Diva smackdown: Madonna vs. Mariah

Shameless publicity stunts

Sure, Mariah Carey’s been pulling out all the stops lately, appearing on “American Idol” and “Good Morning America” and even lighting up the Empire State Building in her “signature colors” (pink, lavender and white, in case you really had to know). But let’s face it: none of that will ever top Madonna’s soul kiss with Britney at the MTV Awards, or the fake crucifixion she staged as part of her Confessions world tour in 2006. No one plays the publicity game better than the Material Girl.

Advantage: Madonna.