Since splitting from backup dancer Tanaka, 41, late last year, the 55-year-old diva has not been with anyone serious.
A source said: “She definitely wants to replace Tanaka and has been quietly auditioning one young guy after another since he ended things.
“She is realistic. She knows her money is a big part of the draw, but she actually likes to spend it. She likes to throw her money around.”
But insiders added that she has been throwing around too much money – and it’s getting to the point where she can no longer afford her boy toys.
In the past, she showered them with luxury items, new clothes, fancy haircuts, all the bling they wanted, plus private jets, gourmet meals, five-star hotels and limousine service, the source said.
“These guys live a life of luxury, and it costs Mariah a lot of money.
“Basically they had everything she had, so it doubled her expenses – and she just can’t do it anymore, not if she wants to stay out of the red.”