Thursday 21 August 2003

Mariah Carey is ready to pass the crown (?)

Mariah Carey, the '90s queen of pop who remains the best-selling female performer of all time, isn't quite ready to pass the crown. Relatively inactive as a live performer over the past three years, Carey, like all of us, has seen Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Jessica Simpson blossom in her wake.

Nevertheless, Carey proved vital as ever during a well-received, sold-out concert at Universal Amphitheatre on Monday, the first of a two-night engagement that concludes today. The 32-year-old New Yorker, touring in support of her newest release, "Charmbracelet", tore through a 100-minute set featuring many of her No. 1 hits such as "Vision of Love" and "Fantasy".

And while there were lots of dancers, props and video displays, Carey provided a somber theme of perseverance and faith with such spiritual selections as "Through the Rain" and the touching '"My Saving Grace". Yes, Carey's much-publicized emotional breakdown in 2001 hasn't been forgotten. But the fact is, Carey has never looked or sounded better. Perfectly fit, tanned and sexy, Carey proved ready for action, and she certainly doesn't seem intimidated by her supposed competitors, who might have surpassed her on the sales charts - but certainly not on stage.

Carey hit her high notes beautifully, to the delight of the mostly young, female crowd. And her between-songs banter was warm, engaging and charismatic. Carey's growth as a concert performer is especially notable because in the past, her biggest weakness might have been a mild failure to connect with audiences.

However, such shyness has disappeared. Carey was in control of the room Monday - and Spears and company should have been there taking notes. While Carey's peaks were mighty impressive, there were a few valleys. The performance was bit ill-paced, partly because Carey allowed her backup musicians too much of the spotlight, as she occasionally disappeared off stage for five or 10 minutes at a time.

But things remained interesting because Carey always returned in a new, wildly revealing outfit, and it was never too long before another sing-along hit such as "Hero" arrived. Among the best moments was a wonderful version of "Bringin' on the Heartbreak", a cover of British rock band Def Leppard's early hit - proof positive Carey is certainly more than a balladeer.

Mariah Carey is back, big-time. And her adoring, loyal fans, many of whom carried large cardboard signs welcoming her return, couldn't be happier.

(U-Redlands Daily)

Many thanks to Mariah-Carey.org.



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