Thousands of fans brought west London to a standstill last night as they waited for hours to meet American superstar Mariah Carey.

The 39-year-old singer was at the Westfield shopping centre to switch on the Christmas lights and sign autographs to promote her new album, Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel, and her third Elizabeth Arden fragrance, Forever.

"This is amazing, this is so much fun," she told the screaming crowd before flicking the switch.

Carey - without husband Nick Cannon - was an hour late for her appearance and the fans went crazy upon her arrival, with her bodyguards working hard to keep them back.

As she sang along to a festive hit, All I Want For Christmas Is You, the stage was illuminated by pyrotechnics.

In pictures: Mariah Carey lights up Westfield Centre

Her publicist dismissed claims that the five-time Grammy award- winner had made extravagant requests for the event, which included 20 white kittens and 100 white doves.

"It's absolute rubbish and absolute nonsense," she said.

She also clarified stories that Carey had asked for a pink carpet (her favourite colour) and pink butterfly-shaped confetti, explaining that they were provided by Westfield without the star's input.

Imperfect Angel: Mariah Carey wows the Westfield crowd

Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel is released on Monday, November 23.

In pictures: Mariah Carey lights up Westfield Centre