Mariah Carey “changes her ethnicity”

Mariah Carey “changes her ethnicity” to suit what she’s doing.

The pop star has a black father and an Irish-American mother, but claims her look is so universal she can be made to appear black, white or Latina. The singer admits she changes her hair, clothes and make-up depending on what country she is in and who is coming to watch her perform.

“I change ethnically according to where I am in the world,” the 39-year-old star said. “I can be a spokesperson for black, white and Latina. MC could stand for multicultural. My image is optimistic, accessible and universal.”

Mariah thinks the same applies to her music, which has been carefully crafted to ensure it appeals to as many people as possible.

“It’s R’n’B but not too R’n’B,” she explained to Britain’s The Times newspaper. “It’s poppy but not too poppy. Hardcore but not too hardcore. My image is the same. I dress trendy but not too trendy. I never want people to think I just wear ‘this’ or ‘that’ designer and that they cannot afford my stuff. We mustn’t get remote or ever give people the chance to think I think I’m better than them.”