Backstage Pass

Mariah Carey debuted her new single "Bye Bye" on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" today, ensuring a huge opening for it when it goes on sale at iTunes tomorrow along with the rest of her "E=MC2" album. (As Oprah repeated often "E=MC2" is Carey shorthand for "Emancipation equals Mariah Carey to a higher power.")

Carey also explained how the song is, in part, about the loss of her father, Alfred Roy Carey, though the song's theme is about dealing with any sort of loss.

Much of Carey's "Oprah" appearance was dedicated to her recent weight loss, though she did take time out to show off the lingerie closet in her Manhattan apartment, where her undergarments are organized by color.

And she also addressed her recent honor, becoming the solo artist with the most No. 1 singles in the modern music era, passing Elvis Presley when "Touch My Body" became her 18th chart-topper. "I didn't do this," she said of the honor. "This is not me. It’s the grace of God. I also have to thank the fans."

PHOTO: Island Def Jam

FULL REVIEW: On 'E=MC2," Mariah Carey has no equal [Newsday]