Sniffles mark Mariah Carey’s Ottawa debut
Sun, Feb 7, 2010
Superstar diva’s voice still surprisingly strong.
Mariah Carey made her performance debut in Ottawa last night in front of a smallish crowd of 2,900 at Scotiabank Place. Although she arrived on stage late, seemed to rush through songs and took breaks to conserve her energy, these were not simply attention-getting techniques from the famously difficult diva.
No, the superstar had a little cold, she informed us early in the evening, picked up from one of her dancers. It cut into her sleep, she added, “but here I am. The show must go on.”
In a gold-and-sequined princess dress that showed off her ample cleavage, Carey made a fashionably late entrance dangling in a cocoon-like bundle that descended from the ceiling to the stage.
The full-length gown was torn away, revealing a short, leg-baring skirt as her breathy soprano fluttered into Butterfly, then darted from Shake It Off, Touch My Body and Fly Like a Bird.
Her voice was surprisingly strong, despite the sniffles, but there were backup singers and electronic effects enhancing her natural vocal power. A full band and a contingent of dancers accompanied Carey on stage, and she occasionally let them take over while she rested her voice and changed outfits.
“I’m not going to complain because I love everybody,” Carey said, as if to remind herself not to complain. “No matter what you do, you can’t make me hate you.”
At one point, Carey played up her diva reputation with a tongue-in-cheek bit that involved calling her hair and make-up folks onto the stage for a touch-up.
It was evidently supposed to be playful and self-deprecating, but the sense of fun was dampened by her poker-face delivery, probably due to the fact that she repeats the gag every night.
Sipping something from a champagne glass (she said it was water, Carey seemed to come to life a bit later, and made a point of referring to her new line of champagne.
On the whole, though, Carey gave an uninspired performance — one hopes her champagne isn’t quite so flat.
Source:Â The Ottawa Citizen
February 7th, 2010 at 4:32 am
Bad review! Mariah needs to change few things! Very soon.
Hope it’s just cause she was tired and had a cold.
Get well Mimi.
February 7th, 2010 at 4:39 am
Other artists would’ve cancelled after the first sneeze. Mariah loves her fans, i hope fans would stop complaining.
February 7th, 2010 at 6:06 am
It’s not fans who are complaining it is the critics who are starting to notice things that make her look bad, yet she doesn’t seem to care. I love Mariah but I wish she would realize that image and career go hand-in-hand. It’s pretty much publick record that Mariah didn’t start to take hits in the press until she changed her image from good girl next door singing slick pop tunes to sex, naughty kitten with a penchant for hip-hop. I understand she is happy but her persona since has taken a huge hit.
February 7th, 2010 at 6:49 am
@ Sami,
I hear your points; however I think it’s interesting that she receives so much flack when you have artists like Madonna, Brittany, and Lady Gaga who are much more “sexual” and often inappropriate. Mariah just exudes a playful sexuality and she is very confident.
February 7th, 2010 at 6:58 am
I agree with sami.
PULL YOUR SOCKS UP Mariah!
Her shows are rather boring and same ol same ol lately.
I wish she would put more effort into them.
February 7th, 2010 at 7:47 am
It is the “same ol same ol” because there is a setlist. Get it? A set program?
If you watch a specific play in the theater, or watch a film in the cinema, for several viewings, do you get a new scene or feature??? Do they change it everytime???
February 7th, 2010 at 7:51 am
Her Angels tour is very consistent with her Music Box & Daydream tours. just her, the voice, minimal dancing, backup vocals, and maybe 13 to 15 songs ONLY.
MUSIC BOX TOUR (14 songs, 1 reprise)
“Emotions”
“Love Takes Time”
“Now That I Know”
“Without You”
“Dreamlover”
“Someday”
“I Don’t Wanna Cry”
“Vanishing”
“Make It Happen”
“Hero”
“All in Your Mind”
“Just Be Good to Me”
“I’ll Be There”
“Vision of Love”
“Anytime You Need a Friend”
“Emotions” (outro)
DAYDREAM TOUR (15 songs, 1 interlude)
“Daydream Interlude” (Fantasy Sweet Dub Mix)
“Emotions”
“Open Arms”
“Forever”
“I Don’t Wanna Cry”
“Fantasy”
“Always Be My Baby”
“One Sweet Day” (with pre-recorded Boyz II Men)
“Underneath the Stars”
“Without You”
“Make It Happen”
“Just Be Good to Me”
“Dreamlover”
“Vision of Love”
“Hero”
“Anytime You Need a Friend” (Album Version / C&C Remix)
February 7th, 2010 at 10:03 am
Any artist’s tour consists of a setlist that has to be redone and redone through out the entire tour. How stupid!
February 7th, 2010 at 11:14 am
Jason,
Oh I hear what you are saying and I support Mariah but the artists you mentioned started their careers with either overt sexuality or innuendo and because Mariah didn’t she is held under the fire after changing her image mid-career. I think most fans can understand that Mariah’s overall image took a bit hit in 1997 with the “Honey” video even though it was sexy. I stand by MC I’m just noting that we can’t always be surprised by negative reviews because they still think of her as 1995 Mariah who wasn’t so sex kitten but still viewed as girl next door. Madonna is credited for re-defining sexuality for a generation and Britney is also credited for doing the same for her generation, much like Gaga today but Mariah is denegrated, as often women of color are for their sexuality or playfulness.
February 7th, 2010 at 11:21 am
I think another reason Mariah is criticized for her sexual coy antics is that society tends to dislike people perceived as “Mary Poppins” or “Pollyanna” types but we respect women moreso who challenge our views about female sexuality. Hence, Madonna is glorified for her sexual liberation and Mariah is berated for seeming like a prude, but at the same time, a flirtatious essence is exuded. Our society seems to be saying that you are either uber sexual and we approve or you are a coy “innocent” and we disapprove because we think somehow you think you’re better than us. I think some women take offense to other females who don’t sleep around because they feel that person thinks they are better.
February 7th, 2010 at 11:27 am
@sami
Well written responses. I, like you, just think it’s hypocritical.
February 7th, 2010 at 11:35 am
Also,
With regard to the UOMF and Obsessed video, I think MC looks sexy in a good way. The outfits may be revealing “but” they are clever. Sometimess I think people are just jealous because she looks so good at 39 years old.
February 7th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Actually Jason is maybe right. Mariah is the perfect example of a woman that has it all. Beauty, charisma, brains and enormous talent so naturally she is a subject of envy, and definitely a woman that when it comes to men, she was never seen walking around with different men with PDA’s. As far as I can remember, she has had PDA only now with her husband. But oftentimes, she is the most misunderstood artist just because she doesnt pretend to be someone else she is not. What you see is what you get.
By the way, in her videos of UOMF and AC, she looks 25 specially in those sweaters.
And oh of course Mariah is better than all of them…
February 7th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Im gonna let you guys now wat the problem is.. The public views mariah as a spoiled diva that lives in a butterfly world. or a crazy world.
They say that shes too old to act the way she does and that she needs to grow up and act her age. But Honestly Mariah is the way she is and thats what i like about her that she keeps it real and does not pretned to be someone she is.
when the whole glitter thing happened the public was happy, they finally said “oh yes she finally cracked, shes over, her career is over she will never sign again.
Mariah is 39 yes and shes already a grown lady but people just will never understand her they only judge by what they see they dotn do their research nor they look at interviews where Mariah explains why she is the way she is.
February 7th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
When your Like Mariah
39, beautiful, regarded one of the best voices of all time as well as having sold millions of records and your songs rival those of elvis and the beatles the public will try to bring you down and criticize your every move.
They say to themselves how did this butterfly loving, pampered diva, eternally 12 acting woman beats elvis or is considered an icon?
they hate the fact that mariah is up there with elvis and madonna.
and in 20 years has equaled their success.
February 7th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgsh7u7upeA&annotation_id=annotation_282296&feature=iv
official video for HAITI SINGLE EVERYBODY HURTS…
The problem is… mariah said 2 days ago she was late because this video… but she doesn’t even appear… IDK… Maybe they take off her part to put haiti scenes… (or isn’t this the official video?
well .. it is a touching video.. and A nice song… love leona, mariah, james morrison, bon jove parts…
February 7th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Jesus you guys read one bad review (which isn’t entirely wrong) and you’re already going around claiming the whole world is out to get her and jealous of her. You seriously need to get real and accept the fact that every once in a while, Mariah screws up, like any other human being. We all know she’s not at the top of her game right now (image-wise) and making excuses for her only makes it worse. Let’s just accept it and hope for the best for the future.
(And now for the attacks I’m gonna receive from some of the regular ass-kissing posters here for committing the mortal sin of saying something not entirely poisitive about Mariah …)
February 7th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
LAMBS MARIAH WILL HAVE HER 2ND NUMBER ONE IN THE UK AFTER 17 YEARS AFTER WITHOUT YOU, SINCE I NOE THAT EVRYBODY HURTS WILL DEBUT AT NUMBER ONE.
SADLY IS A GROUP EFFORT AND MARIAH HAS NOT HAD A NUMBER ONE HIT IN THE UK SINCE 1993.
February 7th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
she went #1 with “Against All Odds” on the Rainbow album (2000).
February 7th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
@ tobby but for sum reason they never count that song, idk why.
February 7th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
it’s always been reporded that Mariah has two UK #1’s. Especially when WBT reached #3, everyone talked about it being her third #1 there after Without you and Against All odds.
February 7th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Look lambs , MARIAH is not a dancer..she’s a vocalist.. so dont expect her to strut like BEYONCE or LADY GAGA on her concerts puuhheeelleaasse..
we love her becoz she loves her fans so much and her VOICE is one of a kind..
anybody who keeps on complaining about her concerts should be shot right through their foreheads.
February 7th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Asnallar
take your pathetic stan a$$ somewhere else and grow the eff up!
Her show is the same ol same and not only because of the setlist. Its because of Mariahs sloppy overall performance. Her same booze jokes in every date, same jokes about having her make up hair retouched on stage, the same damn thing.
I LOVE MARIAH TO DEATH! But shes clearly doing a half a$$ job in this tour and I’m gonna call her out on that. What I detest the most are blind stans such as yourself who can see no wrong. URGH!
February 7th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
STOP SINGING HERO AND MY ALL AND ALWAYS BE MY BABY MARIAH!!!!!!!!!
BRING BACK DREAMLOVER, VISION OF LOVE, FANATSY, DONT FORGET ABOUT US,
LOVE TAKES TIME, PLEASEEEEEEEEE WE WANT THE CLASSICS NOT TMB AND SHAKE IT OFF.
February 7th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Alot of people have also complained that the UOMF video is a bad Target commercial but the tie-in could have been on purpose considering the shopping chart is red and there are rumors that the Jumpsmokers remixes might be issued as a Target exclusive, so I wish people would research the facts before criticizing. The concept and visualization of UOMF the video might have been done so to highlight the possible Target association for all we know.
February 7th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
WBT was #2 in d U.K. im worried MC might not hav another hit in the U.K for a wile.havnt seen the UOMF or AC videos even playlisted on the music stations and either was HATE U or even released.
February 7th, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Greg,
UOMF and AC have not even been released in the UK, so that is why you have not seen them. I just hope MC fans will pull together to make UOMF the hit I know it can be in the USA.
February 7th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
this is becoming more like a mariah haters site!!
February 7th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Yes lambs! Please work hard at pushing UOMF to the top ten at least!!! I believe it has what it takes to be a top three, even #1 single. So please please please, PROMOTE and REQUEST the song like mad!!!
February 7th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
ANy update for UOMF and AC?
February 7th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
DUBAI … Today (january 7th) I just knew this
RADIO UPDATE- Angels Cry: 1.746…………………. Up Out My Face: 5.660 (+ 0.405)
February 8th, 2010 at 12:21 am
STOP Hating…
LAMBS lets all unite to PROMOTE UOMF and AC
February 8th, 2010 at 5:20 am
REQUEST THE VIDEO ON 106 & PARK!!!!
February 8th, 2010 at 5:56 am
The impressions for UP OUT MY FACE are the highest for any Mariah song this era except Obsessed. But it really needs to reach at least 20 million impressions to even be heard by the casual listener. So we have to request this song!
February 8th, 2010 at 7:14 am
I bet UOMF will be as huge as Obsessed or even surpass it. Its just barely 10 days after its official release. I just hope that Angels Cry will be a bigger hit though its not likely to be. Ballads are really passe’ these days already its kinda sad!
February 8th, 2010 at 7:45 am
Yeah man, i feel so sorry for ballads these days. I mean, HATEU is like one of the most BEAUTIFULEST (IDC if its not a word) songs ever and the only thing ppl could talk about was the bathing suits in the video. Pathetic!! Even if AC isnt #1 here i just wish it the best elsewhere… gOTTA lOVE mIMI !!!
February 8th, 2010 at 7:48 am
Excuse me, Fly Like A Bird, YOU TAKE THAT BACK. I have a been a fan since 1990 and I own a website affiliated with MDJournal, and I contribute news to MDJ, MCA & MConnection Intl and MConnection Espana (you can ask all of them) on a regular basis. I also have Billboard.com articles about Mariah.
https://twitter.com/MariahCarey/status/1277831799
February 8th, 2010 at 7:54 am
Fly Like A Bird,
So what if it’s the same schtick, skit, whathaveyou everytime? Nobody is asking you to watch every single show on the tour. No one will watch all shows in the tour. Keeping the same routine lets most people get to see what others have watched in the previous shows.
Http://www.mymariah.tk
http://twitpic.com/aynai/full
http://www.billboard.com/news/chart-beat-chat-madonna-savage-garden-the-1003875221.story#/news/chart-beat-chat-madonna-savage-garden-the-1003875221.story
http://www.mcarchives.com/news/spec.asp?id=8765
February 8th, 2010 at 10:50 am
I don’t think there’s a lot of people (if any) who attend a Mariah concert to see her dance, the same for Aretha, or Whitney or any other SINGER, and I put it on capital letters because everytime there’s more and more performers both male and female that barely can’t sing but they move on stage and lipsynch perfectly so they have a “decent” pop show in the eyes of some people…
We all know the jokes of sipping whatever Mariah is drinking and saying “don’t worry, it’s just water” is the way of Mariah laughing about the whole “scandal” of her being tipsy on an award show, something that happens at every show, like George Clooney did 2 weeks later but the media put it as something funny instead of attacking the way they did to Mimi.
So, at the end, we shouldn’t take so seriously the review of some bitter “X” who didn’t want to be there to begin with. Ask people who attended the concert if they enjoyed or not…
February 8th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
yawn…
you didnt even have to post all those link Asnallar. If anything they make you look desperate.
The bottom line is Mariah needs to add somethin special to her shows. They are flat out identical.
February 8th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Fly Like a Bird,
Let me ask you, have you ever watched any of the Angels Advocate shows? Because from people who really watched the shows, they enjoyed it so much…
February 8th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
People who think Mariah has only been criticized since Butterfly on are mistaken. Those of use who have been there since the beginning know that Mariah has always been criticized. Since the beginning, saying she’s not black enough, her music is to MOR, why doesn’t she claim a side, to being to “safe,” to critics dismissing her lyrics, song content, and saying her vocals are emotionless,or that she is just singing big notes for effect and not for the sentiment of the song, saying she’s only impressive and not expressive vocally. The list goes on, now they complain about the opposite and want her to change back.
Now for the tour, as much as I love her, she is being lazy on this tour, its a rehash of all the others and is charging too much for what she is giving. Singing the same old songs and maybe even partially lip synching some of those.
Can we get a Vanishing, Love Takes Time, Can’t Let Go, If It’s Over, Just To Hold You Once Again, Melt Away, The Roof, Crybaby, Slipping Away, I Feel It, Stay The Night….I could go on, and those suggestions are just the ballads and unreleased songs.
Ok, done now. I had to get it out.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
MARIAH MALE FAN
no I haven’t attended any dated yet. Just seen the videos on youtube. Honestly I feel like I’m not missing out on anything. :/ Nevertheless I will most likely buy tickets for her LA concert later this month.
Also I agree with RJJ12’s entire post.
February 9th, 2010 at 9:28 am
Good points RJJ12. I am inclined to believe MC will never be appreciated by critics until she’s gone.