HOW DO YOU SOLVE A
PROBLEM LIKE MARIAH?

The superstar’s public meltdown has raised speculation over the fate of her new "Glitter" album, the first in her much-talked-about $100 million deal with Virgin Records.

Amid feelings her choice of the first single, "Loverboy," was a strategic mistake, Virgin has rush-released her new single, "Never Too Far," produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. It went to all radio formats today (8/1) after the label received the singer’s approval of a final mix. "Loverboy" had been languishing on the charts due to poor reaction at radio.

According to Virgin Sr. VP Promotion Michael Plen, the album is still slated for an Aug. 21 release, with the movie opening Labor Day (Sept. 3).

Meanwhile, her spokesperson says Carey is under psychiatric care following her hospitalization last week, a result of what she calls an "emotional and physical breakdown and extreme exhaustion." Carey had posted a rambling message on her website that was a cry for help. "Basically, all I really wanna say is I don’t know what’s going on with life… I just can’t trust anybody any more. I’m desperately trying to get out of this room. I’m gonna be taking some time off." The missive has since been removed from the site.

Although there has been talk Carey tried to commit suicide, her publicist Cindi Berger denies the reports, claiming she accidentally cut herself on some broken dishes and glasses. Rumor-mongers are mongering that the superstar’s relationship with Latin pop star Luis Miguel is on the rocks, which has also caused her to be despondent.

Carey’s hospitalization raises questions about whether there will be a video for the new single. The singer’s problems have caused plenty of nervousness at the label. There’s also massive chatter over the perils of artist "self-management" and its subsequent overwhelming stress. Will it convince Carey to finally recruit a big-time manager?

"We’re taking it one step at a time, but she is resting and improving," said Berger.