Mariah Cancels 20/20 Interview

September 5, 2001 -- (ABCNEWS.com) — Mariah Carey canceled an interview with ABCNEWS's Barbara Walters — the singer's first television interview since her breakdown — citing a need for more rest.

The interview was set to air on 20/20 on Sept. 12, the day after the soundtrack album to her upcoming movie Glitter arrives in stores.

Carey's representatives had promised the singer would discuss the reasons behind her hospitalization for an emotional and physical breakdown earlier this summer. Today, Carey's representative, Cindi Berger, said she is continuing to recover from her breakdown and "needs more time to rest."

Upon learning about Carey's cancellation, Walters said: "We were concerned to hear that Ms. Carey would be unable to do the interview at this time, and wish her well."

Carey, 31, was taken to a hospital on July 26 in suburban Westchester County in New York after suffering a breakdown. She was later moved to a facility in Connecticut, and has been with her mother, under her doctor's care, since being released last month.

Carey's representatives blamed her breakdown on exhaustion and stress from working on Glitter; another movie Wise Girls, due out next year; as well as the Glitter soundtrack.

The Grammy-winner recently posted a voice message on her official Web site for her fans where she said, "Hey guys, I'm just checking in, letting you know that I love you. I'm reading the letters you wrote me, and you always make me smile, no matter what. I'll call you soon, bye."

Glitter — which stars Carey in her first lead role — is set to open Sept. 21.