Carey 'gaining weight' recording album

Mariah Carey has reportedly gained 15lbs while recording her new album.

The 'Hero' singer is said to have given up on her strict diet and has instead been enjoying extra culinary treats as she pens her twelfth studio record Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel.

"Mariah loves food. Right now she's making an album and eating everything and anything she wants. She has put on about 15lbs, but she loves the curves," a source told The New York Post.

Carey will reportedly refocus her attention on getting fit prior to the album's release on September 18.

"She'll definitely tone up again when she releases her album, but as of now, she's stuffing her face," the insider added.

According to reports, Carey banned journalists from mentioning her age at the Cannes Film Festival last month.