Mariah Carey shuts down Times Square with album launch

Singer Mariah Carey brought New York landmark Times Square to a standstill on Thursday night (01May14) when she launched her new album.

The Hero superstar caused a traffic shutdown in the heart of Manhattan when she made a surprise appearance to coincide with the announcement of her 14th album and release date.

The singer greeted hordes of fans who had waited hours to meet their idol as she unveiled the cover for her album Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse on a number of billboards.

Carey posted several pictures of the event across her social media accounts, including Instagram.com, where she wrote, "Took a lil' (little) walk through times square... Panic the city moments. I love you New York!!"

On the rear of the album is the childhood picture that gave Carey inspiration for the title. The self-portrait that Carey drew when she was three and a half was titled 'Me. I Am Mariah', and the singer also wrote, "Looking at my self portrait blown up in Times Square. Surreal... never thought I'd see my childhood drawing up there!"

Her new album is scheduled for release on 27 May (14).