8: Mariah Carey – Powerful Women of 2013

Before just about everyone who auditioned for this season's 'American Idol' fawned at Mariah Carey's feet, she was just another talented singer from New York who was trying to make it in the late '80s and early '90s. However, a chance meeting with Columbia Records exec and later her first husband, Tommy Mottola, changed her life forever.

Her self-titled debut dropped in 1990, and sold over 15 million copies. Her single, 'Vision of Love,' won two Grammys -- Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best New Artist. Carey dominated the '90s and early 2000s with the release of eight studio albums, two Christmas LPs and a soundtrack for her film, 'Glitter.' Known as one of the most iconic voices of all time, she churned out Top 40 hits like 'Emotions,' 'Hero,' 'Fantasy,' 'Dreamlover,' 'Thank God I Found You' featuring Joe and 98 Degrees and 'One Sweet Day' featuring Boyz II Men, just to name a few.

Aside from spending two nights a week feuding with Nicki Minaj on 'American Idol' earlier this year, she debuted 'Almost Home' for the Disney film, 'Oz: The Great and Powerful,' and her Miguel-assisted song, '#Beautiful,' off her forthcoming LP, which is set to arrive this year and be filled with lots of "raw ballads."