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A grateful Mariah Carey plays Philips Arena
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mariah Carey decorated her stage Wednesday night at Philips Arena with her initials. They were designed in an interlocking symbol, a cross between the Chanel logo and a hood ornament, and they represented her status as a pop music luxury brand.
Carey has had her ups and downs, as an extended video metaphor involving a roller coaster reminded us. But she’s back on top now, having had the best-selling album of 2005 — “The Emancipation of Mimi” — with the help of Atlanta songwriter/producer Jermaine Dupri.
Dupri appeared onstage multiple times Wednesday night — he came out before Carey to get the crowd pumped up, joined her for a run through “Shake It Off” and shared the stage with Da Brat during a lull in the action. Dupri is a sparkplug of a man, an instant jolt of energy, and Carey thanked him profusely throughout the night.
The show had some disjointed moments and questionable fashion decisions, but Carey was warm and gracious and generally in good voice — she cheesed it up with fans, hit her famous high notes and seemed pleased to be there.
She began the show wearing a spangly black bra and matching boy-shorts, accessorizing with a cape. Later she wore a yellow dress with a deep slit. Her hair fell in waves down her back. Her midriff was well-ventilated.
Carey sometimes seemed unsure whether she was supposed to be onstage or off. And there was a clumsy moment about halfway through the show in which she started “Always Be My Baby,” stopped to sing a bit of “Your Girl,” then went back into “Baby.” But moments like these were kind of endearing — they revealed Carey to be human, as opposed to a robotic diva.
Among other songs, she sang “Hero,” “We Belong Together,” “Dreamlover,” “My All” and “I’ll Be There.” And if some of the show’s most exciting moments came from a DJ spinning tracks by local rappers D4L, Young Jeezy and Yung Joc, well, this is Atlanta — what do you expect?
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By KP
August 10, 2006 8:07 AM | Link to this
I think the show was great! And I loved her outfits and the way she played to the crowd.
This concert was much better than the last concert she gave here when she was suffering from a bout of food poisoning.
I’ve loved her music since her debut in 1990. It’s great to see her back on top.
By Eric
August 10, 2006 8:08 AM | Link to this
I attended Mariah’s concert on last evening. I thought that it was very nice and family-oriented, with the exception of playing rap music, where the “N” word was being used in front of a crowd that was fifty percent white!
All and all, it was great!
By Angie
August 10, 2006 8:14 AM | Link to this
Great Show better than I expected!
By Robin
August 10, 2006 8:24 AM | Link to this
Mariah proved last night she has one of the best live voices around. Great show!
By MT
August 10, 2006 8:48 AM | Link to this
The show was beautiful. Her life is truly a testimony to us all, she has had her share of ups and downs and at the end of the day as well as the concert she was thanking God for bringing her through it all. The positive, uplifting songs at the end were the best part of the show (as well as the fact that she can still hit those high notes).
By Diane
August 10, 2006 8:51 AM | Link to this
I attended the concert last night & I must say that Mariah put on an excellent performance & her voice was beautiful, as well as her fab-u-lous figure, go girl! It is good to be able to have a songstress that can actually sing; Mariah sent shrills up my spine when she hit the high notes. The whole set up was very good, the only lowpoint: the DJ spinning music (the music was good)but it wasnt the music that bothered me; it was all of the bootyshaking & jumping around, sliding across the floor by concert goers that seemed inappropriate; save it for the after party. All in all it was great.
By Marie
August 10, 2006 9:05 AM | Link to this
The concert was great. Mariah looked very toned with her new thinner looking self and the singing was brilliant, almost like listening to an actual Mariah cd. The high notes Mariah hit almost blew us out of our seat. The opening was perfect with the roller coaster video talking about the up’s and down’s we go through in life. Glad Mariah is now back on top ! Great concert !
By Teshia
August 10, 2006 9:19 AM | Link to this
The concert was great! From the beginning to the end. What was wrong with the dj spinning music that’s a concert you are there to dance & have fun!
By Me
August 10, 2006 9:22 AM | Link to this
The show was ok… just as the blog states. Surprisingly, she sounded very well the entire time. More than one song mix up was definitely more than enough. I guess I have to give her a little slack since it is the beginning of the tour.
Always nice to see Da Brat and JD (especially since he’s HOT again right now)… but she was quite excessive with the thank you’s.
Uh, what was DJ Clue’s purpose? We could have gotten a local DJ to play all the ATL hits!
And you can’t forget to mention Mr. Sexy as he wants to be Sean Paul! He and his crew did an awesome job. Great Opener
By Nikki
August 10, 2006 9:35 AM | Link to this
I thought the concert was great. DJ Clue definitely represented ATL and seeing JD and Da Brat was quite an experience. Mariah can surely sing…Her voice was insane. Trey Lorenz and Sean Paul were tight as well. The whole night was a great party…dancing and all.
By Aerin
August 10, 2006 9:38 AM | Link to this
AWESOME SHOW!!! AWESOME VOICE! I took my kids 14, 8, and 7 Cost me alot of money and she gave me my money’s worth. She deserves the name DIVA, she represents it well. The middle dance floor was cool. She was very comfortable being so close to us.
By Kali
August 10, 2006 9:38 AM | Link to this
Mariah, that girl was on fire! It was an excellent show and the stage was on point. I enjoyed myself and it took me back. Many people like to focus on the negative but she proved that she is one of the greatest singers around!
By SDC
August 10, 2006 9:46 AM | Link to this
Last night was my first time attending a Mariah Carey concert. I was thoroughly impressed with her vocal skills. Mariah sounded quite exceptional and it was all her. No records in the background!! (The new singers can definitely learn how to put on a performance from her.) Her background singers were also quite exceptional!! Overall, the show, stage, attire, etc. were great, and I will definitely attend another show for her in the future. Sean Paul was also HOT!! In response to the review, Mariah has a whole slate of songs to choose from unlike today’s one hit wonders. She provided variety, personality, and most of all entertainment! That’s what we paid for. LOL Go Mariah!! The ATL loves you!
By Cathy
August 10, 2006 9:54 AM | Link to this
The opening act, Sean Paul, was trying too hard to get the audience going which he never really succeeded in doing. His act was boring and the cheezy dancers need to go back to dancing on Soul Train!
Mariah was in top form - body and voice! Her interaction with the crowd and singing her top hits was great! I appreciate the fact that she always gives props to her fans. May her rollcoaster ride always stay at the top!
By Cici
August 10, 2006 9:54 AM | Link to this
I thought Mariah was fantasic. Her voice was really nice. She seemed to really enjoy being on stage. I actually loved when she started “Always be my baby” then sang some of “Your Girl”. She’s a little quirky but that’s what makes her fun. My only 2 complaints were waiting nearly an hour for her to arrive on stage and Sean Paul as an opening act. I would’ve rather seen Trey Lorenz and he hadn’t had a hit albeit very minor since the 90s.
By ATLDUDE
August 10, 2006 9:56 AM | Link to this
When did she get so ghetto! I live near Phillips and my choice to do so means dealing with whatever element whatever show draws and I can tell you I was not expecting the thuggish ghetto crowd that Mariah drew. Maybe I am showing my age, but I much prefer the beautiful songbird from her first album to this new skanky amalgamation of hip hop style! YUCK
By SHONDA
August 10, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
IN REGUARDS TO ATLDUDE’S COMMET ABOUT MARIAH BEING GHETTO, BOY DIDNT YOU KNOW THAT MARIAH IS VERY GHETTO AT HEART, IT DOES NOT COME OUT IN HER STUDIO ALBUMS, BUT HAVE YOU SEEN HER MINGLING OUTDOORS, HAVING GOOD TIMS WITH FRIENDS IN NYC? HAVE YOU READ THE MILLIONS OF MAGAZINE INTERVIEWS SINCE 1990, HAVE YOU ACTUALLY SEEN FULL LENGTH INTERVIEWS? IM NOT TALKING ABOUT BARBARA WALTERS EITHER. SHE IS MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE NOW WITH WHO SHE IS BIRACIALLY, BUT SHES CHOSE TO IDENTIFY WITH HER AFRICAN AMERICAN SIDE. NOT THAT THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH BEING GHETTO, I LIKE HER NOW, SHES MORE IN YOUR FACE TYPE ATTITUDE, SHE DOES NOT STAND THERE STILL, BELT OUT A SONG AND GO STRAIGHT TO THE NEXT ONE, ONLY SMILING FOR A MINUTE BETWEEN SONGS, IT WAS THAT WHITE BARBIE DOLL IMAGE THAT SONY WANTED HER TO HAVE WAY BACK IN THE DAY. AND DONT GET ME WRONG, I LOVED IT THEN TOO, I HAVE SAVORED EVERY MOMENT OF MARIAHS CAREER FOR THE PAST 16 YEARS, BUT DONT THINK FOR A MINUTE THAT EVEN BACK THEN, MARIAH DIDNT WANT TO BUST OUT AND DO A GLADYS KNIGHT NUMBER!
By TMoney
August 10, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this
To ATLDude…Where the ** have you been? Sleeping since the first couple of albums, obviously. Anyway, I was disappointed and amazed beyond belief all in one moment. Mariah truely is human, and i like that, but there is something so superior about the quality of her voice that is very obvious. I wished that her lower register was on so that her true vocal quality was represented. You know professionalism when you here a struggle in any range of a performer’s voice, and yet the perservere beyond belief…beyond comprehension…Where does this exceptional voice and style come from? Wow….Wow…Wow. Mariah, Thank YOU! THANK YOU! Yo…in a word…Incredible, Magnificent, Unbelievable…..Oh, guess i can’t cout, huh. May God continue to bless us through you.
By velmarie
August 10, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
I have been a fan since I was 12, and now Im 25…I waited 13 years to finally see her here in ATL and I loved it….great show, great voice, great outfits, great everything…she is just GREAT! The best!… I am looking forward to see her concerts again again and again…!
By kdollarz
August 10, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this
Excellent show! Mariah gave everyone the voice and notes she is known for!!! Sean Paul didn’t care to know or say all his words but was still ok. Her comment about wanting to go back to Fat Macks to get a fish sandwich was cute and funny. LOVE HER!
By Pocahantas
August 10, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this
Mariah Carey was phenomenal. No body fat and a voice that is undeniable. She used my signature color, Purple, on stage and it was a class act all the way. She is definitely down to earth and showed her human side which was so endearing.
By Alexis
August 10, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this
Madonna’s Confessions concert was so much better.
By Kim
August 10, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
There’s a reason Mariah Carey has so many number one singles, grammys and awards. Her show was incredible and if your weren’t there, you definately missed a treat!!
By plj
August 10, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
Her voice was great. She looked awesome! ! ! But the production quality of the show was amatuerish at best. The lulls during her costume changes and the flow between songs were awkward. (She should have her director take cues from Madonna, Britney and Janet for how to pull all that off.) I think she would come across much better in a smaller venue…even Vegas. She can’t quite command a huge arena without a larger than life production. Glad I went though. I even enjoyed all the “imitators” with respect to Mariah’s dress…I’ve never seen so many women/girls in stilettos and hot pants…most of whom did not need to be wearing such! ! ! Makes me wonder just WHO they thought people were there to see…Mariah or them! ! ! : )
By Kat
August 10, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this
Best concert ever!!!!! Mariah’s voice is absolutely amazing and she looked great too!!
By casey
August 10, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this
My very first Mariah concert and I am in awe of her and that wonderful voice. What a beautiful woman she is!! I’m disappointed the AJC only showed her in the black outfit. She had 3 other gorgeous outfits and looked even more beautiful, that the photographer didn’t snap. What happened did you forget to take more pictures or did you run out of film? Showing some of the other outfits would have put her in a better light than the one outfit. How sad for those that did not get to see her.
By Kat
August 10, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this
Mariah had to many outfit changes and I paid to see Mariah not to listen to other music between her disappearances. I did like Trey Lorenze. Mariah can really sing but I could never understand how one could enjoy a concert if the crowd is screaming so loud you can’t hear the singers voice. I won’t comment on Sean Paul because that not my type of music. He does have good melody (music) to dance to. I was disappointed as a whold. I would like to see Mariah in concert in a smaller setting I am sure it would be great.
By nothappy
August 10, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this
The concert was a hugh disappointment. Mariah looks good (weight lost great). However, I wasn’t disappointed with Mariah but the crowd was so loud and inconsiderate that you couldn’t even hear her voice. This girl in front of me was screaming uncontrollably non stop. She was horrible.
By Tonya
August 10, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this
I reside in Greenville, SC and treated myself to a single ticket to see Mariah. I can honestly say it was worth every cent and mile. She performed a fabulous show! She looked amazing, as well. I was so happy that she didn’t just perform new material, but revived us with several of the songs that helped cement her iconic status. I saw Madonna at the Garden last month, and was only able to sing along to just a few songs because everything else was so new. It was nice to see all of Mariah’s guests such as Da Brat, JD, and Trey Lorenz. I found the lights during Sean Paul’s set to be blinding at times. All in all, it was a great night for me in the ATL.
By Tlola
August 10, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this
First, the AJC article of Mariah Carey, well said! I enjoyed the concert. Mariah Carey was exceptional, graceful, and a exquisitely DIVA. Of course Sean Paul and DANCERS did an outstanding job as the opener, JD and Da Brat did a wonderful as usual, while DJ Clue and Trey added some spice, it was nice. MC did not attract ghetto concert goers…why can’t we all get along. smh Yes, everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, but that statement was uncalled for. Additionally, MC should NEVER be compared with Madonna come on two different style of music. Anyhow, it was a great show worth every dollar for an up-close seat.
By Danibaby
August 10, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this
I am a die hard Mariah fan and I have been for 16 years. I am have been waiting and waiting for her to tour. This concert was the best. Her voice was perfect and she of course looked good as her voice sounded. Very famiy-oriented besides some of the words in the dj music, but overall very good production. A Mariah Carey concert is to hear her voice and the hits not to have a production like Janet or Madonna. The kinks of the show will get ironed out and if they don’t it is ok because her voice and performance make up for them. GO MARIAH!!!
By Amazing!
August 10, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this
First off- this was my first concert ever. I always wanted Mariah to be my first concert. She was unbelievable!!! I was in shock the whole time! Her voice was on point the whole show.I also never realised how in shape Mariah is. You could see all the muscles in her body. Her abs and legs are amazing!!! I guess I have taken her voice for granted all these years listening to her albums, but last night I was just in amazement in how someone’s voice can be that phenominal. It was a true testament that there really is a God who created us all. No one else but our creator could produce that kind of sound. Thank you Mariah Carey for such a memorable night!
By Lana
August 10, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this
Ms. Mariah’s show was absolutely awesome!! There are very few talented singers that are able to perform with perfection. Her up beat energy, sense of humor and amazing beauty complimented her,”Heavenly Voice”.. Unfortunately, whenever you turn on the radio/television, these so-called, “entertainers totally suck!!”One hit wonders at a costly expense!” I’m very honored to have attended her concert.. P.S. what ever happened to Whitney Houston?? Bobby Brown if you hear me please reply?..
By jaye woodward
August 10, 2006 1:01 PM | Link to this
i was a some time fan, liking some of her music, not all of it. but last night was fantastic, the set was wonderful, once the show started it was electric. i would go too see her again.
By Neville
August 10, 2006 1:25 PM | Link to this
To ATLDUDE, I wonder which part of the crowd was ‘…thuggish ghetto? I believe it was a GREAT! Show. Mariah was beautiful; she put on a great performance. Sean Paul was great; his music is really for the club, dancehall crowd like me. Two problem with the show, the wait for Mariah was too long and the microphone audio was too high…the high notes were distorted.
By Erika
August 10, 2006 1:57 PM | Link to this
Mariah was on Fire! I truly experienced the performance of a World Class Entertainer. Mariah looked fabulous, sang beautifully and made us KNOW that she was worth the $80 per ticket. A great time well spent listening to some of the hotest hits over the past decade.
Congrats Ms. Cary you are tha bomb! And your whole your spirit must be very full.
By ATL Celebrity
August 10, 2006 2:13 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe the ATLDUDE, thuggish ghetto comment. “If” you are referring to a crowd of African American that you can’t handle, HELLO YOU ARE IN ATLANTA. It is a BLACK city.
Mariah Carey is half black and yes it “may show” but hell embrace it. She is not a Puppet as Britney Spears and the rest of “Pop” culturs has become.
Anyhow, for the person referring the the N word, by saying the crowd was 50% white so why was the N word used, are you implying that to say that word should only be used in reference to African Americans? If so, wake up IT’S 2006…….AND YOU DO LIVE IN ATLANTA.
By ROMERO
August 10, 2006 2:36 PM | Link to this
I was in the pit last night and it was worth every penny I paid to be there! When she sang “Don’t forget about us”, (becoming recently single) live within 10 feet of me it made the night perfect!! She’s got the best live voice of anyone, well, up there with Patti LaBelle:-) fan for life!
By Robb Cohen
August 10, 2006 2:40 PM | Link to this
Hi Casey-
I’m the AJC photographer who shot the Mariah concert last night. In response to your comment… “I’m disappointed the AJC only showed her in the black outfit. She had 3 other gorgeous outfits and looked even more beautiful, that the photographer didn’t snap. What happened did you forget to take more pictures or did you run out of film?” We were only permitted to shoot the first 2 songs, per Mariah’s management. Sorry about that, I would have loved to keep snapping photos!
Thanks!
By Eric
August 10, 2006 2:45 PM | Link to this
Regarding the issue with the “N” word, I was on a row with all whites. Imagine my dismay when DJ clue starting playing JZ’s, “Ni..a, Ni..a, Ni..a, ask bout me; I am a hustla, homey!”
With the crowd being so diverse, I didn’t think the music was in line!
In fact, I was disappointed!
By NB
August 10, 2006 3:00 PM | Link to this
Excellent show! This show was better than the last show she did in Atlanta. Her voice was perfect and the acoustics handled it well. Sean Paul brought a nice flavor to the event as well. It always nice to see someone enjoy what they do and it appears Mariah does. Some of the glitches I wouldn’t have noticed if she hadn’t mention it during the show. I wasn’t crazy about some of the hip-hop stuff but it definitely was a crowd pleaser. “Fly like a Bird” brought the house down. Awesome performance. Mariah is definitely back!
By JK
August 10, 2006 3:29 PM | Link to this
I really enjoyed the Mariah concert last night. I live in Vidalia, Ga. and teach school. Although I went to work today after the long drive home, Mariah was worth every penny. I wish pictures were allowed. I realize Philips employees were just doing their jobs, but I got a few pics anyway.
By Teresa
August 10, 2006 3:33 PM | Link to this
I have been a fan of Mariah’s since forever. She is my absolute favorite artist. Last night was my first time seeing her live. It was the best birthday present I’ve ever received and it was from me! She was absolutely gorgeous and her voice was flawless. She is an instrument from which beautiful music flows. Thank you, Mariah, for such a fabulous night. I love you, Girl!!!!!!!
By JLB
August 10, 2006 3:55 PM | Link to this
The Reviews for Mc are up the right alley. I was part of the local install crew that put the show in to the arena. And as stuff roiled out of one of more that 50 trucks. The Mood of the crew went down hill. And we know it was going to take a long 8hrs to finished. And this was there third performance and MC’s First time being a show producer. The Mc’s Production team as it got closer to doors opening, had to cut sets and scenes and a lot of sets were left on the dock at Phillips. As the MC’s road crew is still learning how to make the install faster. I heard, when I return for strike that the boss was unhappy that they had no more time to make it a longer show be cause ran out of time during the install.