Mariah, the diva

The world needs a diva—and Mariah Carey is doing an extra fine job at making sure Earthlings get their fix of fabulousness on a regular basis.

This year promises to be ultra exciting for her “lambs”—she just dropped her festive new single, "Triumphant (Get ‘em)" and the accompanying dance remixes ; was announced to sit as a judge at American Idol next season; received the BMI Icon Award for her singing and songwriting prowess; and has an ever expanding brood of puppies at home.

Amidst newer artists (who seem to focus more on their songs’ videos rather than the songs themselves), Mariah manages to keep her share of the limelight.

Earlier this year, she grabbed the headlines for becoming the newest brand ambassador for Jenny, the diet that’s helping her get back to a sexy-new-Mariah. She and husband Nick Cannon were in Paris in April celebrating their fourth year as husband-and-wife, as well as their twins’ first birthday.

Of course, the passing away of Whitney Houston, a perceived rival in the diva world, also put more attention to her as she is interviewed repeatedly for comments. During the BET Awards last July, she even opened with a speech a tribute for the late superstar.

It is Whitney’s death, I believe, that makes the impending release of the yet-untitled Mariah album that makes it more important than usual. After all, the world, like I said earlier, needs a diva—and the only person with a voice that can rival that of Mariah’s is no longer with us.

But does this mean Mariah should just belt it out throughout the album like there’s no tomorrow? Maybe. Just don’t expect the “90s Mariah.” If you haven’t noticed, she has long dumped that manufactured persona.

As can be observed from her single, “Triumphant” (which features rappers Rick Ross and Meek Mill), she loves collaborating with hip-hop, R&B, and urban artists.

Should we give her a free pass for featuring--not one, but two--rappers in her first single? Perhaps. She did release the no-assist “Obsessed” back in 2009 as lead single for “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.” While it did reach the top 10 in the Billboard Hot 100 (#7), it didn’t necessarily change the course of the world.

So all eyes are on you now, Mimi. Give us a kick-ass album that is worthy of the stature you had earned in the entertainment industry. LYM! :)

How do you think Mariah’s new album would sound like? How would it fair in the music industry today amidst the Rihannas, Katy Perrys, and Lady Gagas of the world? Let us know in the comments section below! :)