You can’t say the lady lacks determination. In spite of (or perhaps because of) some pretty bad reviews in the past, Mariah Carey says she is confident that she can be a star on the stage. The word is out that she has signed a contract for £15,000 per week for a starring role in a production opening in London next spring.

The American singer-songwriter rose to fame in the U.S. and UK in the 1990’s, and has released many top-billed albums and singles in the years since then. Eighteen of her singles have put her at the top of the field (second only to the Beatles) for the artist with the most number-one singles in the rock genre.

Now, however, Mariah Carey is reported to have landed the contract of her dreams. Though her roles in several films have drawn little praise, Mariah obviously believes in herself, and with good reason. More than once her music has been panned by critics, only to come out on the top of the charts – and stay there.

One source told a Daily Mirror reporter that Mariah has always wanted to star in a play, and is extremely pleased to have this opportunity. The pop star image she currently enjoys will not guarantee success on the London stage, but she’s more than willing to give it a shot.

Mariah Carey has said that those who label her a “diva” just don’t understand her. She’s able to deal with criticism, she avers, and what everyone thinks about her doesn’t really matter, as long as she can be true to herself. With this attitude, there’s no telling how far this artist may go.