Carey made her return at a US charity show

Glitter sold just two million copies worldwide, compared with 20 million for her 1993 record Music Box.

Carey had a troubled 2001 after suffering an emotional breakdown which led her to check into a clinic to recover.

The singer was placed in psychiatric care in August after suffering from "extreme exhaustion".

Bad reviews

Her publicist Cindi Berger denied reports at the time that Carey had attempted suicide by cutting herself.

Her first major film, also called Glitter, was postponed until she was well enough to promote it.

But bad reviews ensured it did not recoup its money at the box office.

Virgin signed Carey in April after she quit the Sony label owned by her ex-husband Tommy Mottola.

In a statement Carey said: "I look forward to the many new and exciting opportunities which have now been presented to me. I wish Virgin well."

Alan Levy, the head of recorded music at EMI Records, was equally positive about the parting of the ways.

"We have decided that this is the most prudent course of action for EMI. We wish Mariah the best."

Pressure on EMI

At the time Carey was signed, the label was criticised for paying over the odds for the singer, which some critics saw as a fading star.

In recent months, Alain Levy, the head of recorded music at EMI, has been looking to cut costs.

Last year, the group warned that full year profits could fall 20%, as the music industry was hit by falling CD sales and piracy.

EMI has made two failed attempts to merge, first with Warner Music and then BMG.