Mariah Carey tells Britney Spears never to give up on her pop career

Pop diva Mariah Carey has told troubled singer Britney Spears never to give up on her pop career.

Carey, 37, hopes her own renaissance can inspire a comeback by the 26-year-old Toxic star.

Mariah said: "I never count people out – that’s just not in my nature."

Carey's new album E=MC2 is released next month.

Meanwhile, it has been claimed that Britney - who's currently under the conservatorship of her dad Jamie - is in danger of losing her millions within four years - if she does not curb her urge to spend.

Britney - who was previously said to be worth $100million - now has an estimated bank balance of $40million due to shopping sprees, holidays and partying.

This sharp decline in her once vast wealth is also reportedly due to spending huge chunks of her savings on houses and cars.

A source said: "She was very wide-eyed and attentive but she's as addicted to buying houses and new Mercedes as she is to the attention of the paparazzi.

"There was a moment when her mother said she could be out of money within four years and her children would still be in primary school."

"That was when she really sat up and took notice."