VIDEO PREMIERE: MARIAH CAREY - "TRIUMPHANT (GET 'EM)" FT. MEEK MILL & RICK ROSS

Still from Triumphant (Get 'Em)

She quite literally has never looked better and although I don't think I wound-up loving Mariah's new Single Triumphant (Get 'Em) as much as I thought I would, how can I not support one of my all-time Faves? The Track was inspired by Husband Nick Cannon as he was undergoing his health struggles due to Kidney Failure.

This newly-released Clip sees Mariah sauntering about as a sexy Ring Girl in the Boxing Ring. Believe me, Boxing has never been this bling. Ever.

Although the back-lit theme already was seen in Mariah's The Emancipation of Mimi era, she still looks superb. The Track still has yet to crack the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, although hopefully this is just a Teaser of We Belong Together-worthy excitement to come. Mariah really needs that 19th #1 Single for the sake of the Lambs!

Watch the Video in full below:

NEW MUSIC: MARIAH CAREY - "TRIUMPHANT (GET 'EM) FT. RICK ROSS & MEEK MILL"

Official Artwork for Triumphant (Get 'Em)

Never judge a Track by its Title. I must admit when I first glanced at the Title for Mariah Carey's new Single Triumphant (Get 'Em) ft. Rick Ross & Meek Mill, I felt an unspoken sense for disappointment. Believe me, I'm her biggest Fan and have been to all her Concerts, own all her CDs and DVDs and even was a Preferred Member of her Honey B. Fly Fan Club for years. I however, haven't been a huge Fan of her last sub-par Discs (I tried hard to love them!) as I feel they've veered a little too far off her Standard.

Triumphant (Get 'Em) gets a timely release today during the London 2012 Olympics and after hearing the Bryan-Michael Cox-produced Track, I am relieved. Yes, Mariah still is staying current with the Urban Sounds of Now, but this feels and sounds familiar, which is all a Lamb could want. Never abandon a successful Brand, especially when it's had 18 #1 Singles.

Will Triumphant (Get 'Em) be Mariah's 19th #1 Single? All she needs is one more to surpass The Beatles' tally of 20. We'll soon see.

Check out this Snippet in the meantime:

MARIAH CAREY PAYS TRIBUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON AT 2012 BET AWARDS

Mariah Carey at the 2012 BET Awards

The BET Awards were held earlier tonight in Los Angeles and the late Whitney Houston was honoured by her fellow Diva Mariah Carey who took to the stage late the Show in a gold dress. Carey reflected upon her dear Friend Houston, telling the Audience "We really got to know each other as people. Not Divas. Okay, maybe occasionally it did get a little Diva-ish, that was just for laughs!". "If you really knew Whitney, you couldn't help but love her", she said.

Fighting back her tears, Carey continued with her Tribute with Audience encouragement, revealing that the last time she saw Houston was exactly one year ago in London. Carey took to her Facebook Page, posting the above Photo of herself Backstage following the Tribute.

Brandy, Monica, Cissy Houston, Gary Houston and Chaka Khan  also appeared on-stage shortly after performing their respective Tributes.  Brandy performed a Medley of Houston's I'm Your Baby Tonight and I Wanna Dance with Somebody.

Watch the Tribute in full below:

MARIAH CAREY ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM SUMMER 2012

Mariah Carey's New Official Logo

It's official! Mariah Carey will be releasing her 14th Studio Album this Summer. The 200-million-Album-selling Diva took to Twitter yesterday to announce the great news, Tweeting: "So.. Summer 2012.. Been in the lab, mixing up some concoctions for you, hope you like it!! #MCSummer2012". There are several signs pointing to Mariah going back to doing what she does best, belting-out those soulful Numbers, versus some of her more recent material which perhaps had her veering a bit too close to Trends in Urban Music.

Long-time Collaborator Walter Afanassief helped put Mariah on-the-map in the early '90s with a string a Classics including Vision of Love, Hero, Dreamlover, My All and several more. His Daughter Isabella dropped a clue also via Twitter that her Father will be collaborating with Mariah after a long absence, Tweeting: "@jacobmemoirs I think you can spill the news ;) I'm too excited my father is finally going to be working with her again after 16 years!".  Of course, no confirmation yet but this is a great sign.

Mariah also performed last week at a Plaza Hotel Fundraiser for President Obama in New York City, premiering a new Track called Bring it on Home, which drew a Standing Ovation.

Although the quality isn't amazing, check this Clip out below of the Gospel-inspired Tune:

BRIAN FRIEDMAN IN TORONTO FOR 2012 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

Brian Friedman & Mr. Will-W.

You might remember him from So You Think You Can Dance, but Dancer/Choreographer Brian Friedman has long been making a name for himself helming the Dance Moves in some of your favourite Britney Spears, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé Videos. 

Friedman made a visit to Toronto to lend his talents to Justin Bieber at the 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards.  The Teen Pop Sensation treated the Queen Street Audience to performances of his two latest Tracks, Boyfriend and All Around the World.

I caught-up with Friedman quickly earlier today along with Bieber's Team of Dancers as they headed off to New York, where Bieber is headed to next for a Performance tonight.

Follow the handsome self-professed Workaholic here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MARIAH CAREY & JERMAINE DUPRI WORKING ON NEW MUSIC

Mariah Carey & Jermaine Dupri - January 2012

After several winning collaborations together including One Sweet Day (ft. Boyz II Men), Always Be My Baby, It's Like That, We Belong Together, Don't Forget About Us and Shake it Off, Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri are teaming-up again in the Studio together down in Atlanta!  These new collaborations will be appearing on her 14th Studio Album.

Although I had my doubts about Mariah's Jenny Craig Diet, I am in awe at how amaze she looks already after delivering Twins Moroccan & Monroe. I'd swear this Photo was taken in 1997... but it's not!

Just earlier this month, Mariah was recognized at BET Honors '12. It's so refreshing to see her speak candidly without the self-awareness, the angles, the sippy straws.  Love her.  Patti LaBelle and Kelly Rowland paid tribute to her on-stage, which we'll soon be seeing on TV.

See her talk about it below:

BET Honors '12 airs on February 13, 2012 at 9:00 PM PAC/12:00 AM EST.

(Photo credit: Jermaine Dupri | Video credit: BET)

NICK CANNON HOSPITALIZED FOR MILD KIDNEY FAILURE OVER THE HOLIDAYS

Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon

Only a few months ago, the roles were reversed. Nick Cannon was hospitalized in Apsen over the Holidays after experiencing some mild Kidney Failure. Mariah Carey currently is doing double duty, nursing both her Twins Moroccan and Monroe, plus now her ailing Husband Nick. 

Carey posted the above Photo to her Website, after climbing into bed with her toque-donning Husband.  Originally she was told to leave the Hospital, but she fought valiantly in true Diva form and as always is the case, she wins.  Carey says, "We're trying to be as festive as possible under the circumstances but please keep Nick in your thoughts because this is very painful. They tried to kick me out of the hospital but here I am pon de bed with Mr. C.".

To those unclear, Kidney Failure occurs when they are unable to regulate water and electrolyte balances, clear waste products from the Body and also promote red blood cell production.  Kidney Disease commonly is caused by Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and more; normally it is inherited.

Wishing Mr. C. a quick recovery!  Less than ideal conditions to ring-in the New Year.

(Photo credit: Mariah Carey)

MARIAH CAREY & NICK CANNON RELEASE FAMILY CHRISTMAS PHOTOS

Dem Babies

How cute is this?  Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon - probably more Mariah - have released some Christmas Photos of their adorable Twins Moroccan and Monroe (aka Dem Babies) on their own Website!  They are even selling their Photos to Publications, mostly Candids taken with their own Cameras, with all proceeds going to The Fresh Air Fund.

"Parenthood is absolutely the most life changing experience we ever could have imagined. The love we feel for these babies is above anything we've ever dreamed of", the Couple say in a Note on Dem Babies' Website.

You must check-out their Photos, including one of the Family dressed-up as The Incredibles!  Yes, seriously. Click here.

(Photo credit: Mariah Carey/WireImage)

VIDEO PREMIERE: MARIAH CAREY - "WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES (FT. JOHN LEGEND)"

Still from When Christmas Comes (ft. John Legend)

Mariah Carey, Queen of Everything and all things Christmas! Carey just digitally released this Duet Version featuring, of When Christmas Comes (ft. John Legend) originally from her phenomenal Holiday Disc Merry Christmas II You. Shot pretty much like an Instagram Photo on an iPhone with tons of fun retro effects, this festive Ditty puts me in the Holiday Spirit.

For a moment there I had to do a Double-take when somewhere between the quick flashes of Carey's lovely Jenny Craig-slimmed Physique, Snoopy and Children playing, I noticed her snuggling with a Man in Santa Hat. "Is that John Legend?", I thought. "What would Her Husband think??". But alas, my clicking Pause revealed that indeed that is Carey's Husband Nick Cannon. All is well. Marriage in-tact!  Phew.

Watch the Video for When Christmas Comes (ft. John Legend) below:

MARIAH CAREY ON WEIGHT LOSS AND BEING SPOKESPERSON FOR "JENNY"

Mariah Carey on US Weekly

Mimi just got emancipated! Mariah Carey is ready to step back in the spotlight again, presenting a slimmer and trimmer Figure, post-Twins. Carey appeared on The Rosie Show yesterday announcing that she is the new Spokesperson for Jenny (formerly known as Jenny Craig) Weight Loss Centres. She also confirmed to US Weekly that she has lost over 30 lbs. via a 1,500 calorie per day Diet and three workouts a week.

In addition to all this great news, Carey will be re-releasing her Track When Christmas Comes from her Holiday Disc, Merry Christmas II You as a Duet with John Legend in addition to her recent Collaboration with Justin Bieber on her Classic All I Want for Christmas is You.

Read more about Carey's Weight Loss on US Weekly here.

Watch a Clip of Carey on The Rosie Show below talking about her weight:

NEW PHOTOS FROM JUSTIN BIEBER'S "UNDER THE MISTLETOE" | GIVEAWAY

Official Artwork for Under the Mistletoe

One of the most anticipated Holiday Albums of 2011 is now in-stores and along with it, these new Photos of Justin Bieber have surfaced from new Disc, Under the Mistletoe. These Photos by Kenneth Cappello surely will set the hearts of Teen Girls around the World aflutter.  It scares me how quickly he's growing-up!

Everyone's been talking about Bieber's collaboration with Mariah Carey on her Classic All I Want for Christmas is You (Superfestive!) and you can hear a noticeable lowering of vocal range, but he does his best to work against the limitations.

Listen in full below:

MARIAH CAREY & NICK CANNON REVEAL TWINS "ROC & ROE" ON "20/20"

Monroe & Morccan Cannon

For those of you who missed Friday night's airing of 20/20, Barbara Walters interviewed Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon on her much-troubled Pregnancy.  For the first time ever, the World also got to see their Twins - Moroccan & Monroe - known also Roc & Roe.

Carey revealed details about a Miscarriage she experienced prior revealing, "It was really tough.  The main thing I did was tough. I went on Progesterone and I had to stay with it for ten weeks. It minimized a chance of Miscarriage by 50%".

Problems didn't end after delivering her Twins though. "I couldn't even go to the loo by myself", Carey admits after delivering them at 35 weeks as it was no longer safe to carry them any longer.  Moroccan & Monroe were delivered on Carey & Cannon's third Wedding Anniversary, with the proud Father cuing Carey's number one hit Fantasy during the delivery.

Carey & Cannon have different ideas for their Twins in terms of career paths.  Cannon would like to see them achieve Ph.D.s.  Carey admits "They are incredible but they really respond to Music", hoping that Music will come first before anything.

Watch the Segment in full here.

(Photo credit: ABC)

TONY BENNETT - DUETS II REVIEW

Tony Bennett - Duets II

Mr. Tony Bennett's Epic Opus 2011, aka Duets II brings together some of the most unlikely collaborations - a true testament to the Crooner's influence on so many of the Vocalists who have sold out Arenas and won Grammys after him. At 85 years of age, Bennett recently became the oldest living Artist to have achieved the distinction of debuting atop the U.S. Billboard Hot 200 Album Chart and he did it with some help from his Friends. Some really famous and talented Friends.

Jam-packed with 17 Classics, Duets II isn't necessarily about breaking new ground or necessarily about High Art. It's about celebrating an Icon and how Bennett's Voice and Music have inspired others and also connecting a new Audience who grew-up not having had Jazz Music on their radars. The phrasing, the range, the stylization - there is only one Tony Bennett and this Collection pays tribute to that front and center.

There are some fabulous moments on the Disc like the fun and flirtatious The Lady is a Tramp (ft. Lady Gaga), One for my Baby (ft. John Mayer), a perfect reunion in Blue Velvet (ft. k.d. lang), Don't Get Around Much Anymore (ft. Michael Bublé) ...obviously, Yesterday I Heard the Rain (ft. Alejandro Sanz) and perhaps a true showcase that he's (and she's) definitely still got it, How Do You Keep the Music Playing (ft. Aretha Franklin).

JUSTIN BIEBER & MICHAEL BUBLÉ RECORD "ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU" BY MARIAH CAREY

Official Artwork for Under the Mistletoe

In the process of Justin Bieber being ready to release his Christmas Album Under the Mistletoe in a month, it seems somehow they've forgotten that he is due to release a proper second studio Album eventually!  My World 2.0 was released in what seems like ages ago, back in January 2010.

Although there's been a bit of speculation, it also has been confirmed subtly by Mariah Carey that indeed she has re-recorded her Holiday Classic, All I Want for Christmas is You along with Bieber for his Disc, due November 1, 2011 via Universal Music Canada. Bieber had Tweeted, "http://t.co/cUbr03xD - well like I said...#UnderTheMistletoe is not your normal christmas album. right @mariahcarey . #NOV1st", earlier today that same Tweet was Re-Tweeted by Carey.

The Pop Sensation however isn't the only Canadian Crooner to have been inspired by The Diva herself for the Holidays, but Michael Bublé also is doing a version of All I Want for Christmas is You for his Holiday Disc, Christmas, out on October 24, 2011 via Warner Music Canada.  Bublé will be in Toronto on October 11 to promote the Disc doing appearances on The Marilyn Denis Show and George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, among others. 

Will we be seeing a similar strategy from Bieber perhaps to return home for a bit of promotion?

THE MARIAH CAREY POST-BABY WORKOUT

The Mariah Carey Workout

Check out Mariah Carey getting back in fighting form again!  Carey Tweeted this Photo before the weekend of her training with not one, but five Jack Russells in-tow, wearing a Tracksuit and Sneakers (??!?!?). 

What ever happened to Carey's policy of wearing only High Heels?  Remember this Clip of her on MTV Cribs where literally she was working out in a tight Dress and Heels on the Stairmaster?  LOL  Scan ahead to the 6:00 mark.

MARIAH CAREY LIKELY AS "THE X FACTOR" MENTOR

Mariah Carey in Toronto - February 2010

How exciting!  Deadline reports that Mariah Carey is currently in the final stages of negotiation to be a Celebrity Mentor on FOX's new Reality TV Series The X Factor.  It is said that Carey will be mentoring contestants from Simon Cowell's home.

Other names currently in talks are the likes of Rihanna, Beyoncé and Usher.  The X Factor premieres on September 21, 2011.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

TONY BENNETT TO RELEASE "DUETS II" FEATURING AMY WINEHOUSE, LADY GAGA, MARIAH CAREY & MORE

Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga

With 100 Albums released, 15 Grammy Awards including the coveted Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, legendary Crooner Tony Bennett is showing no signs of stopping. In fact, Bennett turns 85 years-old today and to celebrate this important milestone, he releases Duets II, a follow-up to 2006's Duets which was his best-selling Album ever.

What you need to know is the roster of talent he gathered for this Disc including several of my favourites. Lady Gaga. Mariah Carey. Aretha Franklin. Sheryl Crow. Andrea Bocelli. Josh Groban. Michael Bublé. John Mayer. Queen Latifah. AMY WINEHOUSE. Yes, you read correctly. The Disc features one of Winehouse's final recordings before her untimely passing.

Duets II is in stores September 20, 2011 via Sony Music Canada and the complete Track List is as follows:

MARIAH CAREY APPEARS ON HOME SHOPPING NETWORK

Mariah Carey on HSN

"Get the camera off me please and I know you guys hear me... last time we had an issue. I won't get into it.".

Mariah Carey is a Vision of Self-Consciousness on the Home Shopping Network, making an appearance on the televised retailer last night.  Pushing some Jewellery, Purses and Clothing from her own Collection, Carey repeatedly had to tell numerous members of the Camera Crew to stop filming her as she made it clear that she is still working on her fitness, reminding us time and again how gruelling her "47-week pregnancy" had been.

She even stops to spray herself with a bottle of her own Perfume at one point in what she calls "a fragrant moment".  Love it!  Only Mariah can get away with this.  Do not try this at home.

You must watch below to witness the Diva-ry which one kind Lamb (Carey's Fans) had strung together in a four-minute Clip:

LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES DROPS INVESTIGATION AGAINST MARIAH CAREY

Mariah Carey - TIFF 2009

Such cattiness could only be the work of a scorned Lover! Tommy? Eminem?  The Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has dropped their investigation against Mariah Carey endangering her newborn Twins Moroccan Scott and Monroe after having received an anonymous tip that she was consuming Alcohol and Drugs in her Hospital Room after delivering her babies.  Surely those Investigators were eager to look into these claims.  Who wouldn't want some one-on-three time with Carey and her newborn Twins?

Carey during the investigation did admit to the DCFS that she had consumed some Guiness Beer on the advice of a Nurse at the Hospital in question. It is said that a Dark Beer aids in enabling Lactation.

Although Carey has been quiet with the Press, an upset Husband Nick Cannon is quoted as having said "To even have to deal with that, my Wife in the state that she's in, we're in the hospital, to even have to think about someone possibly wanting to investigate your children. It's sad at the end of the day.".

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MARIAH CAREY & NICK CANNON ANNOUNCE NAMES OF TWINS

Fan Gift Tweeted by Mariah Carey

It's official.  Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon have announced the names of their Twins aka "Dem Babies".  Their Baby Daughter, born first, is named Monroe Cannon - inspired by Carey's love for the iconic Marilyn Monroe.  Carey even owns Monroe's Baby Grand Piano having paid $662,500 US for it in 2006 at an Auction, now sitting in her Tribeca Condominium in New York.

Their Baby Son is named Moroccan Scott Cannon, inspired by Carey's love for Morocco, to which she pays tribute to with Moroccan-inspired furniture in her Home.  Scott happens to be Cannon's middle name also and the maiden name of his Grandmother.

So there you have it.  What do you think of Dem Names?

(Photo credit: Mariah Carey)