Mariah Carey embarrassed by Gaddafi performance

Mariah Carey has revealed she felt "horrible and embarrassed" after she was paid $1 million to sing for the son of Libya's Colonel Gaddafi.

The pregnant singer gave a private performance for members of the dictator's family at a party in the Caribbean in 2006 but has vowed to be careful about who she works for in future.

She said in a statement: "I was naive and unaware of who I was booked to perform for. I feel horrible and embarrassed to have participated in this mess.

"Ultimately we as artists are to be held accountable. Going forward, this is a lesson for all artists to learn from. We need to be more aware and take more responsibility regardless of who books our shows."

Colonel Gaddafi - who has been linked to terrorist activity and accused of running a brutal regime over his people for 40 years - has been asked to step down by leaders of the western world following a violent revolt in the Middle Eastern country, but has refused, even denying there is unrest in the state.

Mariah, 40, - who is expecting twins with her husband Nick Cannon - is not the only high profile singer to perform for the Libyan leader's family.

Yesterday (02.03.11) Beyonce Knowles announced she gave a private performance for members of the dictator's family on New Year's Eve 2009, but instead of keeping the cash for herself she gave it all away to Haiti, following the devastating earthquake that ravaged the Caribbean nation in early 2010.

While earlier this week, Nelly Furtado revealed she is to donate the $1 million she earned performing for Gaddafi's family in 2007.

The 'Powerless (Say What You Want)' singer tweeted: "In 2007, I received 1million$ from the Qaddafi clan to perform a 45 min. Show for guests at a hotel in Italy. I am going to donate the $ (sic)."