The singer returns to the Sony fold and reunites with Antonio "L.A." Reid.

The ink is dry on Mariah Carey's new recording contract with Epic Records, a spokesperson for the Sony label confirms.

As first reported by Billboard on Jan. 30, the singer is reteaming with Antonio "L.A." Reid for a multi-album deal that would begin with a greatest-hits set to coincide with her upcoming residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Dubbed "#1's," the concert series booked by Creative Artists Agency begins May 6 and will include all 18 of Carey's Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers, from 1990's "Vision of Love" to 2008's "Touch My Body." Likewise, her forthcoming album for Epic is expected to feature updates and possibly duets of her classic songs.

Although Carey left Sony some 15 years ago on tumultuous terms, there are plenty of reasons why rejoining makes sense now. Doug Morris, current chairman/CEO of Sony Music, brought Carey to Island Def Jam in 2003 when he was running Universal Music Group. It was there that Reid, then head of IDJ, oversaw her 2005 comeback, The Emancipation of Mimi. Finally, Joey Arbagey, a collaborator of Carey's during the making of the six-times platinum Mimi, is now executive vp A&R at Epic. Indeed, Carey is already recording new music in Los Angeles, says a source.

No word yet on a potential release date for her first Epic effort.