After the dismal performance of Mariah Carey’s acting debut Glitter, very few put much stock in her acting ability. This is not the case with director Lee Daniels who quickly approached her to replace none other than Oscar winner Helen Mirren for his new film Precious.

According to published reports, the director so wanted her to get in character he insisted that she tone her look way down. “If you come with a strip of makeup on,” Daniels says he told her, “I will have a backup.”

This turned out to be a good thing for Carey who says the role helped her deal with personal issues. “By making me look so bad he brought out the ability to never be self-conscious again…” Carey said. Precious opens nationwide on November 7, and Carey is already receiving raves for her performance.