Mariah Carey chatting via AIM

AOL Music: Where are you at right now?

Mariah: LA, where are you?

AOL Music: I'm in New York, listening to and loving your new album. Before we go any further, I've got to say congratulations.

Mariah: Thank you much.

AOL Music: There's so many amazing things happening for you right now.

Mariah: Definitely. Prayers answered.

AOL Music: Back in August, you became the first female artist in history to have back-to-back number one songs. It must just blow your mind to think about what you've achieved.

Mariah: It's hot tamale. No seriously, it's an incredible feeling and I never expected it. But I'm very greatful for this. Especially since it happened with "Shake It Off" which was one of my favorite songs on the album. For a while I thought it would never get released as a single cause a lot of people thought it was too "urban" and not pop enough. But it shows me sometimes you just have to trust your own instincts.

AOL Music: And you're also very close to breaking the Beatles and Elvis' record for most number one songs ever. Do you ever have to pinch yourself to make sure you're not dreaming?

Mariah: I'm just grateful for everything God has given me. Obviously it's overwhelming to hear that kind of thing. I'm just grateful people are responding to what I'm doing in such a positive way.

AOL Music: Yeah, and your fans are obviously enjoying your ride to the top. Especially the ones that have stood beside you since the beginning.

Mariah: I have the most incredible fans in the world. At this point, some of them are really like an extended family to me. This success of "Mimi" and the fact that "We Belong Together" has become the most successful single of my career obviously means a lot to me as the artist, but it's even more significant because I know how much it means to the fans.

AOL Music: You recorded this album in a couple of different places. What's the biggest difference between working in Atlanta and working in Capri? Besides the beach.

Mariah: When I work in Atlanta it's usually a writing session in JD's studio which is a very creative environment, plus we're all friends who have been working together for a long time so we always have fun. The reason I go to Capri rather then recording in NY or LA or any other city is because that's the best place for me to do my vocals for a number of reasons. It's very private, the air is clean and humid which is great for my voice, and I can totally focus on what I'm doing cause there's no distractions. It's basically just sleeping and singing.

AOL Music: And it's such a beautiful place too. It must be really inspiring just to be in that setting.

Mariah: Definitely. I usually sing by this big open window overlooking the Mediterranean sea. It's so beautiful.

AOL Music: I can imagine. So, in the rare moments that you actually get time to yourself. What do you do? How does Mariah unwind?

Mariah: I take baths, watch movies, hang with friends, sleep. There's this game called Taboo that I quite enjoy. i love to swim, but that's usually a vacation activity which is a whole other question.

AOL Music: How do you stay on top of things, musically? Do you ever go out to clubs to hear what's hitting the streets?

Mariah: I do like to go to Pon De Club when I get a chance, but more so in NY where I live. Out here everything closes at 2AM, which would typically be when I'm leaving my apt to go out in NYC.

AOL Music: Have you heard anything recently that's really turned you on?

Mariah: I think Jermaine Dupri is on an incredible roll right now.

AOL Music: Yeah, JD is totally on fire.

Mariah: He has something like the top 3 or 4 songs in the country right now on a couple different charts. I'm so happy for him cause no one deserves it more.

AOL Music: What's the best thing about working with him? What does he bring out of you no one else does?

Mariah: First of all he's a great person and he's like a brother to me. I think we compliment each other musically, and we always have. The thing about JD is that his influences are very similar to mine. We both love classic r&b and hip-hop. Yet we understand how to merge those elements with what's going on today. It's a creative challenge for us. The first song we wrote together was "Always Be My Baby", that's when we realized we were a good team. We've both come a long way since then. I feel like we bring out the best in each other. Btw, have you heard my dog Jack was nominated for a Relly award on the Regis and Kelly show?

AOL Music: OMG, no.

Mariah: It was for best non-human guest. He was up against Miss Piggy, Barney, Chewbacca and a 2 headed albino snake.

AOL Music: Lol. That's so awesome.

Mariah: How pip is that.

AOL Music: How long ago was he on?

Mariah: he was on with me when "We Belong Together" first came out. He's a star.

AOL Music: Aren't there a couple websites devoted to him too?

Mariah: Dahhling yes. Love Love Jack Japan and The Marvellous Jack. And I think there's a new one called Doggy P. Fly. They're all cute fansites.

AOL Music: Awwww. what a cutie. Pretty soon, he'll be more famous than you.

Mariah: He already is.

AOL Music: So, last question cuz i know you're super busy but the people want to know.

Mariah: Drum roll.

AOL Music: You have had your share of ups and downs, but through it all, you've come out stronger than ever. Any words of wisdom to share with your fans that might be going through it themselves?

Mariah: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5.

AOL Music: Amen to that. Iit's been great chatting with ya Mariah. Congrats again on all everything.

Mariah: Been great chatting with you too dahhling.

AOL Music: Have a lovely night.

Mariah: Thank you much. I'm off to the studio. Bye.