The camera never lies? Mariah's latest promotional shot also appears to have suffered the heavy hand of the airbrush as she looks thinner than ever. The photo on the right shows the singer in August 2006. [Agecnies]

The singer - who is currently dating record executive Mark Sudack - said she definitely wants to start a family in the future, but only when she is in a position to devote herself entirely to a child.

She said: "Obviously having a kid is a commitment for life.

"I really would have to be very, very positive that I was in a place where I could completely focus and put everything into the job of being someone's mommy because it's hard enough to have a puppy."