I am usually pretty lax about lots of things, but if there is one thing that I am spot on is spotting a GREAT.

Take for instance, I am a fan of Mariah Carey ever since she burst on the music scene with Vision of Love. At first I thought she was Whitney on radio but there’s a distinct difference in the voice. I listened a little longer to hear the DJ announce the name of the singer and that was how I knew. I was “wow-ed” and immediately put my mark on her being the next recording super star.

And a super star she was. She broke records and very smartly got married to one of the biggest recording label mogul. Granted, that marriage didn’t last, fell ill and she was even dropped by Virgin Records signifying the slump of her music career.

I am not going to talk at great lengths about Mariah because well, her story is pretty much well known by now and I will only be regurgitating what’s out there anyway. I will, instead tell you why I chose her or picked her as my “Great” even though I may not always agree with her music style or buy all her albums.

First of all, she writes her own songs. Whether single-handedly or a collaborative effort. I liked the fact that she’s involved musically and not merely sing songs that are written for her. To me, thats’ talent. Secondly, she received a lot of personal flak about her personal life and people also associated that down-hill slide with her professional life as well. But she was unfazed and had the emotional resiliance to silence all critiques when she bounced back with “Emancipation of Mimi” (which was, by the way, very aptly titled). The most important of all, I feel, is that while all of these were going on, she was never reported to do drugs or anything of that sort. She pretty much led a clean image throughout. Sexy does not count as bad, that’s just clever marketing.

I’m not saying that she’s the epitome of an ultimate role model for women but to me, I relate to her..her songs and accept the road she has taken (music wise). So, thats pretty much my reasons, what’s yours?

Incidentally, our Mimi has released a new album E=MC² which is also produced by the legendary LA Reid…I am already excited! Get it all..the exclusive interview and album preview with Soundcheck!