The two pop divas renew their long-standing rivalry this year as they are set to release their respective new albums within weeks of each other. Mariah’s “E=MC2” and Madonna’s “Hard Candy” are set to barge in the top music charts all over the world. The two are looking to duplicate or even surpass the sales of their previous albums.

Mariah is coming from the success of 2005’s “The Emancipation of Mimi” which sold 5.8 million copies and was her biggest hit after a public breakdown, marking her comeback into the record industry. Her single “Touch My Body” zoomed to the top of the Billboard’s Hot 100, making her second to The Beatles for most no. 1 hits ever on the chart. Madonna is equally successful in her previous album “Confessions on a Dance Floor” and is looking to duplicate her 2000 chart topper single “Music” with first single from the new album “4 minutes” moving up the Billboard charts. “4 Minutes” is Madonna’s 37th top ten hit in the U.S., breaking Elvis’ record of 36 top ten hits held for almost forty years. “Hard Candy” will be Madonna’s last album for long-time label Warner Bros. before she works with concert promoter Live Nation.

Mariah’s new approach caters to the younger crowd. As John Ivey, program director for KIIS-FM in L.A. said, “She has all these kids that now think she’s relevant again.” Madonna is using the same strategy in her new album as she collaborated with Justin Timberlake, Pharell Williams and Timbaland, giving her a more hip-hop and uptempo sound than previous records. And one can not help but notice that Madonna’s new album encroaches on Mariah’s territory, what with the collaborations with younger crowd favourites Justin Timberlake and Timbaland.

Good to know that there is again a healthy rivalry in the pop music industry nowadays. Two of the most well-known pop icons from the 80s and 90s are still making waves at present. Expect these divas to continue touring and performing with the trademark style they have established in the past.