MARIAH STAYS WITH L.A. REID AND EPIC

L.A. Reid and Mariah Carey are staying together as Epic Records has struck a joint partnership with Carey’s Butterfly MC label. A studio album, her first in eight years, is expected later this year.

Reid, who engineered her 2005 comeback while at Island Def Jam, signed Carey to Epic in 2015.

"To continue working with Mariah Carey at Epic has been another rewarding chapter of my career," Reid said. "Mariah's chart records have established her enduring place in music history, a position that is cherished and supported by her loyal fans worldwide. I look forward to building upon all of Mariah's success for years to come."

Since signing with Epic, Carey has toured, made a reality series for E!, partnered with MAC Cosmetics and done a Vegas residency at Caesars Palace, which she will return to in July. And, of course, there was that New Year’s Eve incident.

Carey said "I am putting my heart and soul into making more new music. I am so thrilled for this next chapter and to continue working with, and for, everyone that I love."