Saturday 23 September 2006

Mariah Carey's Emancipation tour "makes it happen"

"If you don't get on the ride... you won't experience the adventure." These words were part of an opening vignette on Mariah Carey's "The Adventures of Mimi: The Voice, The Hits, The Tour". The past year and a half has certainly been an adventure for "Mimi" (as she is called by her close friends and now fans). This tour was produced for the highly anticipated and now celebrated six-time platinum CD, The Emancipation of Mimi, which was released in 2005. The album sold over 400,000 copies in its first week, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart, won three Grammy awards, produced two No. 1 singles ("We Belong Together" and "Don't Forget About Us"), and was the best selling CD of 2005. The album moved the number of Carey's No. 1 hit singles to 16, which places her just behind Elvis (18) and The Beatles (20) for the most No. 1 singles ever.

On Sept. 9, a friend and I journeyed to Auburn Hills, Mich. to see Carey live in concert, and it was well worth the trip. Carey performed at the Palace, which is also home of the Detroit Pistons. Reggae artist Sean Paul energetically opened the concert singing all of his popular singles (including his latest "Give It Up to Me", featuring Keyshia Cole) and then some. While Paul's hip thrusting was annoying, his dancers were very entertaining; they moved their bodies in ways the average person cannot. Before I knew it, the concert started with footage of a rollercoaster and Carey's voice in the background saying: "Sometimes life can be kinda like a rollercoaster ride. It's like you're going along and everything seems cool... So, if whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger, I guess I'm strong..."

Not surprisingly, Carey appeared on stage to "It's Like That", her first single from The Emancipation of Mimi. Clad in her signature skimpy shorts and top, Carey electrified the Palace and brought the crowd to its feet, dancing and singing along. Next, Carey performed "Heartbreaker", while portions of the music video played in the background. At one point during the concert, Carey took notice of a sign a fan was holding, asking her to sing "Melt Away", and acknowledged the request, singing it a cappella. Carey clearly knows that her fans are an important part of her success.

Carey's sets were very elaborate and visually appealing. One of the backdrops looked like a beautiful countrynight sky. Both the microphone and stand were completely adorned with Swarovski crystals. The stage was framed by a large white "M" shape which constantly changed colors. Perhaps in reference to her "Shake it Off" video, on the stage, "Mimi" was spelled out in huge block letters and illuminated by lights. Carey's elaborate wardrobe included two floor-length dresses complete with cutouts on the sides. Considering her "diva" status and the number of wardrobe changes Carey has previously employed in concerts, I was expecting her to change a lot more than she did.

As a longtime Mariah fan, I would have loved to hear her sing some of her less popular songs such as "Outside" from the album Butterfly, "Circles" from The Emancipation of Mimi or "Can't Let Go" from Emotions. Carey's voice was just as outstanding live (if not more so) as it is recorded.

Carey's tour is set to make stops in Sacramento, Las Vegas, Oakland, San Diego, Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Phoenix now through Oct. 10. If you ever have the opportunity to "get on the ride", you definitely should. It will be well worth your while.

(The Observer)



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