US diva Mariah Carey to tour Australia

Mariah Carey will tour Australia for the first time since the 1990s. Source: AP

US pop star Mariah Carey plans to travel with an entourage of 40 people to support her on her first tour to Australia since the 1990s.

Alongside her band and dancers, the diva performer will tour with her children and husband and plans to spend New Year's Eve on the Gold Coast.

Promoters have been negotiating with Carey's camp for six months.

''Mariah's got a very busy schedule with her American Idol commitments, this is the only time she could come out," Rafter said.

''She has to head back to the States right after the Australian shows to do Idol."

''I'm pretty sure she's bringing her kids and husband out for a little holiday," Rafter said.

Rafter said rumours Carey would earn $2 million for her Sydney show alone were "off the mark."

Melbourne Mariah Carey fans may still get a chance to see the diva.

In a surprise announcement, Carey will play at Jupiter's on the Gold Coast on January 1 and Sydney 's Allphones Arena on January 3.

Promoter Mark Rafter is negotiating for a possible third show in Melbourne.

''At the moment it's only the two shows but things can change quickly," Rafter said.

''Never say never."

Carey's last visit to Melbourne in 1998 saw her cancel a show due to illness.

Tickets start at $99 with $699 option offering a front row seat and entry to a pre-show function, but no meet and greet with the US star.

A high profile opening act will be announced next week.

Ticketing details are available at mariahcareyaustralia.com