Mariah Carey was snapped in the studio this week laying down tracks for a brand new album to be released later this year.

I love how playful and posey Mimi always looks when getting her photo taken. I’m just shocked she allowed her picture to be taken without a scrap of make-up on her face. We all know about her insecurities and the hilarious ways in which she will go through to have them masked. Anyway, she’s been getting into shape for her impending chart assault, and it shows.

Mariah has also been plotting a number of comeback performances and we only have to wait two days for her anticipated stage debut. MC will perform a free concert with her pal Diddy in New York City at Gotham Hall on March 1st. The show will air during the promo run of ‘Plot Your Escape’ on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ From various locations, there will be appearances from Mary J. Blige, Cee Lo Green and Nicki Minaj.

As reported previously, MC will headline the 11th Annual Mawazine Festival in Morocco on May 26th. Event organisers have confirmed that she will perform new songs from the upcoming project.

Typical Mimi records new album.