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Fan Reviews
Journalist Reviews
Meet & Greet Reviews
Fan Reviews (Top)
Review by Tim
Many positive things have been said about Mariah's performances throughout this tour. Any fan, not just of Mariah - but of music itself, at the show at the SDSU Open Air theatre must agree that they were witnessing something special. Mariah performed in ultra-top form in every way - Mind, Body, Spirit and Voice. I watched the show in Las Vegas, but this was an experience that attained a whole different level.
The set list remained the same as most venues, and from what i saw before, many of the on-stage antics did as well. But something that was different, was the incredible energy that the fans projected towards Mariah, and in turn she gave us an unbelievable performance. Mariah herself had to pause during the final set to reflect the nature of this show with her audience. "I gotta say. . .that tonight has been really fun. . .it's hard to live in the limelight. . .and the fans stuck with me through thick and thin" she proclaimed to a thunderous response.
Mariah has ALWAYS had a solid voice, undeniably gifted. That being said, I can honestly say that in my opinion, and is without bias, that she turned in the best live vocals I've heard. Coming from a fan of 13 years and adept to her performances, this is quite remarkable. The way she belted out her new songs (she soared on Through the Rain and others, bringing so much emotion to each song equally) and created such remarkable vocals on her classics. Anyone present can explain to others, hopefully better than i can, the strength of her voice. It is, however, difficult to articulate just how impressive she performed. Vision of Love was an unexpected show stopper (her signature milissmas at the end extended to a virtual "pop opera" which was a delight), while expected show stoppers Like Make It Happen and Bringin On the Heartbreak dazzled beyond expectation and belief. The setlist had absolutely NO weak points, many of us have read the "song by song" plays, so I'll leave the performances as "amazing", as many of my counterpoints have already and rightfully pointed out.
Journalist Reviews (Top)
Review by Nina Garin (San Diego Union Tribune)
Carey has the perfect voice, but empty eyes
Look at how pretty she is!
Look how she sparkles and shines!
In Mariah Carey's world, everything is pink and lovely and glittery, from her windswept blond hair to her caramel voice. And how can anyone keep his eyes off her satin shorts and glossy, glossy lips?
It's all just so pretty! She's sweeter than candy!
The pop music diva brought a spoonful of her own kind of sugar to San Diego for the first time Friday night in a two-hour concert that showcased her five-octave vocal range and her love of fashion.
And, yes, there was a little bit of that bizarre side we've all heard so much about.
Her performance at SDSU's intimate Open Air Theatre attracted teen and 20-something Mariah-wannabes in silky Joie pants and rainbow tube tops, ready to cast their eyes and ears on the unstable Carey.
So she had a nervous breakdown. So she was dropped by Virgin Records. So she made "Glitter." So what? None of that mattered to the 3,800 fans singing and swaying to songs including "Heartbreaker" and "Dreamlover."
Just look at how pretty her audience is! These loyal fans bought the $40 rainbow tank tops and the $15 butterfly bandanas. These are the people who helped Carey through the bad times by sending her sunflowers and e-mails.
"We're all humans and we all make mistakes. She sings a lot about trials and tribulations," says longtime fan, Claudia Sandoval, 20, who was seeing Carey for the first time. "I see a lot of myself in her because all of us at one point have had a dream."
Of course, a performer of Carey's level would never disappoint. Her voice was perfect on the balmy Friday night. She crammed in half a dozen notes where most singers would just fit one. It's like nothing you've ever heard come out of such a tarty girl. Not even Christina Aguilera can sing like this.
"I've seen Madonna, I've seen Cher, I've seen Tina Turner and I have to say, Mariah's got it," said Rich Velasquez, 37. "She can really sing live. I wasn't a fan before, but she was really good."
Her voice may have been the real thing but, unfortunately, Carey looked like she popped a handful of Xanax and downed it with white wine as she crooned sentimental ballads such as "Through the Rain" and "Can't Take That Away From Me," the song she sang for her San Diego fan club.
So she's prettier than a Barbie doll. And she looks great whether she's in a tight, gold dress that barely lets her move her legs or tiny denim shorts. But it was difficult to read any emotion through her Miss America perma-smile and eyes that never seemed to focus.
Most of the night, the show felt more like a Disneyland spectacle as a collection of dancers in gypsy masks and tutus twirled around Carey as she posed for the crowd in her mega-high heels. Every so often, a masked man brought the diva some water, which she daintily sipped through a straw.
And, yes, there were a few awkward moments when Carey referred to her recent tainted past.
"It's not easy to live in the limelight," she said before singing one of her many songs of perseverance. "But it's the music and the fans that matter."
Yet somehow, Carey's vacant, bigger-than-life persona combined with soulful backup singers and a competent band, came together for numbers such as "Honey" and "Make it Happen." She closed with a flawless rendition of "Vision of Love" and "Hero."
Carey may be pretty. And yes, she's glamorous. But just like candy, there's not a lot of substance.
Meet & Greet Reviews (Top)
Review by Tim
What happened after the show was a dream still being realized in my head, really. The fan club winners were the first to go backstage, which was another unexpected treat. I was in the second set of 10, and the wait was suprisingly brief. The show itself gave us enough to ponder to pass the time. Contrary to some reports, Mariah's "people" were extremely helpful and nice. I never felt rushed or bad vibes. Mariah, as always, looked like a dream. She was also so kind to everyone. I got to speak with her for some time, and she was great. She signed a poster and I gave her my gifts, and pledged to see her on Monday. Perfection.
Finally I must reiderate, that Mariah knocked this show out of the park in a way that would humble the Barry Bonds' of the world. To say it was "special" would be a tremendous understatment. I also have to say that the FANS were incredible. The energy and vibe was unbelievable! It was also great to finally meet some of the other members, with whom we all share a sort of comrodory. Having already seen the show and knowing what Mariah is made of expectations were high to say the least, and she surpassed them all in the biggest way. She is (and I am one who believes this word gets thrown around WAY too much) a true diva. Thank you HBF, thank you MonarC, thank you FANS and thank you Ms. Carey, the greatest there ever was.
Review by Joe
After the show, my girlfriend (Lesley) and I went to our designated area! We were gonna meet Mariah!!!!! I was extremely nervous and anxious about seeing my idol in person. Afraid of being speechless or blabbing for that matter! Afraid of not being able to give her the FB Book!
While we waited we spoke with a few Lambs here and there. Then the first group went in (my Lambs Stew, Johna,Steve and all them lambs!). Then it was our turn! We went in and Mariah was beautiful!!!! I stood behind her and while she concluded a conversation with another Lamb ( At least I think she was concluding, sorry if I just barged in) I said , "Mariah I have the SD FB" . As she turns around and looks at my hands she replies "Oh you have the FB ?Let me see it." She then takes the book from me and begins to flip the first few pages .Showing much interest! While she browses through I begin to mumble with a great amount of mixed emotions, "Mariah , I had a Gift basket for you with Lambs, Butterflies,and little pins and a poster for you to sign but the security guard took them from me and said i coulnt bring them in . They said they would give it to your people for you to sign..."
( I aint even remember excactly what I said, I was a mess!) She then replies with a sense of unawareness in regards to the basket and poster, "Im sorry, Well I dont know why they’re so mean" ....Then the bodyguards or who ever they are said "Ok lets get the picture taken you can do that later!"
The group ( including Mariah) get ready for the picture . The photographer then says " Mariah wanna take the picture holding the FB? Or in a separate shot?" She replies, "Separately cause Ive been taking the pictures with the FB's seperately"
As Im standing behind my Girlfriend and Mariah they then take the picture! While she interacted with the other Fans including Lesley (my G/F) all I did was admire her unbelieveable flawlessness!My girlfriend then gives mariah a tiny Hello Kitty trinket box with a HK bracelet Lesley made for her.Mariah takes it out of the Trinket Box and says "How cute , thank you. Lets put it back in the box we dont want it to get lost" As they both try to put the Bracelet in the box Lesley then tells Mariah a few kind words of admiration and mariah says "Thank you." .Lesley then says , "Can you please sign my Tshirt ?" . "Sure" M says. Lesley then asks "Can I have a hug?" She replies "Sure" and hugs Lesley . .....
Im getting tired so to sum it up and make it short, I told Mariah I loved her and that she helped me get through alot (while she signed my program !.) "Thank you" she says, " I love your little ensemble you got going there. Did you make that?" (As she looks at my Fan Bracelet project T shirt and the letters "MC" ironed onto my blk Shirt, ) "Yes I made it" I then I ask "Can I have a hug?" She replies " sure" . Then I am asked to leave . "bye Mariah " ....."Bye thank you" she says....
So regardless of the fact that she wasnt given my Basket or my 5 page letter I had the night of a lifetime! ! An inspirational night which shows that dreams do come ! Whos with me!?!?!
Afterwards a multitude of Fan gathered outside of her Tour buses! We waited a few mins and Trey came out then Randy and finally Mariah and her bodyguards and Backup female singers! She waved good bye and as fans took pictures she left!
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