A1 meet Mariah!

Mariah: So, do you guys do this all the time?

Paul: Actually, we've never done an interview before.

Ben: Well, I did one with Jordan Knight for Smash Hits, which was pretty cool. When are you starting your world tour?

Mariah: February 14.

Ben: Really? That's when our new single, Like A Rose, is out. How do you keep your voice in shape?

Mariah: I take three days off between shows, which makes me less money, but I don't care 'cos the tour's not a money-making exercise. I don't really do warm-ups, I just sing along with whatever CD I've put on and drink tea.

Christian: My friends asked me to ask you...

Mariah: Oh dear!

Christian: ...who do you prefer - American or European boys?

Ben: It's got to be European!

Mariah: (Ignoring him) I like whoever is the better human being.

SH: Is that a nice way to say American?

Mariah: (Laughing) No!

Mark: (Pauses for ages before asking his question) First, I want to say Hero and Anytime You Need A Friend are the best songs of all time. Are there any other songs you'd like to cover?

Mariah: Thank you. Yes, that's why I do covers! I'm not going to say what they are in case someone steals the idea!

Paul: Did you recognise your own singing ability or did someone else?

Mariah: When I was six, I was singing with my friend and she said, "When you sing, it sounds like there's music behind you" and that's my first memory of anyone apart from my mum saying I could sing.

Afterwards, A1 run outside Claridge's Hotel jumping and hugging each other. "Thanks, Smash Hits!" screams Mark. "I always said since the age of 12 that I was going to marry Mariah Carey. Obviously that's not gonna happen (the other three laugh), but that was an experience I'll never forget." Ben meanwhile leans into the tape recorder and says in an American accent, "Hi, this is Mariah Carey and I'd like to thank Smash Hits for introducing me to the best boyband in the world, A1." The young scamp!

(Smash Hits)