(Photo: Def Jam Records)

Mariah Carey delivered on her Beyoncé-style surprise album announcement. Late Wednesday (April 30) Carey revealed that her new release will be called, Me. I Am Mariah…The Elusive Chanteuse.  

It all happened in one big swoop and within minutes, the 44-year-old songstress was a worldwide trending topic on Twitter. The big reveal came with the track list, cover art, pre-order information, and a personal video message from Mimi.

The clip features a childhood "self portrait" which will act as the back of the album cover. The photo is the first and only time Carey has ever drawn herself. "I drew it when I was three-and-a-half and entitled it, 'Me. I Am Mariah,'" she says on the 1:18 second teaser.

Carey's drawing represents a "creative visualization" of how she saw herself, with the "purity of a child's heart, before it was ever broken," explains the singer. The entire project is "reflection of some of the peaks and valleys" that have made the multi-platinum selling artist that she is today. "I've decided to share it with those of you who actually care and have been here for me through it all," elaborates Carey. 

The latter half of the title is derived from a new nickname Carey has been given in the press. "Lately, they've been calling me The Elusive Chanteuse," she says as the video ends. 

Carey's album includes guest spots from Nas, Wale, Miguel, and Fabolous, with production from Hit-Boy, Jermaine Dupri, and Mike Will Made It. 

Me. I Am Mariah…The Elusive Chanteuse is slated for digital and physical release May 27.

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