In Search of Mimi

In Search of Mimi takes a look at the life and times of Mariah Carey, as the singer celebrates twenty years in the music business. Trevor Nelson traces her career ups and downs and looks for the real person behind the demanding diva image. The story begins with the moment Mariah got signed, to her first single Vision of Love, and the MTV Unplugged sessions which showcased her tremendous vocal range. Along the way, we hear songs that made her famous like Emotions and Fantasy, lesser known tracks that Mariah cherishes including Underneath The Stars and The Roof, and music from her new holiday album, Merry Christmas II You. We hear from Mariah's colleagues and close friends, including her video directing collaborator Brett Ratner, who sheds light on working with her on set of her music videos: "We're like two kids in a candy store." We hear about her antics on tour, and in the studio, from her back-up singers Trey Lorenz and Mary Ann Tatum; while her close friend Jasmine Dotiwala talks about being on holiday with Mariah and her real character behind closed doors. Other contributors include L.A. Reid, the record producer and head of Island Def Jam records; and Lee Daniels, director of the award winning film, Precious, who talks about choosing Mariah for the part of Ms Weiss, and how she adapted to the character and worked on set without a huge entourage. We also hear from Mariah Carey herself, in an interview recorded recently with producer Sarah Thompson in New York City. Mariah talks candidly about her background, the stories behind some of her personal favourite songs, her struggles with her identity and her love of hip hop. She speaks openly and honestly about her lack of control at the beginning of her career and how her sense of humour has got her through the darkest times in her life. Finally, we find out how Mariah will be spending her Christmas and what the future holds for one of the biggest selling female artists of all time.