Mariah Carey finally plans return visit

Long wait ... Mariah Carey. Photo: Reuters

Mariah Carey will see in the New Year from the Gold Coast after announcing two shows in Australia in January.

It's been 14 years since the diva performed Down Under, and she is bringing her live show to the Gold Coast's Jupiters Casino on January 1 before heading to Sydney's Allphones Arena two days later.

Carey aims to keep the Christmas spirit alive by performing songs from her two hit Christmas albums, which have sold more than 13 million copies worldwide.

The singer recently teamed up with Keith Urban, as well as Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson, as judges on American Idol which is set to air on Network Ten in 2013.

Aussie fans will be in for an entertainment extravaganza with Carey performing hit songs including We Belong Together, Dream Lover and Fantasy.

AAP