Carey Forming Her Own Record Label

It's confirmed: Mariah Carey is forming her own record company. This is the word we get from her attorney, Don Passman, who informs us that the new entity will not only feature Mariah's talents, but other artists', too. According to Passman, they still do not have a launch date or a title for the label.

In January, after her initial album for EMI proved to be her first flop since she burst upon the scene in 1990, the firm paid the songstress $28 million to avoid fulfilling the $80 million, four record contract she signed last April. She has been expected to link up with hip-hop label Def Jam or one of many other labels rumored to be courting her -- and this news of her forming a label will come as a major surprise to many.

Some are bound to question the wisdom of the 31-year-old singer taking on the stress of her own company such a short time after suffering an emotional and physical breakdown -- with many citing Mariah's workaholic ways as a probable contributing factor. She was hospitalized twice just prior to the release of "Glitter" Sept. 21. She has seemed to be bounding back. She took part in the "America: A Tribute to Heroes" telethon in September, entertained our troops overseas and made an appearance at the Sundance Film Festival in January.

But taking on the load of a record company? Is it wise? We'll see.