Yall lots of artists release lead singles before their album is finished. It's pretty much why they have the promotion set up like they do. When the lead single comes out, the album is still in the final mixing process which gives just enough time for the single to build momentum and hype up the album even more. When you finish your album, mixing and all, without releasing a lead single first, your risk your music leaking if you sit on it too long. It happened to Kelly Clarkson, Jojo, Usher, etc...

Mariah should release a promo single in January to get her music base back off the ground, then once Idol starts, release the lead single because by then hopefully there will be more hype and anticipation. I'm really rooting for her this time around because I enjoy her music,mostly the older stuff i don't mind her ballads I'd just like her to do more lighter ballads about her being a mother and wife and how its changed her. I'm over her heartbreak stuff. Granted some of the recent heartbreak ballads are amazing, I want her to do happier ballads.