Mariah 'wants Leona' for Broadway musical

Mariah Carey is reportedly hoping that Leona Lewis will star in a Broadway musical based on her life.

The 39-year-old singer has been in talks with musical producers about a forthcoming production for months, but only agreed to the project following a discussion with husband Nick Cannon over Christmas, reports The Mirror.

The show, which will tentatively open in 2009, is expected to cover Carey's meteoric rise to fame, her marriage and divorce from music executive Tommy Mottola, rumours of a nervous breakdown and her recent marriage to Cannon.

"Mariah’s not sure if she’ll star in it herself," revealed an insider. "If she doesn’t, names being tossed around include High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens and Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria.

"But Mariah secretly likes the idea of Leona Lewis playing her. Not only is she exotic, she’s the only one who they reckon would be able to tackle Mariah’s eight-octave vocal range."