Interview with "Femme" magazine

On stage, we often see you crying. What puts you into that state?

That comes from writing sad songs (laughs). It depends. Music is a part of my life. It's because of that that the emotions come out. In addition, during the concerts, there's always someone in audience who's crying while singing. I tell myself: Oh my God, not me and there I go...

You wrote Charmbracelet in Puerto Rico. Is No. 10 on its way?

At this stage, its only ideas, the release is not going to be soon. When I get home after the concert in Dubai, but I'll start work again right away.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I always draw from personal experiences, that I try to deliver in the most accurate way possible.

What made this international tour seem difficult?

What makes it so difficult is that I never know in advance how long I'm going to stay in a country. Doing tours allows me to meet a bigger number of my fans, things that I need to at least try and do. Also, I discover new countries.

Like Lebanon?

You know, I never know what's waiting in far away countries. At the airports, the people are warm, welcoming and cool. But I haven't seen the countryside.

You've had so many jobs. What has been the most difficult?

During it all, I've written songs, and it's the best part of my life. I've sung, I've even been a back-up singer. The hardest job? Being a waitress.

At 17, you gave your demo to the CEO of Sony Music [Tommy Mottola] one night. In his limo, he listened to the tape and turned around. But you had already left.

Exactly. He looked for me for several days. Except, it was only because a friend had given him the tape, Brenda Starr. At the time, I was her back-up singer.

As a superstar, you've never forgotten your past.

Camp Mariah is a camp for underpriveleged children 13 to 15 years old. They can eat, have fun, but also get a better understanding of career choices offered to them.

Where's your home?

In New York, I live in a triplex, where I forget everything. I like to retire to a room that's decorated in a Morrocan style with a beautiful view.

You're going to be in the play "The Sleeping Prince" in London soon. A role made famous by Marilyn Monroe...

Marilyn Monroe is my favorite actress. I'm very careful. For me, it's a challenge. The rehearsals have been postponed because of this tour. In November, I'll be on stage.

We've been told you bought her piano.

It's very sensitive, in bad condition and not tuned. But I keep it at my house so I can look at it.

Who is your ideal man?

I don't know. I can't give you a name of a star.

You don't have friends in Hollywood?

It's very difficult. My real friends are separate from them. They're true people, not fake.

Why do you feel so alone?

We all feel alone at some time. Some people we think are close deceive us. Being a celebrity allows me to realize my dreams, but also made me more wary. I never know who to trust.

(Femme - Mariah Planet)