News Archive » August 2003
AUGUST 31, 2003 11:56AM
We don't Carey...she'll have to book

As the world’s biggest-selling female singer and an international sex symbol, Mariah Carey has grown used to getting her own way.

But the pop superstar is set to face some unfamiliar difficulties when she makes a flying visit to golf courses in Edinburgh and East Lothian.

The enthusiastic golfer is planning to take advantage of a forthcoming concert in Scotland to stop off in Edinburgh and play on some of the region’s famous courses.

However, rules regarding "lady players" mean she will be banned from the bar at one club house and forced to take a male partner before she is allowed on some courses.

Nor will she be able to squeeze in a game at any time to suit her busy schedule - due to restrictions on "women’s tee-off times".

One of the region’s most prestigious clubs was so unimpressed by her fame and fortune that they warned she would have to book soon if she wanted to get a game during October.

The 33-year-old New Yorker plans to visit Edinburgh for a few days’ golfing before she performs at the SECC in Glasgow on October 25. She also intends to meet the producers of a play to discuss appearing at the Fringe in a new drama next year.

But, at Muirfield Golf Club, in Gullane, East Lothian, the venue of last year’s British Open Championship, club secretary John Prideaux was distinctly unimpressed.

Mr Prideaux, who admitted he had never heard of the singer, said the club refused to bend its no-female-members rule for anyone. At £100-a-round, the singer would be able to play the famous course, but only under strict conditions.

"If the lady wants to play, and has a gentleman to accompany her, then there is no problem. We do have ladies’ changing rooms," said Mr Prideaux. "She will be able to play provided there are visitors’ tee-off times available, so I would suggest she gets booked up well in advance to make sure."

It was a similar story at the prestigious Royal Burgess Golf Club, near Barnton, which also has a no-female-members rule.

Club secretary Graeme Seeley said Carey would be welcome and could even make use of the club’s new changing facilities for female golfers - but there were conditions. He said: "Mariah Carey could certainly come here if she were to phone the professional and book a time. She would also have to be accompanied by a male."

Bruntsfield Links Golf Club offered Carey a warmer welcome, insisting she could play without a male partner and was free to drink in the bar. But she would have to avoid the men-only playing times from 4pm-6.30pm during the week and before 3.30pm on a Saturday.

Bruntsfield club secretary Ian Armstrong said: "She can just pitch up, we’d be delighted to see her. As long as she checks that there are no competitions on."

Strict dress codes at all the courses mean the four-inch heels, tight T-shirt and hot pants she wore for a recent lesson in Los Angeles would be off limits. She was unfazed by raised eyebrows at the time, saying: "I went on to the course in high heels and barely anything on and they didn’t mind."

Asked about the potential problem of turning up without a male partner, one of her representatives told the Evening News that the rule was unlikely to trouble the superstar. "She has bodyguards so there will be plenty of people with her," said the singer’s spokeswoman.

She added: "She just wants to go to Edinburgh and relax and play golf because she has heard that there are so many fantastic courses in the area."

Source: Edinburgh Evening News

Mariah a no-show at birthday party

With DJ Funkmaster Flex spinning in the background, BET's AJ Calloway celebrated his "20-something-and-another" birthday at Resort in East Hampton on Friday night.

While a few of Calloway's musical pals couldn't attend, they still picked up some gifts. R. Kelly took Calloway shopping at the Nike shop, Missy Elliott picked up a diamond bracelet for him and Mariah Carey said she'll hand over a gift at a Manhattan after-party for her Sept. 18 show.

Source: New York Post

Mariah Gets Through The Rain

Mariah Carey may have been looking for good luck when she titled her most recent album "Charmbracelet.'' The album, released late last year, was her first musical offering after her public fall from grace. Carey went from one of … if not the … hottest properties in pop music to the subject of speculation that her career was over.

Carey began 2001 by signing a Virgin Records contract worth a reported $80 million. By the end of the year, her erratic public behavior resulted in her hospitalization for "exhaustion,'' according to published reports. Her film "Glitter'' and its soundtrack album both bombed, with the movie becoming the most talked about bad picture since "Showgirls.''

Virgin Records washed its hands of her, buying out her contract for $28 million.

But Carey wasn't out of the running by any means. Island Def Jam signed her for $20 million in 2002 and she presented them with "Charmbracelet'' by year's end.

Perhaps even more heartening, after the "Glitter'' debacle, were the good notices Carey got for a co-starring role in the independent film "Wisegirls.''

"I was happy to be part of it,'' Carey says of "Wisegirls,'' on the telephone from Tokyo just after a concert there. She says it was great to do "something for the art and freedom of it instead of what you think are the right reasons.''

That would seem to be a reference to "Glitter,'' as overblown a star vehicle as anyone could imagine.

Carey seems to be happy scaling back a bit these days. Her current tour, for example, originally was planned for arenas. Instead, the arenas were swapped for theaters and a tour billed as "An Intimate Evening.''

"It's like someone doing a show in your living room,'' Carey says. "It's kind of like cabaret meets an "Unplugged' vibe. It's a fairly big production but very intimate.''

Also, after years of increasing hip-hop influence in her music, "Charmbracelet'' focuses on the ballads with which Carey established herself as a hit-maker in the early 1990s.

"It takes you back to the first album,'' Carey says of similarities between "Charmbracelet'' and her eponymous 1990 debut. "'My Saving Grace' [from "Charmbracelet"] has a vibe like 'Vision of Love,''' her first hit single, Carey says.

"There are still songs with a strong hip-hop influence,'' she insists, citing rapper Jay-Z's appearance on "You Got Me.'' "There are different things, but the focus is the ballads.''

Of course, the ballads ring a little more true to her now. "I've been through a lot since then,'' she understates.

Carey blames 2001's meltdown on "overload,'' making a movie and album at the same time, as well as micromanaging her career.

Nowadays, Carey says, "I have to take care of myself, be selfish even. I'm a caretaker and I can neglect myself,'' she says. "I'm a caretaker for my career and I think I have to work five times as hard as everybody else. That's when you get yourself in trouble and make bad decisions.

"But I learned from it,'' Carey concludes, "and I'm grateful for what I've gone through and the lessons I've learned.''

Source: Tampa Bay Online

Stars Will "Fill In" For Celine Dion In Las Vegas

Elton John is expected to "fill in" for Celine Dion in Las Vegas, while other performers such as Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan and Jerry Seinfeld will also guest star. Michael Jackson hopes to star in a show in Vegas. If you were visiting Sin City, who would you most like to see perform? Please vote for Mariah at thewpbfchannel.com

Source: WPBF-TV

Carey can't find a man

Mariah Carey says she doesn't know why she can't find a man. She has also admitted there have only ever been three men in her entire life.

The 33-year-old singer told German newspaper Bild: "There have only been three men in my life. I was married to Tommy Mottola, then I was together with US footballer Derek Jeter and after that I went out with singer Luis Miguel."

Her relationship with the Mexican singer ended in the summer of 2001 and Carey said since then she hasn't had sex.

She said she didn't know why no-one was interested in her and the only explanation she could come up with was because of her fame.

"I think that must be it. My stylist, for example, is always meeting people and goes on loads of dates. I'm always asking myself why I never meet anyone. But that's how it is. Most men believe that I'm not interested in them."

Source: Ananova


AUGUST 29, 2003 9:35PM
Mariah To Be On "The Wayne Brady Show"

Monday, September 8th
Wayne goes "One on One" with Multi-Platinum Mega-Star Mariah Carey backstage at her new concert.

Check the show's local airing times here.

Source: Janel | The Wayne Brady Show

Mariah To Appear On "The Proud Family"

According to this week's 'TV Guide', Mariah's going to appear in the next season of the Disney channel cartoon show, "The Proud Family".

Source: Lindsay | TV Guide

Mariah carries newfound confidence

Pop diva says her breakdown is behind her, returns to stage.
Mariah Carey makes no secret that she's tired of talking about her much-discussed emotional collapse of 2001.

"Well, I feel like I've gone over this on 'Oprah,' on 'Dateline,' on this one and that, so I'd rather not talk about it yet again, because it was two years ago," Carey said.

Still, there's no getting around the topic, because it relates strongly to where Carey is in her life today. As even she points out, some songs (most notably "Through The Rain") on her current CD, "Charmbracelet," reflect on the changes that have occurred in her life since that time.

"That's why 'Charmbracelet' is so important to me, because it marks a place in my life where I learned to take the initiative, to take care of myself more as a human being, not just as a product," Carey, 33, said.

Throughout the 1990s, Carey's career had seemed charmed, to say the least. Signed at age 18 to Columbia Records, the Long Island native blasted onto the scene with a 1990 self-titled CD that sold more than 9 million copies in the United States alone.

Overall, she scored four chart-topping albums, had 15 No. 1 singles and worldwide record sales of 150 million, enough to make her pop's diva of the decade.

Plus, she married her boss, Columbia Records president Tommy Motolla, in 1993.

But by the late 1990s, Carey was heading into choppier career waters. First came her breakup with Mottola in 1997. Her relationship with Columbia eroded from there.

"It felt really hard and really impossible to stay there and still thrive," Carey said.

So Carey moved on, signing with great fanfare an $80 million deal with Virgin Records in 2001. For that label, she recorded "Glitter," a soundtrack album to the movie of the same title. The film flopped, and the soundtrack suffered as well, selling just 557,000 copies in the United States (Carey said worldwide sales were 2 million). Some started questioning Carey's future in music.

Then things went from bad to ugly.

In 2001, as she was promoting "Glitter" and dealing with its much-publicized failure, Carey began to show signs of emotional overload. She exhibited odd behavior during appearances on MTV's "Total Request Live" and at a record store signing in Garden City, N.Y.

Then, July 25, came the real meltdown. That day, Carey trashed her room at the Tribeca Grand Hotel in Manhattan.

She was taken from the hotel to her mother's home in Westchester County, where she collapsed. Her mother called for an ambulance for her daughter, who then checked herself in to Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Conn.

Several news outlets reported that Carey had attempted suicide, something Carey has vigorously denied.

In Carey's view, her breakdown was simply a product of overwork as she sought to establish herself apart from Columbia and Mottola. She said the relentless pace of public appearances and travel left her getting only three hours of sleep a night. The exhaustion and frustration, she said, finally caused her to break.

"At that point in my life, I was really spiraling trying to keep everything together," she said. "I didn't have the right team around me. I was just neglecting myself. It was just like not treating myself as a human being with the proper respect that one would treat another human being."

Carey emerged from her very public crash determined to put her life and her career back on track.

And in many respects, she has come out smelling like a rose. Virgin Records, stung by the disappointing performance of "Glitter," bought out Carey's contract, reportedly paying her $28 million.

Then Carey signed with Island Def Jam, netting what's been reported as a $20 million deal for three albums.

"Charmbracelet," her first release under the Island/Def Jam deal, however, has delivered mixed results.

Released in December, its first two singles, "Through The Rain" and "Boy (I Need You)," fizzled. Sales of the CD, however, have topped 1 million.

And now "Charmbracelet" is getting a second life.

Carey released a new version of the CD on July 29, adding four tracks, including her recent Top 5 hit duet with Busta Rhymes, "I Know What You Want." The song initially appeared only on Rhymes' CD, "It Ain't Safe No More."

Still, Carey's level of popularity remains under question, especially in light of her decision this spring to downsize a U.S. tour of arenas and instead play theaters.

The singer, though, said her decision to play smaller venues was not based on slow ticket sales. Instead, it's a sign of her independence as an artist, as she chose to play venues where she could interact with her audience.

"I feel like at this point in my life, I'm in control," Carey said. "I'm in the driver's seat, and I can dictate what I want to do.

"So if I want to do something that showcases my talent as a singer and songwriter, yet also lets me have my personality, fun moments and the more theatrical stuff and the audience interaction, it's just the perfect thing for me to do."

Source: Florida Today

After Several Setbacks, Mariah Carey Returns With Emphasis on Fans

She's one of the most successful singers in the world. She's had 15 No. 1 hits -- more than any other female singer.

And with sales of 150 million albums in the 1990s, Mariah Carey's reign was solidified when Billboard magazine named her "Artist of the Decade" for the 1990s.

That was before her brand of dance pop gave way to harder-edged sounds from such newcomers as Christina Aguilera, however.

And it was before "Glitter," the failed 2001 album and film that preceded her public dumping by EMI Records -- which paid her a reported $28 million simply to leave.

And it was before an emotional breakdown in 2001, which followed a public meltdown on MTV's "Total Request Live" and climaxed with her checking into a hospital.

But now Carey, whose current tour brings her to Orlando on Saturday and Tampa on Wednesday, is literally on the comeback trail and taking her case straight to fans.

Her new record label, Island/Def Jam, released Carey's most recent album "Charmbracelet" last December.

While it didn't return her to the days of "Daydream," the 1995 smash that sold more than 9 million copies, "Charmbracelet" did enter Billboard's Hot 200 albums chart at No. 3 and has since sold more than 1 million copies.

And though it didn't win unanimously glowing reviews, "Charmbracelet" didn't receive the near-universal bashing that "Glitter" did.

Carey recorded the album as the next step in her evolution as a singer, she told The New York Times, rather than as a spiteful response to her exit from EMI.

"I didn't do it to answer people, or to justify my validity as an artist," Carey said. "It really was just about an emotional outlet for me."

While Carey's current tour has her playing mostly theaters as opposed to arenas, it returns her to a medium long considered among her best, and in venues where the pressure is less than it would be in cavernous coliseums.

"This particular tour, being in the more intimate venues, does something different to me as an artist and as a performer, rather than being in a vacuous arena," Carey told The Hollywood Reporter.

"I can see people in row 15 singing the lyrics to an obscure album cut and see people with fan-club shirts 20 rows back," she said. "That makes me feel good."

Though just 33 years old, Carey's career has already become one of the more storied in pop/rock.

She moved to New York City at age 17 to pursue a music career, and sang backup for such singers as Brenda K. Starr.

In a story repeated so often it has become part of modern-pop lore, Starr passed Carey's demo tape on to Sony Music executive Tommy Mottola at a party -- who was so impressed upon hearing it on the way home that he ordered his limo driver to return to the party so he could meet Carey.

Mottola later signed Carey to two contracts: the first to record albums for Columbia Records, the second to be his wife.

Years later, after Carey had surpassed Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston and Madonna in her number of songs to hit No. 1, both unions were over.

Now in the middle of what may be her most soul-satisfying comeback, Carey has learned to balance such amazing highs with inevitable lows.

"The way I look at it is, you take the good with the bad," she told Maxim magazine, in a September cover story.

"We're all human and we all go through good times and difficult times.

"But in the end it's all about getting up the right way. My song `Through the Rain' is about going through all of these things."

Source: The Ledger

Mariah can sing — just ignore the showgirl crap

With her reputation as a true diva at stake, Mariah Carey scored major points when her tour stopped at NextStage on Tuesday night. The 33-year-old pop queen has a lot to prove: Two years have passed and Glitter still remains a box-office punch line, and the failure of that blockbuster eventually led to her much-publicized “emotional and physical breakdown.” And who can forget that Virgin Records gave this powerhouse vocalist a $28 million settlement to not sing for them anymore?

Perhaps her troubles are behind her, because the new Mariah still sounds fantastic, and she’s never looked prettier or happier. You just wish she’d realize that she doesn’t need a bunch of onstage junk to distract from her best assets — that crystalline and silvery voice combined with a woman who can evoke the supernatural by nailing amazingly written power ballads with Olympian key changes and progressions.

Her onstage set was like funky living room decorated in what could best be described as “all over the place.” The entire concept was like a watered-down Las Vegas revue. Flashes of Moulin Rouge, marionettes, circus clutter, espionage spoofs and a back-up dance crew that looked like The Wiz gone horribly wrong only distracted from the good stuff: Mariah. However, the costume changes were fun. Girlfriend went from ghetto princess to hooker-chic to red-carpet Soprano Barbie who dropped to her knees wearing a floor-length gown.

She can still hit those notes that only dogs can hear, but all the onstage craziness reeks of an insecure star. The girl has still got it — it’s all just so pointlessly flashy and excessive.

Source: Dallas Voice

Prince Pursues Mariah

Reclusive popstar Prince is a huge fan of singer Mariah Carey - and has been bombarding her with flowers.

The Purple Rain legend has gone to several of the Honey star's Charmbracelet tour dates and reportedly hopes to woo her.

According to British tabloid TThe Daily Star, a source says, "He's got a soft spot for Mariah.

"He's asked about coming to see her when she performs in the UK in October. He seems smitten with her."

Source: Teen Music

Fans meet Mariah at Orlando airport

Ramon was one of 9 fans who went to the Orlando airport last night to greet Mariah as she came in. She landed at 'Signature' airport at around 4am and came near the fans with her limo down speeding in front of them and waving to them. Then, at around 4:30am, the limo came back and Mariah came out, gave autographs to the fans and chatted with them for a short time.

Fanbooks & Updates

-- Jonny is the leader of the Boston fan-bracelet. The show takes place very soon so please e-mail him your letters as soon as possible for him to be able to complete the fanbook. Jonny's e-mail is closemyeyes823@aol.com.

-- International fans: Please don't forget to submit your entries to the international fan-bracelet through this site!

-- Small updates in the Charmbracelet tour section with two meet & greet reviews from the Dallas and Phoenix concerts by Saul and Lydia.


AUGUST 28, 2003 5:00PM
Mariah Carey

Years and years ago, I wrote a double review of Mariah Carey's Butterfly and Janet Jackson's The Velvet Rope. My point then was that Carey and Jackson weren't all that different from each other, but after the review came out, a few people wanted to burn me in effigy. They were livid, enraged that I would even speak of that light-skinned corporate shill's name in the same breath as Ms. Janet. Jackson is an artist, they said, and Mariah couldn't hold a candle to her. Janet was taking chances; Mariah was nothing but a mulatto Celine Dion!

But be honest. As the years rolled on and the music of both ladies has evolved with time, hasn't it been a bitch telling them apart? Jackson's last album, the unfortunately formulaic (and aptly titled) All for You, found the once liberated and independent superstar breathily begging for a man, her music little more than an excuse to melodiously document her middle-aged hot flashes.

As for Mariah, say what you will. She's nuts, she needs to put on clothes before she gets a chest cold, she couldn't act her way out of a paper bag. But from a musical standpoint, she never fell off as pitifully as Janet.

We always knew what we were getting with a gal like Mariah, whose name, as Michael Stipe once noted, rhymes with "pariah." She jumped into this thing striving to be the best gosh-darn pop star she could possibly be. And admit it, when she busted out with "Vision of Love" 13 or so years ago, you were feeling it when she hit that high note.

True, she did go overboard with the rap star cameos. Ever since some smart son of a bitch had the idea to pair Carey up with Ol' Dirty Bastard on the 1995 song "Fantasy," she's found it to be a necessary tool, a way to stay in touch with that "urban" (read: Freddy vs. Jason-watching) audience. Since then, she's peppered her songs with the likes of Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, P. Diddy and Missy Elliott. She continues in that tradition on her latest, Charmbracelet, with guest shots from Cam'ron, Freeway and the Jigga Man once again.

At this show, we most likely won't be getting the pink hot pants-wearing Mariah, the one who rolls with rap royals. This will probably bring us pop princess Mariah, the Mariah with the high vocal range, the gold lamé dresses and the overweening desire for your adoration.

Source: Houston Press

Mariah Carey gets her act together with help from fans

The key to "divadom" is the ability to reinvent oneself. Prissy, trampy, down-to-earth and unapproachable are just some of the personas Mariah Carey used to become the most successful female artist of the ’90s. Carey had 15 No. 1 singles and pushed past the Beatles with the most cumulative weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with dance hits like Emotion and Heartbreaker.

Two years ago, the entertainer took on a role most people would avoid: woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Weeks before the release of her movie Glitter and its accompanying soundtrack, Carey suffered a meltdown that many thought would be a career-killer.

These days Carey is working on a new persona: survivor. In December she released Charmbracelet, her first record for Island / Def Jam Records; it’s sold more than 500,000 copies.

Currently on her first tour in three years, which includes a stop tonight at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, Carey took a few minutes to talk about performing and upcoming projects, as well as to answer questions about "the episode."

Q: What tidbits can you give away to tease fans about what to expect from your tour?

A: One of the cool things was being able to have fans actually vote for their favorite songs on my Web site (www.mariahcarey.com). That is the interactive portion of my show. Also, in each city there will be a list of the top four songs that aren’t making it onto the list. The fans in that city (at the show) will get to vote, and then I’ll do that song specifically that night.

Q: Have you been surprised at what’s been requested?

A: I knew a lot of the songs would get picked, like Heartbreaker, Fantasy and Hero, but I didn't realize that Hero would win by such a landslide. It's unbelievable.

Q: What about the first couple of albums, 1990's self-titled debut and 1991's Emotions? Do those songs get as many votes as something from Charmbracelet?

A: It's funny. Charmbracelet gets a lot of votes for different album cuts. Like I Know What You Want with Busta Rhymes gets a lot of votes, as well as the really big hits. But I can't do every song that's getting voted for, so we're getting pretty specific.

Q: Were you concerned that you were going to lose momentum because there was such a lull between when Charmbracelet was released and when you went out on tour?

A: Not really. I don't even really think about stuff like that, to be honest with you. I just sort of go about my business and do what I want (laughs).

Q: Are you enjoying being out live like this? You've done a lot of studio work and behind-the-camera stuff. How does moving around this much compare to that?

A: I think it's about the same amount of work, but it's almost more enjoyable in some ways because you get to be right there with the fans. That's something that's irreplaceable. This tour is so different because it is very intimate. By the end of the show you know all the singers and the dancers and the band members. We just have a good time. I kind of take one day at a time. I'm that kind of person.

Q: Do you feel that whatever happened a few years ago and whatever troubles you were having, are they gone from your life now?

A: You know what? It's gone for me, but people still want to ask about it. It's like being asked the question, "When did you first know you wanted to be a singer?" It's that kind of tedious stuff, but what are you going to do? That's the way it is.

Q: In your own mind, is it gone? You have a new record label, new movie opportunities, a big tour and the success of Charmbracelet. Does it feel like a new beginning?

A: I would say Charmbracelet was definitely a new beginning for me, especially because it's such a personal album. It's sort of like a new beginning, but getting back to basics as well.

Q: What about your new movie, The Sweet Science?

A: It's about women boxing. I play a boxer. I'm not supposed to tell that much about it, but it's being cast right now. It's still in the beginning stages.

Q: It sounds like a lot of time in the gym following the tour.

A: Yes. Exactly. You got that right. (laughs).

Source: Houston Chronicle

'I Know What You Want' Nominated for an MTV VMA

Congratulations to Mariah Carey and Busta Rhymes for their 2003 MTV Video Music Awards nomination. "I Know What You Want" is up for an award in the Best Hip-Hop Video category. Be sure to tune in tonight to catch the VMA's live on MTV, at 8:00 pm EST.

Source: MariahCarey.com

More Details About Mariah's Arrival to Orlando

Mariah will be arriving at the Signature Hangar, which is located on Lindy Circle outside of the actual Orlando International Airport. This hangar is where a lot of private jets are docked during their stay here. This is their website where you can find all the information about the location.

Source: Lyn | Signature

Germany Meet & Greet Auction

eBay Germany is currently auctioning a Meet & Greet with Mariah at one of her concerts in Germany. The money will be donated to the Nordoff Robbins Foundation, a German charity helping autistic children with music therapy. The auction will end on September 3rd. Click here to view the auction page on eBay. The translation from the page is:

Bid for something very special and unique
The Stars & Charity Auction on eBay will sell very special prizes in favor of the support of the Nordoff/Robbins music therapy. Many artists and companies donating something very personal for a good case could be found. We wanna say thank you for that.

Meeting with Mariah Carey for Nordoff / Robbins
Meeting Mariah Carey face to face! Here you have the one of a kind opportunity to meet Mariah Carey during her Charmbracelet Germany Tour in October 2003. Possible places for the Meet&Greet are Hamburg (10.10.), Berlin (13.10.) and Munich (16.10.). The prize is sponsored by Universal Music. The winner of the auction is paying possible costs for the travel and overnight stays. Please contact us before your bid.

Founded in Germany in 1992 by Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker of the band Scorpions, concert manager Ossy Hoppe and Peter Maffay, the Nordoff/Robbins foundation especially supports the training and work of music therapists which help disabled and autistic children with different kinds of music therapy. For more information about the foundation check www.nordoff-robbins.de.

Source: eBay Germany | Butterflies Are Free

Dutch Fanbook

Dieneke is making the dutch fan-bracelet. Please send your stories, reviews on Charmbracelet, letters, pictures, drawings, etc., to the following address by the end of September:

D. Oonk
d'Orvillestraat 6
3602 PN MAARSSEN

News Bits & Updates

-- "I Know What You Want Want" moves up 2 places to #5 on the world chart. It's been on this chart for 10 weeks.

-- "I Know What You Want" is currently at #1 on the Top 15 songs of "Europa +", the biggest radio station in Russia.

-- Visit our temporary photogallery for two new magazine scans, a picture of Mariah with a fan and a high quality picture from 'Maxim'.

Source: IslandYacht | Yulia | mcfanatic | Janel | Kavita | Business Wire


AUGUST 27, 2003 10:00PM
Tour Section Updates

The following pages have been updated in the Charmbracelet Tour Section:
Pictures: Chicago, Concord & Los Angeles (21st).
Reviews: Concord, Phoenix & Dallas.

Source: Jimmy | MariahHero.com | Ardis | Eric | Alexander

Mariah's Arrival to Florida

Mariah will arrive in Orlando at the International Airport between 2:30 and 3:30 AM Thursday night / Friday morning. She will leave Houston tomorrow after the show and meet and greet. She should arrive into the Signature Terminal.

Source: MonarC | Mariah Daily

News Tidbits

-- Earlier this week, Jessica Simpson appeared on Z100's 'Reality Radio' and chose songs for her playlist. Mariah was the only artist to make her list twice with "Bringin' On The Heartbreak" at #8 and "I Know What You Want" at #5.

-- News and Entertainment show Inside Edition counted down their picks for the top 10 hottest videos of the summer of 2003. Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey's music video for their smash hit 'I Know What You Want' came in at #8.

-- Friday, August 29th on "The View": "Chart Toppers" featuring the sensational singing voices of Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Bryan Adams, Annie Lennox, Vanessa Carlton and Josh Grobin.

-- As previously reported, "I Know What You Want" fell off Billboard's Hot 100 after spending 25 weeks on the chart (spending its last week at #48). As it turns out, the song didn't neccessarily fall 52 spots, but was left out of the Hot 100 according to Billboard's rules where a song that spent more than 25 weeks on the chart (not in the top 50), is taken off the Hot 100.

-- Mariah performed her 2nd Los Angeles concert on August 21st at the Universal Amphitheater. In attendance were; Randy Jackson, Jim Verraros (American Idol 1), and Holly Robinson Pete ("Hangin with Mr. Cooper").

-- Robert, the leader for the Houston fan-bracelet has sent us this message:
"My name is Robert. Im making the Fanbook for Mariah on Thursday at her concert at the Woodlands Pavillion in Houston. I was wondering if some other fans would like to meet up with me before the show and perhaps sign the book and take pictures abd what not. If you would like to do so, please e-mail me or respond on here. My e-mail is BOB121984@sbcglobal.net Put "Houston Meet-up" in the heading. Oh and yes...she will be recieving the book from me personally. I recieved my e-mail from MonarC, and will be picking up my Backstage/Meet & Greet passes Thursday at the concert. Let me know what's up! Love ya much!"

Source: papicaramelo | Z100 | Mariah Inc. | Jason | Angel

Information from Russia

-- Busta Rhymes is scheduled to appear with Mariah at her Russian concerts of the Charmbracelet tour. 'SAV Entertainment' reports that Busta has ordered 390 pale-rosy roses for Mariah. Roses should be delivered from Holland on September 27th at 19:00.

-- Mariah and Busta are climbing up in all the Russian charts. They are currently at #2 (up from #5 last week) at MTV Russia's countdown. If they reach the #1 slot, that will be Mariah's first number one ever at MTV Russia.

Source: Sav Entertainment | MTV Russia | Mariah.RU


AUGUST 27, 2003 3:27PM
Mariah propositioned by Hell's Angel

Mariah Carey was propositioned by a Hell's Angel baring his chest. An insider said: "This biker took off his shirt in front of her and asked her to sign his chest so he could get her autograph tattooed."

Source: Daily Record

Carey reclaims title at NextStage

When you rack up as many hits as Mariah Carey did in the '90s, you don't need to tour. So, for the most part, the siren-voiced diva simply stayed home.

But in the wake of her 2001 cinematic bomb Glitter, Ms. Carey has decided to hit the road for a rare extended tour that brought her to NextStage in Grand Prairie on Tuesday night. And as awkward and corny as the show was at times, it also reaffirmed her status as one of pop's most powerful vocalists.

Ms. Carey's show recalled a low-budget version of the theatrical dance spectacles Janet Jackson has been putting on for the past 15 years. Her nine- person dance troupe spun and skipped around sets that looked like a circus or a giant living room, but instead of taking part in dance routines a la Janet (or Britney or Madonna), Ms. Carey stood still in her high heels and sang – far removed from the action. The effect was like watching an organist playing along to a silent movie.

When she did venture into the fray, the results weren't always pretty: Before one song, she slowly descended from the rafters seated in what looked like a large dishrag.

Even stranger were the moments when Ms. Carey sang along to MTV short video clips of herself, or, in the case of her post-Glitter ballad "My Saving Grace," to a garish video montage of favorable press clippings. During other songs, she simply left the stage and let the videos or her backup singers do the work, buying her time for yet another costume change. (For those keeping track, there were eight costumes in all, each one a tad more sparkly and skin-centric than the last.)

Yet amid all the T&A theatrics, the saccharine love songs and the REO Speedwagon-like clichés about perseverance, the operatic beauty in her voice still shone through. True, Ms. Carey catapulted a dozen notes into the stratosphere when one or two would have done just fine. And her version of Def Leppard's "Bringin' on the Heartbreak" was pure bombast.

But she also turned in a simple, soulful version of the Jackson Five's "I'll Be There" and turned what could have been a chore – introducing her band – into a sublime jazz ballad. Ms. Carey might never own the stage the way Ms. Jackson or Madonna do, but then again, they'll never have a voice half as potent as hers.

Source: Dallas Morning News

Carey's star power may be fading, if show is any clue

Last night at NextStage in Grand Prairie, pop singer Mariah Carey saw something she'd probably never dreamed of: empty seats.

Over the past three years, Carey, who throughout the '90s was one of the most popular singers on the planet, has seen her sales slide and her career take a major dip. In an effort to change that, Carey decided to tour to support her latest disc, Charmbracelet. It should be noted that Carey's sales used to be so strong, she simply did not tour often.

Her lack of touring experience was painfully evident last night. Her concert, which only drew 2,900 fans, was simply a mess, a capricious fusion of theater, music, missed notes and, most importantly, missed opportunities. The stage is the last place where struggling artists can regain popularity and integrity. If last night's show is indicative of her entire tour, she will fail at both.

The show was much like that of those of her younger pop-music contemporaries, such as Britney Spears and 'N Sync. There was a lot of visual candy -- costume and set, a video screen on which Carey's image blazed, singers and dancers, and a backup band that may or may have not been playing. There were times when it was obvious that the music was prerecorded.

That's really nothing new. What was so surprising was the spottiness of Carey's vocals. The woman with a five-octave range only seemed to be using two or three octaves. She especially struggled early on, during the ballads My All and Through the Rain. Her voice was so scratchy, some of the people in the audience looked at each other in befuddlement.

Carey also had an awkwardness about her that proved she has not spent much time on the road. Often looking down or lost or confused, she resembled a small child performing in his or her first school play. Other times, such as during the upbeat Honey, she looked fatigued and could not keep up with her dancers. It was times like these that you simply felt bad for her.

There were some nice moments, including Can't Take That Away, a new ballad. Under beautiful purple lights, she belted out the song precisely and compellingly. And for those few minutes, you caught a glimpse of Mariah Carey's talents. And then they were gone.

Source: Star Telegram

Fears for ears

Many artists and fans are unknowingly going deaf by playing and listening to the music they love.

"If you've been playing gigs for more than a few years, you'll have a little bit of hearing loss," says Grammy winner Beck. The L.A. singer has been playing with ringing in his ears every night for the past 10 years without protection. "But, my ears are good, they're strong. You know, it's not like I'm playing def metal."

Pop star Mariah Carey concurs. "I'm bad. I don't use anything for hearing protection, but it's not too, too loud, and I'm OK with that."

Source: Mercury News


AUGUST 26, 2003 6:19PM
Mariah invited to birthday party

BET's A.J. Calloway throws his birthday party at Resort in East Hampton Friday. On his invite list: Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Serena Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Missy Elliott.

Source: New York Post

Starmaker may sprinkle magic dust on Mariah

Stars aren't born, they're made, and one of the best in the star-building biz is Benny Medina. Lately, the uber-manager has snared headlines after one of his creations--Jennifer Lopez--dumped him and the two engaged in countersuits over endorsement deals and the like.

Proof that Medina's still got it: He's snagged Brandy and Mya, and word has it he's about to ink a big fat deal with none other than Mariah Carey. The pop diva has made it clear that she wants a J. Lo-sized career to take her beyond her super-successes in the music world and find luck with films, TV and other media experiences.

(Carey understands how quickly the public will forgive her ''Glitter'' goof once she scores big with the right picture, or two.)

The singer has had several meetings with Medina and sources say she is very close to signing the power broker to mastermind the future of her career.

Carey also could be part of a big multishow production deal Medina already has in the works.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Mariah and J. Roman

J. Roman, the former frontman for Vi3 was the opening act for Mariah in Chicago and Phoenix. Click here to check out a picture of Mariah and J. Roman backstage at The United Center in Chicago.

Source: The Official J. Roman Website


AUGUST 25, 2003 10:40PM
Tour Section Updates

The following sub-sections have been updated in the Charmbracelet Tour section:
Pictures: Denver, Concord, Los Angeles (both shows) & Phoenix.
Reviews: Denver, Concord, San Diego, Los Angeles (both shows) & Phoenix.

Source: Devin | Renee | Jimmy | Newton | Geno | Tim | Joe | Andrew | Jeramiah | Jae | Robert | Cherie

Concerning The MTV VMA Rumor

Earlier this week, the NY Post reported that Mariah might be attending the MTV Video Music Awards. The award show will be held in New York on August 28th and on the same night Mariah happens to have a tour stop in Houston, TX. An on screen performance is possible but highly unlikely to be happening.


AUGUST 25, 2003 5:43PM
Medina trades one diva for another

Jennifer Lopez, who? Having been fired and sued by the diva, her ex-manager Benny Medina has landed on his feet by signing up Brandy and Mya, and possibly Mariah Carey, who met with him on Thursday night. "Mariah needs to reinvent herself and she was convinced Benny was the only man to help make her over," a spy in Carey's camp said. But Medina's real source of income is the four television shows he has in production and a new product he has licensed: Cellboost, an auxiliary battery for dying cell phones. "When you are done, you throw it away," a source said. Cellboost, found now in bodegas, drugstores, supermarkets and airports, came in expecially handy during the blackout, when Hugh Jackman, Macy Gray amd Jennifer Love Hewitt were seen using them after their cellphones had prematurely died. Medina declined to comment.

Source: New York Post

Mariah's belt butterfly an official trend?

Question: Mariah Carey one created a fad by cutting off the waist of her jeans and baring her tummy. Now I've seen her on TV with a butterfly charm hanging from her belt loop. Is she starting another trend? -W. Jones, Denton, Tex.

Answer: Actually, the trend was started by Deigner Wendy Thorlakson, a producing partner of *NSync's Lance Bass. Thorlakson's company, Jean Jewels, makes the hottest accessories of the moment - including butterflies, flowers, and peace signs. They're being worn by celebrities such as Janet Jackson and Jennifer Aniston as well as Mariah Carey.

Source: Parade | The Mariah Carey Organization

Site Updates and News Tidbits

-- We hope you are enjoying our newly re-formatted layout. Each section (News, Information, Photos, Multimedia, Fan Center, and Internet) will eventually have its own unique color scheme, which will apt for brighter, more exciting site that will be much easier to navigate. We realize that many of our sections have yet to be uploaded to the site but the process is lengthy in collecting information and making sure it’s perfect for all of our visitors. We appreciate your cooperation and please keep checking back for many new exciting features and specials coming your way soon!

-- Mariah's official website has put up a new poll, asking which television show you would like Mariah to appear on. "Alias" or "Bernie Mac"? "Friends" or "Will & Grace"? Maybe "Law & Order" or "The Sopranos"? The choice is yours. Vote now.

-- MariahCareyUK.com has opened it’s own store, apply titled "Chop Shop"! Using galleries that include designs and images provided, fans can design and buy their own items including t-shirts, mobile phone covers, hats, bags, printed blank CDs and much more! Many fans have already expressed interest in using Chop Shop to make their own unique t-shirts to wear when Mariah tours the UK later this year!

-- Lenny is still collecting entries for Mariah's Orlando Fan Bracelet. He has backstage passes so Mariah will definetely be receiving this book. The concert is on August 30th, so if you want to have your letter to Mariah included, be sure to do submit it soon! All entries are due by August 28th. Pictures, poems, and letters can be included in the book. Send them to mariahgafan@hotmail.com

-- Gilles wants to warn Mariah fans that Esprit International Limited is selling a Mariah t-shirt, which they claim to be officially licensed. However, it is not official, so beware!

-- Stephanie wants to let everyone that she has re-opened mariahsweb.com with Felipe, the new co-webmaster!

Source: Matte | Lenny | Gilles | Stephanie


AUGUST 25, 2003 12:01AM
Mariah Carries On

Mariah Carey was riding high last week after she completed two shows at the Universal Amphitheater near Hollywood.

"It was a very feisty crowd tonight," Carey said Thursday, perched on a velvet couch in her dressing room after the second night. "Monday night was a fun crowd as well, so I was expecting more of an industry crowd tonight, and I was pleasantly surprised. Even though there were some industry people here, there were still so many real fans that it was a great show -- it didn't feel so corporate."

The songbird was in the midst of her first U.S. tour in three years (with 11 dates left to go), and thanks to the scaled-back settings, she couldn't be happier.

"I am having so much more fun onstage this time around because of the combination of being able to do the old songs, showcasing the new material and the energy of the audience," said Carey, who had just been belting out everything from "Hero" to "Honey" for ticket-holders including Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland, "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson and Prince, who also caught a piece of Monday's show.

"This particular tour, being in the more intimate venues, does something different to me as an artist and as a performer, rather than being in a vacuous arena," said Carey, who scrapped initial plans for a more elaborate tour partly because of weak demand. "I can see people in row 15 singing the lyrics to an obscure album cut and see people with fan club shirts 20 rows back -- that makes me feel good."

So what does Carey think of all the star-making television vehicles such as "Idol" or "American Juniors?"

"Randy keeps me abreast of all those things," she said. "You know, whatever works. For this moment, those things are popular, so that's cool. I'm fine with that."

Carey was also upbeat about the upcoming release of "Mariah Carey -- The Remixes," a dance and workout double CD from her former label Sony.

"You get all the hip-hop versions, like 'Heartbreaker" with Missy Elliott and Da Brat and 'Thank God I Found You' with Nas and Joe, 'Honey' the So So Def remix, but then there all the house versions with people like Junior Vasquez," she said. "All those records bring back memories, but they are still good today and I've always wanted to do a remix album."

Source: Yahoo! News

New Poll

We’ve added a new poll asking which song from the “Charmbracelet” album you would most like to see performed live on the Charmbracelet Tour. Please cast your vote now! Last week’s poll asked which song from the “Glitter” album you would most like to see performed live on tour. Here are the results:

  • 41% (767 votes) “Lead The Way”
  • 17% (325 votes) “Never Too Far”
  • 9% (166 votes) “Reflections”
  • 9% (165 votes) “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life”
  • 8% (141 votes) “Loverboy”
  • 6% (112 votes) “All My Life”
  • 4% (82 votes) “If We”
  • 3% (48 votes) “Want You”
  • 2% (46 votes) “Don’t Stop”
  • 1% (24 votes) “Twister”
    Total Votes: 1,876


    • AUGUST 25, 2003 10:40PM
    Tour Section Updates

    The following sub-sections have been updated in the Charmbracelet Tour Section:
    Pictures: Denver, Concord, Los Angeles (both shows) & Phoenix.
    Reviews: Denver, Concord, San Diego, Los Angeles (both shows) & Phoenix.

    Source: Devin | Renee | Jimmy | Newton | Geno | Tim | Joe | Andrew | Jeramiah | Jae | Robert | Cherie

    Concerning The MTV VMA Rumor

    Earlier this week, the NY Post reported that Mariah might be attending the MTV Video Music Awards. The award show will be held in New York on August 28th and on the same night Mariah happens to have a tour stop in Houston, TX. An on screen performance is possible but highly unlikely to be happening.


    AUGUST 25, 2003 5:43PM
    Medina trades one diva for another

    Jennifer Lopez, who? Having been fired and sued by the diva, her ex-manager Benny Medina has landed on his feet by signing up Brandy and Mya, and possibly Mariah Carey, who met with him on Thursday night. "Mariah needs to reinvent herself and she was convinced Benny was the only man to help make her over," a spy in Carey's camp said. But Medina's real source of income is the four television shows he has in production and a new product he has licensed: Cellboost, an auxiliary battery for dying cell phones. "When you are done, you throw it away," a source said. Cellboost, found now in bodegas, drugstores, supermarkets and airports, came in expecially handy during the blackout, when Hugh Jackman, Macy Gray amd Jennifer Love Hewitt were seen using them after their cellphones had prematurely died. Medina declined to comment.

    Source: New York Post

    Mariah's belt butterfly an official trend?

    Question: Mariah Carey one created a fad by cutting off the waist of her jeans and baring her tummy. Now I've seen her on TV with a butterfly charm hanging from her belt loop. Is she starting another trend? -W. Jones, Denton, Tex.

    Answer: Actually, the trend was started by Deigner Wendy Thorlakson, a producing partner of *NSync's Lance Bass. Thorlakson's company, Jean Jewels, makes the hottest accessories of the moment - including butterflies, flowers, and peace signs. They're being worn by celebrities such as Janet Jackson and Jennifer Aniston as well as Mariah Carey.

    Source: Parade | The Mariah Carey Organization

    Site Updates and News Tidbits

    -- We hope you are enjoying our newly re-formatted layout. Each section (News, Information, Photos, Multimedia, Fan Center, and Internet) will eventually have its own unique color scheme, which will apt for brighter, more exciting site that will be much easier to navigate. We realize that many of our sections have yet to be uploaded to the site but the process is lengthy in collecting information and making sure it’s perfect for all of our visitors. We appreciate your cooperation and please keep checking back for many new exciting features and specials coming your way soon!

    -- Mariah's official website has put up a new poll, asking which television show you would like Mariah to appear on. "Alias" or "Bernie Mac"? "Friends" or "Will & Grace"? Maybe "Law & Order" or "The Sopranos"? The choice is yours. Vote now.

    -- MariahCareyUK.com has opened it’s own store, apply titled "Chop Shop"! Using galleries that include designs and images provided, fans can design and buy their own items including t-shirts, mobile phone covers, hats, bags, printed blank CDs and much more! Many fans have already expressed interest in using Chop Shop to make their own unique t-shirts to wear when Mariah tours the UK later this year!

    -- Lenny is still collecting entries for Mariah's Orlando Fan Bracelet. He has backstage passes so Mariah will definetely be receiving this book. The concert is on August 30th, so if you want to have your letter to Mariah included, be sure to do submit it soon! All entries are due by August 28th. Pictures, poems, and letters can be included in the book. Send them to mariahgafan@hotmail.com

    -- Gilles wants to warn Mariah fans that Esprit International Limited is selling a Mariah t-shirt, which they claim to be officially licensed. However, it is not official, so beware!

    -- Stephanie wants to let everyone that she has re-opened mariahsweb.com with Felipe, the new co-webmaster!

    Source: Matte | Lenny | Gilles | Stephanie


    AUGUST 25, 2003 12:01AM
    Mariah Carries On

    Mariah Carey was riding high last week after she completed two shows at the Universal Amphitheater near Hollywood.

    "It was a very feisty crowd tonight," Carey said Thursday, perched on a velvet couch in her dressing room after the second night. "Monday night was a fun crowd as well, so I was expecting more of an industry crowd tonight, and I was pleasantly surprised. Even though there were some industry people here, there were still so many real fans that it was a great show -- it didn't feel so corporate."

    The songbird was in the midst of her first U.S. tour in three years (with 11 dates left to go), and thanks to the scaled-back settings, she couldn't be happier.

    "I am having so much more fun onstage this time around because of the combination of being able to do the old songs, showcasing the new material and the energy of the audience," said Carey, who had just been belting out everything from "Hero" to "Honey" for ticket-holders including Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland, "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson and Prince, who also caught a piece of Monday's show.

    "This particular tour, being in the more intimate venues, does something different to me as an artist and as a performer, rather than being in a vacuous arena," said Carey, who scrapped initial plans for a more elaborate tour partly because of weak demand. "I can see people in row 15 singing the lyrics to an obscure album cut and see people with fan club shirts 20 rows back -- that makes me feel good."

    So what does Carey think of all the star-making television vehicles such as "Idol" or "American Juniors?"

    "Randy keeps me abreast of all those things," she said. "You know, whatever works. For this moment, those things are popular, so that's cool. I'm fine with that."

    Carey was also upbeat about the upcoming release of "Mariah Carey -- The Remixes," a dance and workout double CD from her former label Sony.

    "You get all the hip-hop versions, like 'Heartbreaker" with Missy Elliott and Da Brat and 'Thank God I Found You' with Nas and Joe, 'Honey' the So So Def remix, but then there all the house versions with people like Junior Vasquez," she said. "All those records bring back memories, but they are still good today and I've always wanted to do a remix album."

    Source: Yahoo! News

    New Poll

    We’ve added a new poll asking which song from the “Charmbracelet” album you would most like to see performed live on the Charmbracelet Tour. Please cast your vote now! Last week’s poll asked which song from the “Glitter” album you would most like to see performed live on tour. Here are the results:

  • 41% (767 votes) “Lead The Way”
  • 17% (325 votes) “Never Too Far”
  • 9% (166 votes) “Reflections”
  • 9% (165 votes) “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life”
  • 8% (141 votes) “Loverboy”
  • 6% (112 votes) “All My Life”
  • 4% (82 votes) “If We”
  • 3% (48 votes) “Want You”
  • 2% (46 votes) “Don’t Stop”
  • 1% (24 votes) “Twister”
    Total Votes: 1,876


    • AUGUST 24, 2003 12:27PM
    Carey delivers top-notch performance

    The past two years may have been shaky ones for Mariah Carey but in front of a packed Dodge Theatre Saturday night, the sultry diva was nothing short of solid.

    Surrounded by dancers and a circle of beefy bodyguards, Carey hit a confident stride as she walked down one of the theater’s aisles to take the stage. The noise level from her adoring, supportive fans was deafening throughout the night.

    Despite a lavish stage production which included nine dancers, video snippets, oversized lounge chairs, eight costume changes, circus props and city street scene, the show never failed to showcase Carey’s famous five-octave voice first and foremost. The pop princess sounded like her hit making self of the ‘90s as she wrapped herself around one self-motivating ballad after the other.

    Carey’s voice was in top-notch form throughout the 100-minute plus performance. While the setlist included a healthy number of tracks from her new album, Charmbracelet, she didn’t disappoint fans who wanted to hear her hits. ‘Dreamlover,’ ‘My All,’ ‘Make It Happen’ and ‘Heartbreaker,’ were just some of the songs that had the crowd singing along to every word.

    One thing that was undeniable about the show was the dedication and love that Carey’s fans have for the artist. The audience ranged from toddlers to seniors, but Carey’s most passionate fan base seemed to be those in their early twenties to early thirties. Many in the crowd could hardly contain their excitement long before the show began and once it did, their level of enthusiasm was off the charts.

    While Carey had the crowd grooving to her dance friendly hits like “Honey” and the infectious “Fantasy,” it was on the ballads where she really seemed to connect with the crowd. She sang one self-empowering song after the other with the sincerity of someone who really lived and believed in the words she was singing.

    ‘Can’t Take That Away,’ moved Carey to fall to her knees as she sang the song’s personal lyrics. On ‘Subtle Invitation,’ she was lowered from the ceiling on a white silken swing and gently placed atop a grand piano.

    Carey’s banter seemed mostly staged, but she seemed genuinely sincere as she showered the crowd with ‘thank you’s’ and ‘I love you too’s.’ It was evident that she is aware of the fact that while she took a beating in the media during her trials and tribulations of the past two years, her fans never failed to support the beauty with the big voice.

    Carey seemed to relish in the intimacy of the smaller venue. She would get a shocked look on her face when the audience would roar in approval as she sang. Mariah flashed her million dollar smile and waved continually to her adoring following.

    Mariah’s four back up singers were phenomenal, especially the charismatic and uber-talented Trey Lorenz. Just as he did 11 years before on “MTV Unplugged,” Lorenz joined Carey during a stunning rendition of ‘I’ll Be There.'

    Carey tapped into the emotional soul of Def Leppard’s power ballad, ‘Bringing On The Heartbreak,’ and unleashed an achingly beautiful version of the song.

    Finishing out the night with ‘Hero,’ Carey stood confidently and belted out the song, which reinforces the ideas of loving and believing in yourself. While it may be a personal anthem to many of those who were in attendance Saturday night, it seemed as though the song’s theme has hit home for no one more so than its singer herself.

    Source: The Arizona Republic

    Abrupt end to Australian hit for Busta and Mariah

    A surprise debut at No.3. Two months in the Top 5. Gold certification. And then... deleted by record label? This is how things unfolded for the most successful single of Busta Rhyme's career, and Mariah Carey's biggest hit in years.

    "I Know What You Want" was released amidst little hype and little airplay. Up against music heavyweights Delta Goodrem and Christina Aguilera, the single shocked many by debuting at No.3 on the Australian Recording Industry Association singles chart. More surprising was the fact it stayed there for a month, and remained in the top 5 for another.

    However three weeks ago BMG Australia, Busta's regional label, decided to delete the single. No more copies were to be manufactured and copies already in stores would be the last available for sale. Initially surplus stock meant it managed to hang onto the top 10 for a ninth week. But last week it fell to No.19. And it now sits in its eleventh week at No.27.

    Racking up gold sales in a matter of weeks, there was no doubt that this single would've become Busta's first, and Mariah's eighth platinum selling single in Australia. That can now not happen. The label has sacrificed further singles sales in a bid to boost Busta's album. The sad fact for them though is that "Mariah Carey's Greatest Hits" is still selling more copies two years after its release than Busta's latest album, "It Ain't Safe No More".

    Unfortunately it was also another missed opportunity for Mariah, as Universal Music Australia didn't capitalise on the success of the hit single by re-releasing "Charmbracelet" as it has been in Asia. Just another mishap in a shambles of promotion and marketing strategies.

    Source: Mariah Downunder Forums

    Should Mariah have her own perfume line?

    E! News Live wants to know who should have a perfume line next? Should it be Paris Hilton or Demi Moore? Maybe Courtney Love or even Andy Dick? What about our very own Mariah? Vote for her at eonline.com

    Source: E! Online | mcfanatic

    Mariah to perform on MTV Video Music Awards?

    Jennifer Lopez buried the hatchet with Madonna and even showed up to the Material Mom's birthday party last week at her Los Angeles house - but Lopez isn't going near the MTV Video Music Awards, where Madge will be honored on Thursday. "Jennifer is working on her movie in Canada," a pal of hers explains. Britney Spears will be in the audience, but won't be performing for her friend Madonna. "She will be there, but as of right now, there are no plans for her to sing," another source said. However, rumors are flying that Courtney Love, Mariah Carey, Lil' Kim and Kelly Clarkson will perform. Madonna's Gap co-star, Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, will be a no-show. Elliott infuriated Madonna while making Gap commercials when she refused to get off the phone and turned down an invitation to Madonna's home. A rep for MTV declined comment.

    Source: New York Post


    AUGUST 23, 2003 7:40PM
    Love her or not, Mariah Carey's one tough act

    Trying to defend Mariah Carey's music is kinda like trying to defend a really nice drug dealer. They may be OK people, but they're both infecting the world with evil, vile stuff. This is the attitude I'm up against when I try to say anything nice about the pop singer. I can say that Carey has sold millions and millions of records. I can say that she is one of the most popular female singers of all time, with dozens of No. 1 hits and platinum-plus records. I can say that she has won Grammys, American Music Awards and just about every other music-industry trophy under the sun.

    And you will still turn your head, make throwing-up noises and dismiss her as vapid and insincere. You'll say that, yeah, she's got a nice body, but it starts and ends there. Curves, yep. Nice legs, definitely. But talent? No way, you'll say.

    I can say that she's got a five-octave voice, a knife in her throat that, like a Ginsu blade, can slice through bricks. You'll just call her voice annoying.

    I can say that she writes a lot of her own material, as she did on her new album, Charmbracelet. You'll call it dreck.

    I can say that she's a survivor, that she has overcome professional and personal setbacks, that she's a person who won't let anything stand in the way of her artistry and making music. Her nervous breakdown? A mere, momentary problem. Her record company woes that found her getting paid to leave a label? Well, she got paid, didn't she? And that awful Glitter movie? Hey, everyone makes mistakes.

    You'll boil it down to "rich, bad actress weirdo."

    I can say that, after years of refusing to tour, Carey is finally hitting the road, bringing herself and her show to intimate theaters around the globe. I can say that she wants to reach out to her fans in a way she hasn't reached out before. You'll say, "Girl needs the cash."

    I can say … oh, what's the use?

    Source: Star Telegram

    Mariah on Extra

    Mariah Carey is reclaiming the stage for her "Making It Happen" tour - her first in three years. Minutes after hitting the stage, a sexy Mariah invited "Extra" inside her dressing room, where she admitted she's thrilled to be back on tour and to be the current Maxim Magazine cover girl.

    She says, "Yeah it was fun. Anytime I get a chance to ride around in water it's always a good thing."

    Besides posing for some seriously sexy photos, the diva tells the men's magazine that she has no idea why rapper Eminem took a swipe at her in his song, "Superman." She says she knows the rapper, but the two never had any sexual encounter.

    Mariah says, "There's always going to be rumors about celebrities, no matter who they are. Some of them are real; some of them are going to be fake. I can't live my life worrying about that because I've been in the public eye too long and I'm used to that."

    Mariah also reveals that life with former husband Tommy Mattola taught her that record executives are brutal. But although she's learned from the past, she's not ready to get hitched anytime soon. She says, "I don't know, it depends on the person."

    For now, Mariah is happily single and sweating over a new album, "Mariah Carey the Re-Mixes." She says, "Right now I'm using it for my workout because it just doesn't stop."

    Kind of like Mariah herself.

    Click here to watch the video.

    Source: Extra

    Canadian Idol Contestant About Mariah

    -- The following excerpt is taken from an article about Mikey Bustos, a Canadian Idol contestant who was eliminated from the show;

    "In addition to industry exposure and lots of publicity, Bustos also had a special treat during the show: meeting his favourite singer, Mariah Carey, during a guest appearance Tuesday. When he recalls his experience, Bustos was clearly giddy.

    "I was so excited. I’ll never forget that time in my life. She is beautiful, I love her! I was acting like a little kid who was just given a lollipop. I acted like quite the geek but it was so much fun. I’ve been waiting years to meet her and it’s funny that I met her in these circumstances. It was definitely a night to remember," he said giggling."

    -- Another contestant, Audrey de Montigny, has performed Mariah's "Dreamlover" on the August 18th show;
    "De Montigny's performance of the Mariah Carey song Dream Lover drew pointed and glowing reviews from the show's judges and a roar of approval from the live audience at the John Bassett Theatre in Toronto while her fatigued father, Jean, watched from the front row."

    Source: Toronto Community News | The Gate | Montreal Gazette

    'I Know What You Want' Exits The Hot 100 Chart

    -- After spending an amazing 25 weeks on the chart, Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey's smash single 'I Know What You Want' has suprisingly droped off Billboard's Hot 100 chart last week, falling a whopping 52 places.

    -- 'I Know What You Want' is #5 on MTV Russia's charts and still climbing up! That's an incredibly high position for Mariah, considering that most of her videos are completely banned at MTV Russia.

    Source: Billboard | Mariah Inc | Vasily

    Help 'Bringin' On The Heartbreak'

    -- 'Bringin' On The Heartbreak' peaked at #2 on Much More Music's top 10 countdown. Keep voting for it here.

    -- 'Bringin On the Heartbreak' is currently #1 on SoundMagnet, which is a station that is a part of the Internet Radio broadcasting community on Live365.com. SoundMagnet reports its spins to Radiowave, the Internet Radio Airplay Charts. Please vote for the song on RadioWave (Click on "Station Charts" to see a list of all the Internet Radio Stations that Radiowave monitors) to get it on the internet charts.

    -- 'Bringin On the Heartbreak' stumbles down the Launch.com top 100 videos falling to #21 after peaking at #9 last week.
    It also dips on the Launch.com pop chart falling to #7 after peaking at #4 last week. Help raise the video on the chart by watching it here.

    Source: mcfanatic | GK | Mariah Inc

    Disneylamb Paris Project

    As you may know, Mariah Carey will be in concert in Paris November 4th. To celebrate the event, Mariahfanclub.com has thought of an innovative idea of bringing Mariah and her fans to Disneyland Paris (by renting it). Read all about the project here.

    Source: Mariahfanclub

    NYC Fanbook

    Keith writes: "I have awesome seats at the NYC show on Sept 18th and I'm doing a Fanbook that I want other fans to be a part of. If you would like a page just send your letters, pictures, poems, artwork or anything you would like posted to Hyperkrazykid17@aol.com. Please send them ASAP or before September 10th."

    Thalia's Childish Comments

    Speaking of ages, Tommy Mottola's new wife, Thalia, acted all of her 13 years -- I mean her 31 years -- when describing Mottola's ex-wife (and Thalia's pop rival) Mariah Carey during a radio interview.

    "Tommy and I met in a different situation," Thalia said. "He was already famous in his own world. I was already famous in my own world. I didn't arrive with a tape in my hand saying, 'Like, could you make a career for me or could you sign me?' "

    Source: Seattle P-I

    Wisegirls VHS Release Date In Holland

    Short but happy note for Dutch fans: "Wisegirls" will be released in Holland on September 30th on VHS format.

    Source: Mariah Holland

    Pictures Update

    The photogallery has been updated with pictures from the Maxim magazine, the 2004 calendar and various scans from 'Star', 'Twist', 'Arizona Republic' and more.

    Source: Maxim Online | mcfanatic | Janel | Louise

    Tour Section Updates

    Check out our Tour Section for updates in the Credits, Merchandise, Setlist and Pictures sub-sections.
    The updated picture pages are: Chicago, St. Louis, Cleveland, Columbia, Toronto, Concord and San Diego.
    Honey B. Fly Winners - please send us the enhanced meet & greet pictures from these shows: Cleveland, Toronto, Denver, Concord & Los Angeles to complete the archive. Thank you!
    The reviews sub-section will be updated tomorrow.

    Source: Undray | Eric S | Shiloh | Sar | Will | Courtney | Renee | Cristian | Tommy


    AUGUST 22, 2003 3:46PM
    The Mariah Carey Show

    None of the music in Mariah Carey's 100-minute show is particularly enthralling or extraordinary, but the fact that she has assembled a well-designed and well-paced show that emphasizes the beauty of her voice is nothing short of remarkable. When she was on top of the world -- pre-"Glitter" -- Carey's L.A. perf was a train wreck; she was as unfocused as the overblown show. Current tour is the first indication in her 14-year career that she can succeed as a live act.

    By keeping it light and simple -- and wisely getting her bearings straight in theaters rather than arenas, where the Charmbracelet tour was originally routed -- Carey alternates between glamorous and playful, inspirational and reflective. It's a family show in many ways, with sets inspired by Paris' Moulin Rouge, the circus and the night sky. The dancers, nine of them, fill the stage with moves and fashions that are more "Rent" than risque.

    And as much as Carey's latest disc, "Charmbracelet," veers deeper into hip-hop than most of her previous work, current show stays grounded in her trademark pop. In her version of Def Leppard's "Bringin' on the Heartbreak," she uncharacteristically ventures into arena rock, a move that's about as far afield as she can go.

    Even with six costume changes -- all of her wardrobe shows off her well-toned body -- the emphasis remains on her voice. Portions of raps and instrumentation are obviously prerecorded, but when Carey lets it rip, it's all her: Strong and assured, she's able to climb octaves with grace and never slips into the vibrato that so many of her contemporaries overuse.

    Few artists have fallen from the mountaintop like Carey: a much publicized divorce after a high-profile marriage; public displays of instability; being dropped by two labels; and the release of a movie, "Glitter," that needed "Gigli" to exist to prove there could be worse.

    She wants the fans to know she's all right. Nearly all the songs Carey performs reflect on a positive state of mind and her will to persevere -- eventually one has to wonder if she gets her lyrics from self-empowerment books and Cosmopolitan articles. "Through the Rain," "My Own," "Can't Take That Away" -- those form half the Mariah story, leaving the other half to love songs -- "Dreamlover," "Subtle Invitation," "Always Be My Baby."

    Carey performs Sept. 18 at Radio City Music Hall.

    Source: Variety | Tomas

    Kelly Rowland praises Mariah Carey

    Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland praised fellow singer Mariah Carey as she appeared on FOX-TV’s Morning Show with Jillian Barberie. Rowland, who was there to promote her role in the horror movie Freddy vs. Jason, was asked which celebrities she looked up to. After pausing for a brief moment, the only name out of her mouth was Mariah Carey.

    “I saw Mariah last night and her voice was amazing and she looked amazing. I loved her show. It was incredible. Mariah will always come out on top.”

    After Barberie said, “Yeah, she’s incredible. Doesn’t she like like 8 octaves or something?” Rowland gushed, “Her range is amazing. Last night, I heard her hit an extremely low note and then the keyboard player played the highest note and she hit the exact note perfectly. Her voice is just bananas!”

    Source: Mariah Daily | SuperLoverboy

    Already Famous

    MEEE-ouch! Tommy Mottola's new wife, Thalia, took a swipe at his ex-wife - and her pop rival - Mariah Carey during an interview with Blink 102.7's Lizzie Grubman Monday. "Tommy and I met in a different situation," Thalia told Grubman. "He was already famous in his own world. I was already famous in my own world. I didn't arrive with a tape in my hand saying, 'Like, could you make a career for me or could you sign me?' " Thalia was referring to how Carey and Mottola met - when she was an aspiring singer and gave him a demo of her astounding voice.

    Source: New York Post

    Mariah Carey A Big Fan Of Scentarettes

    Star Magazine reports Mariah Carey loves using Stacked Style's Scentarettes, which are long-lasting, alcohol-free perfume oils that contain jojoba oil and Vitamin E and are packed in convenient travel vials that come in a small box that resemble a cigarette pack. Check them out online at StackedStyle.com.

    Source: Pop Dirt

    Which Flop Was The Bigger Flop?

    Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez's music gets compared - but has that happened to their movies "Glitter" and "Gigli"?

    As movie goers, we have our own way of speaking out and thats whether we pay $8.50 to watch these multi-million dollar production movies. Both "Glitter" and "Gigli" flopped with critics and movie goers but the biggest flop is the financial loss the production companies had to face.

    In the mean while, questions have arose about these two movies. Was "Glitter" really that boring? Maybe it just flopped because of its release date. Was "Gigli" really the worst movie ever? Or did it flop because of too much negative press? Below is a in-depth comparison between these two movies:

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    "Glitter" (Starring Mariah Carey and Max Beesley)
    Release date: September 21, 2001
    Production cost: $22,000,000
    Marketing cost: $8,000,000
    Theaters: 1,225

    "Glitter" Box Office:
    Week 1: $2,414,596
    Week 2: $945,287 (-61%)

    "Glitter" Overall Total:
    $4,274,407

    "Glitter" production company losses is just over $25 million

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    "Gigli" (Starring Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck)
    Release date: August 1, 2003
    Production cost: $54,000,000
    Marketing cost: $20,000,000
    Theaters: 2,215

    "Gigli" Box Office:
    Week 1: $3,753,518
    Week 2: $678,640 (-82%)

    "Gigli" Overall Total:
    $6,077,000

    The losses for "Gigli" and it's production company is $68 million

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the end, "Gigli" is the bigger flop and one of the biggest movie flops of all-time. "Glitter" is, well, just a flop.

    Source: Pop Dirt

    Technical virtuosity confused with quality

    Mariah Carey's voice is her not-at-all-secret weapon. Trilling through five octaves, from the gut to that fantastic whistle that's at the high end of her jaw-dropping range, she dominated video and radio in the '90s - the best-selling female singer of that decade, the only artist to top the charts in each year.

    And she reaped rewards of ubiquity, celebrity and ample financial security along the way.

    Unfortunately, all that exposure came at a cost. And not just a messy divorce from Sony chief Tommy Mottola, a notorious nervous breakdown, a stillborn career as a film actress and finally being unceremoniously bought out of her lucrative recording contract with Virgin Records.

    No, Carey's crime is against the art of American popular singing. She is a technical virtuoso, but her NutraSweet style of soul - sugary and artificial songs, crammed with hundreds of gratuitous notes - imparts nothing but self-interest.

    "You have to maintain some level of control to sing my songs," Carey insisted recently in her low and throaty speaking voice. She's touring behind her December 2002 release, "Charmbracelet."

    But to others, Carey's overblown vocals have the emotional resonance of asphalt.

    "I'm opinionated because I'm old," Denver blues and soul singer Hazel Miller said with a laugh. "Mariah Carey does not make you feel that she believes in what she's singing. . . . To sing that mindless 4/4-beat R&B simply to make money and never use that amazing voice God blessed her with for anything worthy of it - to me, I'm sorry, that's a sin."

    Yet Carey's influence is glaringly apparent on the Top 40 airwaves and on TV's "American Idol" and its spate of imitators. Young singers follow a tactic of violent Carey emulation - don't hold back from trilling eight notes where one would be enough.

    That particular vocal mannerism is called melisma.

    "In the popular music sense, it's a series or group of notes surrounding the original pitch, usually maintained by one syllable, that's used in a decorative fashion," said Celeste Delgado, professor of vocal jazz and commercial music at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music.

    "A lot of people think that melismatic singing, as in Mariah Carey's case, originated a few years ago. In actuality, it started back in Europe in the days of classical music. . . .

    "But it morphed into many different styles. There was the music of slaves, where it was entirely improvised. They say some of the different melismas they used in songs would be secret signals giving directions to the underground railroads."

    Such singers as Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin carried the gospel music tradition out of black churches and recast it as secular soul and R&B. But the expressive power of those singers has been undermined. Melisma has been largely reduced to an identifiable artifice.

    "Mariah Carey almost single-handedly brought that sheer overuse to the forefront," Delgado said. "She became a role model for pop singers of the current generation."

    Indeed, Carey is the godmother of every derivative diva with a multi-octave range. Christina Aguilera catapults across octaves with masterful control. R&B stars such as Destiny's Child stack trills and melismas on beats and backing vocals. And fans love this type of ornate, vocal-sandblast approach - it now defines quality for an entire generation.

    "There's definitely a talent to it that can be appreciated," Delgado said. "I have a huge respect for Beyoncé Knowles of Destiny's Child - the melismatic runs that she uses are incredibly precise, almost perfect in a classical sense. But at the same time, I think they've taken away from the original melodies."

    "All these little girls are trying very hard now to cram as many trills as possible in one note," Miller said. "Unfortunately, they think that's soulful, that it sounds black. And that makes me very sad.

    "It is not pleasant to the ear. It is simply a bad imitation of something that was once . . . unique, that you only heard in black gospel or down-home soul singers. But it has been subverted into something that is so commonplace and unnecessary - how many notes you can put into one word when one note sung gracefully will do."

    If "American Idol" is any barometer, few of today's young vocal artists are aware of such dissimilarities. The most frightening aspect of the show is that contestants don't sing songs so much as tackle them - the difference between a musical performance and an exhibition of vocal acrobatics.

    During the winning renditions by Kelly Clarkson and male divas in training Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, they didn't explore the nuances and emotions of a lyric - their intention was to buffet it into submission.

    "It used to be that the standard was how you interpreted the lyrics," Miller said with a sigh. "But that's not the standard anymore."

    Carey's take?

    "I don't watch 'American Idol' - I never get a chance to watch TV - but it's a great venue for someone with talent to make a name for themselves," she said. "Unfortunately, the show drives the industry. It assures that you're going to sell a million records.

    "But you know, after the show is over and you make a record, that's when the real crunch time starts. You have to make something with substance. Songwriting is what makes you an artist. Just being able to sing the notes doesn't mean anything."

    And Carey co-writes and co-produces nearly all her songs. Pat Monahan of the rock band Train, whose full-throated vocals (currently heard on the hit "Calling All Angels") may be a sign that a melisma backlash is rallying, is in her corner.

    "The 'American Idol' kids sound kind of same-y. . . . There's a lot of imitation," he said. "But Mariah Carey, in her defense, had quality songs at one point - 'Hero' is an incredibly good lyric. That's what I'm drawn to, what a person is about."

    Ironically, Carey's musical director and bassist is Randy Jackson, one of the judges on "American Idol."

    Jackson can look forward to another season of celebri-wannabes who rely not on melody and artful performing but trite, prefabricated trifles with zero melodic or emotional punch.

    "I'm teaching at a jazz camp this summer, 75 high school students," Delgado said. "Extremely melismatic singing doesn't have a place here. And the influence of shows like 'American Idol' and those singers on these kids is surprising.

    "The other day, we were trying out a small group for solos, and a girl had a totally pop, melismatic solo - and everyone went, 'Oh, wow, she's going to get it - she's great!' And I had to go, 'No, that's not really appropriate or tasteful.' But that's the mentality that kids of this generation have."

    For that evolution of pop vocalizing, we can blame Carey - she paved the way for over-singing.

    Source: Arizona Daily Star


    AUGUST 21, 2003 4:41PM
    2004 Calendar revealed

    Mariah’s official 2004 calendar has been released. It is currently being sold at merchandise booths during Mariah’s performances on the Charmbracelet World Tour. You can also pre-order it online through amazon.com for only $13.00, more than $10 cheaper than the tour price! Below are some of the pictures included in the calendar. Click each thumbnail for a larger, full-scale view.



    Source: Mariah Daily | Jimmy | JClovesMC563

    Mariah Carey in Concert

    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.

    Source: Redlands Daily Facts

    Underdogs Ink with J Records

    Producing-songwriting duo Harvey Mason Jr. and Damon Thomas, aka the Underdogs, have signed a two-year joint-venture deal with Clive Davis' J Records, home of Alicia Keys and Luther Vandross.

    Under the terms of the deal, Mason and Thomas will sign and develop acts for their Underdog Entertainment. Additionally, they will continue to produce artists on J Records as well as other labels. J Records will handle all marketing, promotion, sales and distribution responsibilities for the new label.

    The Underdogs have collaborated with such acts as Justin Timberlake, Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Pink, B2K, Brandy, Jennifer Lopez, Luther Vandross and Brian McKnight. The duo is working with "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard, Craig David, Heather Headley, Babyface, Dream and Joe.

    Source: Yahoo!


    AUGUST 20, 2003 3:47PM
    Concert Review: Mariah Carey

    Mariah Carey herself best described Monday's first of two dates at the Universal when a hairdresser came onstage to tousle her mane of blonde hair. "Just a tad excessive," she said, joking with the crowd.

    Unfortunately, the entire concert was filled with overkill. It was a bloated mess: dancers cluttering the stage and writhing about, over-the-top and often shrill arrangements, plus so many outfit changes for Carey that one lost track. Carey's hardly a showgirl, and the production numbers with a pseudo-"Moulin Rouge" French motif for most of the evening's songs were more cover-up than enhancement. She made a star's entrance from the rear of the venue, escorted down the stairs by bodyguards, wearing the kind of glittering mini-dress she favors most of the time.

    Flashing the high-wattage smile of sparkling teeth and showing either legs or cleavage, Carey can certainly pull off the glamour, sex vixen and hot tramp looks, but isn't it really supposed to be all about her multi-octave voice?

    Sure enough, she cooed and belted, and every time she went for that high-pitched range that could prick up a dog's ears, the audience went wild. But that's just a gimmick. Where was the true phrasing and the skill to get inside a song rather than simply show off vocal acrobatics over vacant pop/hip-hop blends?

    Last year's "Charmbracelet" album was a comeback for Carey, after the disaster of her film "Glitter" and a very public breakdown. She introduced the ballad "Through the Rain" as a song about overcoming adversity, and while it's tough to feel sorry for a wealthy singer who simply can't cope with the pressures of fame and a busy schedule, it was clear that the song is a personal one. However, the arrangement was indicative of most of the night's numbers -- way overdone, especially her cover of Def Leppard's "Bringing on the Heartbreak," which was already wretched on its original go-round back in the '80s.

    Songs from "Charmbracelet" included "Clown," rumored to be an attack on Eminem, and "Subtle Invitation," which was anything but subtle. And what is it with all these acts who feel compelled to screen their videos during a show? Carey's ran several times to set off performances, including the dopey secret agent clip of "Honey."

    One of the few scaled-down moments came with a version of the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There," performed with backing singer Trey Lorenz. The song from the year Carey was born has a more memorable melody than many of her own hits. She saved her biggest -- and catchiest -- songs for the end of the show, including the bouncy "Fantasy," lifted from Tom Tom Club's 1981 track, "Genius of Love," as well as other fan-pleasers.

    Carey has spoken again and again -- often defensively -- about her songwriting and craft. Will she ever get away from the land of hacks and marketing, though? Now 33, she shouldn't have to compete on the same level as the Britneys and Christinas, but Carey doesn't seem to realize that artistry isn't about a gaggle of costumed dancers around you and silly production numbers. Try singing without 'em to really reveal what you're about.

    Carey also plays Thursday at Universal.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter

    Mariah's Success Pushes Men Away

    Mariah Carey's career success has wreaked havoc on her love life. The 33-year-old singer, ex-wife of Universal Records executive Tommy Mottola, admits dating has been a strain for much of her life.

    She says, "I'm in a weird position because I started doing this so young and was so secluded, and then I was in a relationship with a much older person. I've never really dated. I've experience people hitting on me, obviously."

    And while Mariah, who briefly dated rapper Eminem, wants a man with a sense of humour, she's very reluctant to go with a fellow celebrity again.

    She explains, "With another celebrity, there are egos. It's like, 'Which fan came up to me and asked for an autograph and didn't ask you?' Who wants to play that game?"

    "Everybody wants to be a big power couple in Hollywood, but who really cares? It's not about how many magazine covers I can get on with this person."

    Source: Soundbuzz

    Mariah Never Bonked Eminem

    Mariah Carey is about to tell all about her relationship with Eminem in next month's Maxim magazine.

    The thing that will be most embarrassing to the Rap Superstar is that Mariah is about to tell the world he never got to first base. "Did I have a sexual relationship with him? No, I didn't" she admits. "I knew him, I hung out with him a few times, but nothing sexual occurred. I'd admit it if it did, but it didn't. And that's why I was so upset about the whole thing, because I was like, `Look, if I had an intimate relationship with the person, that would be one thing, but...' Maybe he thought because nothing happened he'd look bad or something."

    Eminem took at swipe at Mariah in his song 'Superman' with the line "What you Mariah? fly through twice, / But I do know one thing though, / Bitches they come, they go".

    Mariah says her sexy image is a total contrast to reality. "I know I have this image that's sexy. But I'm basically like Mary Poppins" she says. "That's my nickname! I'm prudish. It's like playing dress up. When you go through difficult stuff as a kid sometimes your childhood stays with you. I've hung onto that. There was a period when I was in a relationship that was confining, where I had to wear turtlenecks and long pants and that wasn't me. I broke out of that - around the same time of the "Honey" video, where I jump out of the water like a secret agent - everybody was shocked. But that was the real me coming out."

    Mariah Poppins, um, I mean Carey, doesn't rule out another marriage even though her past relationship with former Sony chief Tommy Mottola ended in a bitter break-up. "I would marry again if it were about having kids but other than that I can't see myself doing it" she says.

    The full story will be in the September issue of Maxim.

    Source: Undercover Music News

    Mariah Says She Wasn't Intimate With Eminem

    Mariah Carey is the feature cover story of September's Maxim magazine. In the interview jammed with photos, the singer spoke candidly about what she learned from her nearly four-year marriage to former Sony Music chairman and chief executive Tommy Mottola. Her advice when it comes to marriage? "Stay away from it!" She added, "I would marry again if it were about having kids, but other than that, I can't see myself doing it."

    Carey also explained to Maxim about her rumored relationship with rapper Eminem, and her thoughts on why he took a lyrical swipe at her on his hit single "Superman." Eminem says in the song, "What you tryin' to be my wife?/ What you, Mariah?"

    "Yeah, it happened. Did I have a sexual relationship with him? No, I didn't," Carey said. "I knew him, I hung out with him a few times, but nothing sexual occurred. I'd admit it if it did, but it didn't. And that's why I was so upset about the whole thing, because I was like, 'Look, if I had an intimate relationship with the person that would be one thing, but...maybe he thought because nothi