Carey publicist downplays cancellations

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- A publicist for Mariah Carey says there is no need for concern regarding the U.S. singer's decision to skip several upcoming appearances.

Publicist Cindi Berger said the events involving Carey, 40, were actually postponed and not canceled. People.com said Saturday that Carey had been scheduled to perform on the TV series "Today" on Aug. 28 and receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Aug. 25.

In addition, the "Rainbow" singer had been scheduled to film a "VH1 Storytellers" episode.

Berger also downplayed a later release attached to Carey's newest album "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel," which is now due out on Sept. 29.

"Record release dates change all the time," Berger told People magazine. "It's nothing unusual and it doesn't signal anything. There are a lot of moving parts to Mariah's professional life. ... She's making sure the record is how she wants it to be and its no big deal."