Mariah Carey used to think having a good sense of humour was important when looking for a partner but has now realised kindness is more significant.

The singer split from her husband Nick Cannon in 2014 after over six years of marriage and the former couple have four-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan together. She's now moved on with billionaire James Packer, recently calling her new beau a "spectacular guy", and in a new interview with People magazine Mariah shared how her outlook on love has changed over time.

"I used to say a sense of humour (was the most vital thing in a guy)," she said. "I think that's important, but I think that a caring and generous spirit is very important as well."

James certainly fits the bill, as when they made their red carpet debut at the Tribeca Film Institute gala in September (15) Mariah arrived wearing a beautiful diamond necklace. She later revealed it was a gift from her boyfriend and that it was the second surprise present from him.

When the music star isn't busy working, she loves nothing more than chilling with an episode of TV show Scandal on a Friday night. She also enjoys a good soak in the tub, but has to anticipate her little ones interrupting her relaxation.

"(After a long day I want) a bath when there's no one banging on the door (yelling), 'Mommy!'" she laughed. "It used to be my private time, and now it's not, but that's OK. I'll often take a bath in a bathing suit knowing that I'm going to have to let (my children) in."

Her kids aren't oblivious to their mother's fame anymore, as Mariah revealed earlier this month (Nov15) that Moroccan now comments on her star status. "My son has started saying, 'You're Mariah Carey,'" she said, using a star-struck baby voice to mimic her child. "It's like, 'Oh my gosh, I can't handle it.’ I don't even know who taught him that. It definitely wasn't me!"