Top nominees
One of music's most dominant forces, Mariah Carey continues to sell (and break) records. In December 2005, the singer tied Elvis Presley for second place among artists with the most Billboard Hot 100 topping singles in the rock era when "Don't Forget About Us" became her 17th No. 1. In addition to selling 46 million albums in the United States throughout her career, according to Nielsen SoundScan, Carey scored a Hot 100 No. 1 in every year in the '90s and has won a bevy of Grammy awards.
The artist started out her dream in a gutsy way, relocating from Long Island to Manhattan a mere day after graduating from high school. Fortunately, Carey signed with Columbia shortly thereafter and went from an overnight success with her self-titled 1990 debut to a consistent hitmaker for the label.
But more than a decade into her career, Carey suffered a couple of missteps, including a very public breakdown and the critically maligned film "Glitter" in 2001 and its Virgin soundtrack. A break from Virgin led her to Island Def Jam, and her second set for the label, 2005's "The Emancipation of Mimi", became a comeback story of considerable note.
Considered as a testament to her fortitude and undeniable talent, the Island Def Jam set has sold 3.6 million copies, debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 and led to an impressive eight Grammy nominations. (Billboard)
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