The singer-turned-actress was devastated when the 2001 film and accompanying soundtrack was slammed by critics and she was later hospitalised after suffering an emotional breakdown. Mariah has now returned to the big screen in gritty drama Precious and is thrilled with the positive reviews she has received.

“Being here is definitely a milestone. But I had one milestone that almost had me under this stone,” Mariah said at a screening of Precious. “I didn’t realize you really have to be selective with the people that you work with and you have to have that support system and you have to work with people that you feel are geniuses.”

Mariah’s husband Nick Cannon says he loved watching Precious and isn’t surprised by the Oscar buzz surrounding the star’s portrayal of an unglamorous New York social worker. “The performance was phenomenal. I love her in every look. It’s Mariah,” he tells FOX News.

The 40-year-old star has gained so much confidence from appearing in Precious, she is planning to pursue her interest in making serious movies.

Mariah said: “But I’m definitely inspired to work out of my comfort zone after this.”