First Mimi was emancipated; now Mariah Carey is being celebrated.

Carey, who just a couple of years ago was considered a dimming star, was reaffirmed as one of music’s brightest Thursday as she was nominated for eight Grammy awards, including album of the year for “The Emancipation of Mimi.”

While critics and fans have focused on her amazing career turnaround, Carey doesn’t like to call it a comeback. Instead, the 35-year-old diva, who received her first and only Grammy in 1991 for best new artist and best pop vocal performance, sees her newfound success as a validation of the kind of music she’s wanted to do all along.

“This is like an album of my favorite songs, and so that’s what feels great, because as an artist, you want people to hear your best work.”

Besides album of the year, Carey’s other nominations included record and song of the year for the heartbreak ballad “We Belong Together,” and best female pop vocal for the club hit “It’s Like That.” But Carey wasn’t the only one showered with eight nominations.

Vanguard rapper/producer Kanye West, who last year led all nominees with ten, equaled Carey’s accomplishment, and was also nominated for album of the year for “Late Registration.” His Ray Charles-inspired hit “Gold Digger” was nominated for record of the year and he also was cited for being a producer on Carey’s album.

West could also revel in the good fortune of another nominee, John Legend. The R&B crooner, who also earned eight nominations, is a West protege, and West appeared on his album. Legend’s nominations included best new artist, along with Ciara, Fall Out Boy, Sugarland, and Keane.

U2 was another multiple nominee, receiving five, including album of the year.