Mariah Takes Janet's Saturday Shift

Carey to appear as musical guest on "SNL" after Jackson canceled due to the flu

By Sarah Hall Mar 12, 2008 6:27 PMTags

Exit Janet, enter Mariah.

The latter diva is pinch-hitting for the former on this weekend's Saturday Night Live after Jackson was forced to cancel her appearance due to the flu.

Carey will serve as musical guest, while Superbad star Jonah Hill will host.

It's Carey's first appearance on the sketch comedy series in over 10 years.

The singer's latest album, E=MC2, is due for release on Apr. 15.

Jackson had been scheduled to perform in support of her most recent album, Discipline, which debuted atop the charts last week.

However, after her ailment worsened enough for her to visit Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Monday, she elected to cancel her SNL appearance and focus on getting well, her rep said.

"She's been battling the flu like everyone else," Jackson's rep Patti Webster told E! News on Tuesday.

Jackson was not admitted to the hospital, and her condition was said to be improving.