Sorry, lambs, but you're going to have to wait a while to hear more new music from Mariah Carey. The multi-octave diva's next album won't be released until March 2013!

Billboard reports that Mimi's next effort, which she's been hyping up since late last year, won't be due until spring, and even that date is still tentative. Some outlets are speculating that Carey's delay is due to wanting to wait for the 'American Idol' live shows to begin so she can perform and promote her singles on the ratings giant, which would be an admittedly wise (if fan-frustrating) move.

Another factor in Carey's wait? Her first single, 'Triumphant (Get 'Em)' hasn't gained too much momentum just yet (it will be released to radio this Monday, Aug. 13), so she and her label suits, including manager Randy Jackson, may be waiting to see if it can pick up some plays.

Jackson, who helped convince Carey to accept her 'Idol' judging deal, explained to the chart mag why the singer released three different versions of 'Triumphant': to please all of her diverse and doting little lambs. "The vintage throwback mix will remind fans of remixes she did years ago, and she's had a lot of Billboard No. 1 dance hits as well," Jackson said. "She went in and re-sang the vocals, knowing that the two verses on this first version of this single with Meek and Ross were going to be hip-hop verses where people were rapping. We wanted to have something for all of her fans."

He also insists that the record will be well worth the wait. "The album is going to be one of the great Mariah Carey albums with a lot of stuff that you've come to love about her over the years."

One thing Carey provides regularly to her fans is inspiration, and Jackson said that 'Triumphant' was inspired by her husband Nick Cannon's bout with kidney failureblood clots and an autoimmune disease similar to lupus. "Her idea with all her music is to get it out to her fans, and hopefully lift everyone's spirits a little bit. It's really about having it succeed, and people are hearing it."

Jackson also addressed fan criticism at Mimi's not taking center stage on the hip-hop version of 'Triumphant.' "Most people probably don't understand this, but you always play to what's best for the song," he said. "You don't go in and say, 'Wait a minute. I know they're rapping on these verses, but I need to be singing on these verses. Me, me, me.' It just turns out that way."

Listen to Mariah Carey, 'Triumphant (Get 'Em)' Feat. Rick Ross and Meek Mill

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