Mariah Carey recording again

Mariah Carey has returned to work.

The 42-year-old singer has gone back into the recording studio to lay down songs for the first time since the birth of her twins Moroccan and Monroe in April 2011.

Carey who is married to Nick Cannon - tweeted: "Summer 2012... Been in the lab, mixing up some concoctions for you, hope you like it!!

"Still working in the studio with friends o plenty! I love this new song :) (sic)"

Carey last released an album, Merry Christmas II You in 2010 and last December collaborated with Justin Bieber on the re-release of her festive hit All I Want For Christmas Is You.

Cannon previously revealed the couple's children was inspiring her songwriting.

He wrote on his official website earlier this year: "My beautiful wife is planning to make her return to the music scene after taking time off to focus on the pregnancy and the birth of our two wonderful babies, Moroccan and Monroe.

"She's rejuvenated and ready to start sharing some of the amazing new music she has been making in the studio! Our new family has definitely given her a great new source of inspiration and creativity.

"I'm so proud of her and can't wait for her to release more phenomenal music!"