Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon divorce: America's Got Talent host says Hero star is 'love of my life'

Almost a year after they called time on their marriage, Nick Cannon has hinted there may still be hope for him and Mariah Carey yet.

During a recent appearance on The Meredith Vieira Show, the America's Got Talent host admitted his soon-to-be ex-wife will always have a special place in his heart.

"It's one of those things, I'm a hopeless romantic too. Through this learning process, you never say never. To me one thing I know, that will always be the love of my life, always be my family and that's never going to change," he said.

The couple, who have two children together, confirmed their split in August 2014, revealing they were living apart. Weeks later, Cannon replaced his enormous "Mariah" tattoo with a giant Jesus inking. His new tattoo shows Jesus on the cross with angel wings coming off the end. Cannon, 34, is said to have filed for divorce in December of that year.

But despite their differences, the former lovebirds are staying cordial for the sake of their three-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe, and it looks like Cannon still feels a sense for admiration for the Hero hit maker.

"That's one thing I actually admire Mariah because she is professional. You ain't going to get nothing out of her. I was like you know what, I'm learning. I'm learning," he explained.

And although he is now technically single, the Drumline star admits he is not quite ready for another relationship.

"I'm not dating anyone... I don't have time," he said. "I'm trying to focus on being the best father I can possibly be, and business, we have so many things, from the book to my philanthropic efforts to all the shows and movies I'm producing."

Earlier in April, Cannon said "never say never" when asked by TMZ whether a reconciliation between the pair was on the cards.