(REUTERS) - Singer Mariah Carey has revealed what she really thinks of the engagement ring that billionaire business James Packer has given her.

"It's hideous, take it away! I was insulted, I was insulted. I couldn't believe..." she said with a laugh. "No it was an amazing moment and I'm very, very excited."

The singer has made another commitment - touring Europe for the first time in over 10 years. She said: "I'm looking forward to coming back to Europe because I had so much fun when I went in the last... It was '03 and I can't believe it even though I don't acknowledge numbers."

Carey says she needs sleep most of all during the 27 gigs, but also her children. She adds: "It's funny to me the things that they remember the places they've been because they've been so many places - more than a lot of adults, I'm sure. But it wouldn't be the same without them so it's something I'm looking forward to because they love coming to the shows. It amazes me when my daughter will sing We Belong Together. Wait, she knows that song? I'm like, how does she know this? But she knows it."

The Sweet, Sweet Fantasy tour will take her around Europe before she plays two final gigs in South Africa at the beginning of May.