10 Things You Didn't Know About Mariah Carey

(Reuters)

Mariah Carey has been in the spotlight for over two decades, most recently making her debut as a judge on the 12th season of "American Idol."

But just when you thought you knew everything there was to know about this diva, Mariah proves that she's still full of surprises. Here are a few facts you may not have known about Mimi:

1. Carey was named after "They Call The Wind Mariah," a song from the musical "Paint Your Wagon."

2. Only The Beatles have more number-one singles (20) on the Billboard Hot 100 than Mariah Carey (18).

3. Mariah's community of fans are known as her "lambily."

4. Carey's 1994 holiday tune, "All I Want For Christmas is You," is the second Christmas song to bear that title. Vince Vance & The Valiants' released a popular song called "All I Want For Christmas is You" in 1989, but Carey's song shares no other similaries with their Christmas country staple.

5. Before making it as a singer, Carey studied cosmetology in Manhattan.

6. She'll be appearing in "The Butler," an upcoming film by Lee Daniels. Daniels previously directed Carey to an award-winning performance in "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire."

7. Some sources claim that Mariah sang one of the highest notes ever produced by a human voice during a performance of "Emotions" at the 1991 MTV Music Video Awards.

8. DemBabies is the official website of Carey's children, Monroe and Moroccan.

9. The song "One Sweet Day," which she recorded with "Boys II Men," holds the distinction of being the longest-running number one song in history, spending 16 weeks in the top position on the Billboard Hot 100.

10. Carey purchased Marilyn Monroe's white baby grand piano for $662,500 at a Christie's auction in 1999.