Nippon Television Network (NTV) announced this week that American singer Mariah Carey, 38, will provide the theme song for the network’s professional baseball telecasts. The new song, “Lovin’ you long time,” comes from Carey’s album “E=MC2,” due to be released on April 16.

NTV has been getting low ratings for its baseball telecasts. NTV sports producer Kengo Okada said: “In 2008, the popularity of professional baseball will bounce back. I hope the song will attract viewers who are not big fans of baseball. We’re counting on the Yomiuri Giants and Mariah.”

Carey was quoted by her agent as saying: “I hope everybody enjoys the baseball together with my song. Ai shite masu!” (I love you!)