie film, and it got some good reviews. I got to play a drug-dealing waitress from Staten Island who's like [in a Sopranos-style Mafia accent] a friggin' broad, ya know? Next I'm doing this movie called Sweet Science. My character's a former boxer… a really bad one.
You're reportedly one of the wealthiest women in the music industry. What colour is your credit card and what's the limit?
It's black and I have no idea what the limit is. It's never been declined so I'm guessing it's a big one.
Do you check the balance of your account before making a withdrawal at a cashpoint?
I honestly can't remember the last time I used a cashpoint machine because I get all my money from my accountant. I ring him up and he drops around with big bag of cash whenever I need it. He's my cashpoint.
Do you play the stock market or invest in property?
I do but I have other people do it for me because I know nothing about maths or anything like that. It really bores me. They start talking numbers at me and I'm like, “Oh I can't deal” and have to leave the room.
Who throws the best parties?
I do. My Hallowe'en parties are the best and I'm going to throw one in London this year. I love dressing up in sexy outfits so it's a great excuse. At previous parties I've dressed as a sexy nurse, a cavewoman, a mermaid, a kitten, a lamb…
You turned up as a sheep at your own party?
Well it was definitely more of a lamb, but a sexy version. I changed into different outrageous outfits throughout the night because I was having a good time and everyone was so boring that it was the only way I could amuse myself. The ones that got most attention from guys were the sailor suit and the vinyl catwoman outfit.
Nipple ring or tattoo on your are. What would you prefer?
I wouldn't want to get abusive with my nipples. I guess a tattoo could be cute so I'd go for that and leave the nipple and genital piercings to the likes of Janet Jackson. I'm much more of a Mary Poppins really.
After a shoot like this, we don't believe you don't get it on, you must have had phone sex?
Oh my goodness. Okay, I did when I had a boyfriend. To be honest I found it all a bit ridiculous. I felt so stupid but he started it and I just went along to keep him happy.
Good start. What about wearing shoes to bed?
Yes I have. I love my high heels and I made sure they were clean so the sheets survived.
Shagging to one of your own songs?
Yes, that too. It was a while back but I remember it didn't freak me out. It was the guy's idea to put it on because he was a fan of mine before I met him.
Now you're talking. Describe the most sexually debauched act?
It was in Florida. And in the closet of someone else's house. What you guys call the wardrobe. It was totally debauched by what I find so outrageous is it happened in the closet.
Say goodbye to Mary Poppins. So when you're not in a relationship, can you turn the sex thing down or do you get terribly frustrated?
I'm the exception to the rule in that I can turn it off. Don't get me wrong, I can click back into it immediately, but if I'm not in a relationship I hardly ever think about it. That's why when I was in my hotel room last night I ignored the adult channel and sat and watched The Little Mermaid. I don't know if that's funny or sad.
