Carey, who recently announced she is expecting a baby with husband Nick Cannon, gave a strange answer to British newspaper The Times when she was asked about turning 40.
She said: 'Who turned 40? I have no idea what you're talking about turning 40 - I'm 12.'
Asked if she feels 12, she added: 'No, I am 12. Honestly, I don't think I'm normal.'
'I don't think my life has been quite normal, I disregard time, you don't see me wear a watch - I don't adhere to modern rules or the normal rules of time.'
The superstar added: 'I don't have birthdays, literally.'
'If anyone wished my happy birthday, I'd be like, who are you talking to? It's about not being tied down to anything.'