On December 16 Nick Cannon, the husband of Mariah Carey, told the radio listeners of his that he and Mariah are expecting twins.

He also said while performing “Christmas in Washington 2010” for TNT network that he and Carey had run into the President and First Lady backstage.  The Obamas were first to hear the news.

Cannon said on New York’s 92.3 radio station that Mariah at that point hadn’t told anyone anything because their doctors had advised them to keep things to themselves until they were further along.  However due to the emotion and excitement she felt overwhelmed and told the First Lady and President that they were having twins.

He also said that an ultrasound that had been done recently had shown that both of the babies were healthy and in great shape.

Carey in October confirmed the widespread rumors of her being pregnant while on a “Today” show television appearance on NBC, as part of interview for “Access Hollywood” with the performer.

A due date still hasn’t been revealed by Carey and Cannon.

On October 28 Mariah Carey, the pop singer, confirmed she is pregnant, with a spring due date.

The revelation was made on the NBC “Today” show that was discussing the “Access Hollywood” three part interview with Nick Cannon, Carey’s husband, and Carey.

On the show Carey said, we are pregnant.  Yes, it’s true.  This journey has been a long one.  It’s been very tough.  I have been trying to have a small bit of privacy.

Starting in August rumors began to circulate about Carey being pregnant.

More than a decade after releasing “Merry Christmas”, her first Christmas compilation, Mariah Carey returns to the recording studio for what seems to be a sequel to the 1994 release.

The release entitled, “Merry Christmas II You” is a clever wordplay as a reference to her first Christmas release and also to Nat King Cole’s Yuletide classic, “The Christmas Song”.  And maybe, just maybe, to avoid confusion and any future hassles as well, since a similarly titled – or sounding – Christmas album, “Merry Christmas to You” was released a few years ago by country music act Reba McIntyre.

The album is set to hit stores on November 2 and the diva has less than two months to make up her mind on which songs will make the cut.  But reports have swarmed that the set will contain six original cuts and new spins on her Christmas hit and now a classic, “All I Want”.

The artist is also planning to market the album via Home Shopping Network (HSN), according to her manager Chris Lighty.  Carey is no stranger to alternative modes of album marketing as she also used a non-traditional tactic in 2009 to promote and bring down the production costs of her “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel” release by integrating high-end commercial ads in the mini-booklet that came with the said album.

The Yuletide release will also include a bonus DVD, although there is no information yet on what will the video disc contain.

Mariah Carey has called on Marc Shaiman (Catch Me If You Can, Hairspray), the Broadway composer, to help with her upcoming studio album.  Randy Jackson is the producer.  Shaiman, who has been nominated for five Oscars, has collaborated with many great recording artists.  Recently he worked with Bette Midler on “The Greatest Ears in Town,” a single inspired by Arif Mardi, the late producer, on the set “All My Friends Are Here.”

Shaiman is the favorite collaborator for Mariah since working with Walter Afanasieff.  He is very talented, said Mariah.  I can hear his chords inside my head.

It isn’t the first time that the world of theater has had ties with Carey.  Reportedly there is a Broadway autographical musical in the works that potentially could star Leona Lewis playing Carey.

Mariah Carey made history when the first five of her singles topped the Billboard US Hot 100 chart.  After marrying Mottola in 1993, she had a series of hit albums to established herself as the highest selling act for Columbia during the 1990s.  She has sold over 175 million videos singles and albums worldwide.  During the World Music Awards in 2000, Carey was name female best selling pop artist for the millennium.  She was also awarded the Chopard Diamond Award during the World Music Awards in 2003 to recognize her selling more than 100 million worldwide albums.  Carey is number three in sales for female artists and overall she is sixteenth among recording artists, according to Recording Industry Association of America, with US shipments totaling more than 63 million albums.    Carey also ranked as best selling female artist in Nielsen’s US SoundScan era and as third overall best selling artist.  She has had more number one singles than any other US solo artists with eighteen and is in second place for overall artists, trailing only The Beatles.  Carey has also won five Grammy Awards.  Recently she also received critical acclaim for her acting in Precious, the Oscar nominated film from Lee Daniel.

Next season “American Idol” might end up glittering after all.

According to an inside source, Mariah Carey still is negotiating to sign as one of the show’s judges.

According to the source, Mariah wants this.  She has seen what hubby Nick Cannon has gotten from “America’s Got Talent” and thinks this would be good for her career.

On Thursday, a Carey rep didn’t deny or confirm.  The response was, there’s nothing to report.

There are still several sticking points remaining.  However reports are that Fox is optimistic that the deal with Carey will happen.

The network offered no comment.

The inside source familiar with the negotiations also said that the deal for Steven Tyler to appear as a judge was just about done, and that there would be announcement after the complete table of judges has been filled.

The source right now says ideally the plan is having Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey and Steven Tyler, with potentially a guest judge chair that alternates.  The source says that Mariah and Randy have great chemistry.  Nothing has been set in stone yet, however.

Mariah and Jackson, in case you’ve never heard, have worked together before.

A new fragrance line has been launched by Mariah Carey.

The line of fragrances Lollipop Bling, a collaboration between Topps Candy (manufacturer of Ring Pops), Elizabeth Arden (cosmetic company) and Carey, features three different candy scents.  All three of the fragrances are  named from hit songs of Carey’s.  “Ribbon” got its inspiration from the Blue Raspberry flavored Ring Pop in combination with a floral bouquet.  “Mine Again” is a mixture of Magnolia, raspberry and chocolate.  “Honey” is honey and pineapple scented.

E. Scott Beattie, chief executive of Elizabeth Arden said, Topps sells units of candy in the tens of millions.  If you combine that customer base with the fan base of Mariah Carey’s along with our fragrance base, that’s a great way for cross-promoting all three brands.

Starting July 1 the fragrances can be purchased at Dillard’s and Macy’.  For 2011 Valentine’s Day, Wal-Mart, drug stores and other mass retails will sell the fragrances.

As speculation regarding the replacement for Simon Cowell on “American Idol” continues to build, there is also excitement regarding whom Cowell may select to be part of the judges panel for his new “The X-Factor” American version.

The latest name to be dropped, after Paula Abdul, to be a possible judge is Mariah Carey.

Sinitta, a pop star born in the US who lives in the UK and derived much of her fame there, revealed what Cowell is doing.

Sinitta said, he is still working things out I think. He is looking at all the different sides of people’s profiles and personalities. It’s the A list celebrities. It’s very exciting. I was like, yes oh my God. They would be great. I wanted everyone.

Who is interested? I can’t tell. It’s amazing the number of people who want to. Everyone from Mariah Carey to… ok I can’t say more. There are lots of people wanting to do it.

Carey wouldn’t be such a bad choice actually. Certainly she has artistic chops for doing it and is very entertaining (just go rent “Glitter”). Also Nick Cannon, her husband, could give her tips from his “America’s Got Talent” hosting gig.

Carey’s reps haven’t commented on the rumor as of yet.

Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey have once again shown that they belong together. They got married — again.

The couple celebrated their second anniversary by renewing their vows from their home in Beverly Hills on Friday night.

The elaborate ceremony included the 40 year old Carey wearing a white lacy dress and veil. Cannon was dressed in a white suit. The two exchanged rings with a string quartet playing.

Cannon gave his wife a Ring Pop diamond-encrusted doppelganger. Jason from Beverly Hills Jewelers designed the extravagant ring comprised of pink sapphires, white diamonds and white gold.

After the ceremony, Carey tweeted that the wedding vow renewal last night and party was SG. From close and far there were too many cameras. It was beautiful though. NC is best.

Later, she added that the festive moments were continuing and sent her love to all lambs out in the land. Happiness to everyone.

Carey in the past has promised she will renew wedding vows every year with Cannon. The pair got married for the very first time at the Bahamian estate of Carey’s just six weeks after the two started to date.

Cannon, 29, met Carey while working on the “Bye Bye” music video in Antigua. He proposed with an engagement ring hiding inside his Ring Pop wrapper.

Can you imagine Mariah Carey being the mother of Vanessa Hudgens?

Well why not? After all Mariah is 40 years old and Vanessa is 21 years old. However, that’s not really the point.

What the point is whether or not Mariah would like to been seen in the role of a 40 year old mother in an upcoming movie about a mother and daughter singing pair who audition for a show similar to American Idol.

But it might be just a bit more than this Diva can completely handle.

Mariah Carey had a small role in the movie “Precious” and did receive good reviews. Reportedly Carey is considering pairing up for the new flick with the cutie from “High School Musical.”

It definitely sounds like a real Dream Team. What is holding things up?

It appears the only thing that may be holding things back is whether or not Mariah does feel comfortable playing the role of a teenager’s mother. Reportedly she is somewhat sensitive about her age.

Carey could always use the excuse of Sofia Vergara. However, despite the annoyances of the maternal business, Mariah may possibly give in to the temptation.

She is, after all, getting used to all the prizes and perks of the film world.

At this year’s Capri Film Festival she was awarded Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Precious.” At the Palm Springs Film Festival that is upcoming she will be accepting their Breakthrough Award.

With Christmas just days away, PPL and PRS for Music, organizations that are responsible for collecting royalties for performers and music creators, have revealed the top Christmas songs that have been played the most during the last ten years.

The chart is topped by Mariah Carey‘s classic version of “All I Want For Christmas” that was released in 1994. The song was written by Walter Afanasieff and Mariah Carey. In the second spot is “Fairytale of New York” by the Pogues from 1987. The song was written by Jem Finer and Shane MacGowan and features the deceased Kristy MacColl.

Rounding out the top ten are “Merry Xmas Everybody,” released in 1973, performed by Slade and written by Noddy Holder & James Lee at number 3. At number 4 is “Stop the Calvary,” released in 1980 , performed and written by Jona Lewie. At number 5 is “Do They Know It’s Christmas,” released in 1984, performed by Band Aid and written by Bod Geldof & Midge Ure. At number 6 is “Driving Home For Christmas,” released in 1988, performed and written by Chris Rea. At number 7 is “Last Christmas,” released in 1984 and performed by Wham and written by George Michael. At number 8 is “I Believe In Father Christmas,” released in 1975, performed and written by Greg Lake. At number 9 is “Step Into Christmas,” released in 1973, performed by Elton John and written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John. At number 10 is “Wonderful Christmas Time,” released in 1979 and performed and written by Paul McCartney.

Data from live music, international performance, television, radio airplay and shops was analyzed from the decade to determine which songs were performed the most.

During the last 10 years the two organizations have each seen increases in terms of Christmas themed music being played in UK retail stores. Businesses are looking to music to help them boost their sales. Research conducted by musicworksforyou.com was able to identify a few trends.

One in four people claimed they were more generous when it came to buying presents if they heard Christmas music playing.

95% of people said they preferred to shop in stores that had music playing.

50% of people said that Christmas music shouldn’t start playing in stores until December.

A spokesperson from the licensing organizations said that Christmas would not really be Christmas unless the music that we all love and know was playing. It makes us not only feel good whenever we hear it, but it also directly benefits businesses that use Christmas music to set a mood and the atmosphere for encouraging us to buy. The extensive research conducted shows that music is very powerful and that businesses working with the public can affect consumer behavior considerably.