PRESS & FANS REVIEWS: ATLANTA

Recenze fanoušků i tisku na koncert v Atlantě.

Mariah Carey performs at the Fox in Atlanta - By Q McElroy - Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Leather, fur, metallics, shades, open-toe stilettos... and that was in the Fox Theatre lobby before the show started.

And the show did finally start at 9 p.m. when pop star Mariah Carey descended from high above wearing a gold bodice and fluffy white tulle skirt. Granted, almost all headliners start after ticket time – but the crowd had to sit through song after song after song by Michael Jackson and his brothers. Some in the exasperated crowd, which included grade-school girls and fashionable tweens, started booing during song breaks to get Ms. Mariah's attention (it didn't work).

Atlanta's own music mogul Jermaine Dupri helped her open the party scene with "Shake it Off" from her immensely successful "Emancipation of Mimi" comeback album. With a perfect tan, she sashayed and pranced her way through songs and wardrobe changes – from the full gold ruching to a long gold halter gown to short silver sequined sheath with mini fur jacket to long black sequined gown. She was visually stunning, even if we had to sit through her Betty Boop imitations.

The big question of the night: Did she act crazy... or tipsy? The answer is no. In fact, she playfully joked throughout the night especially when she took "tinsy ladylike sips" of "apple juice." And she acknowledged her love affair with fans (the kind that keep her hair in perpetual flight) saying, "It is what it is."

As for her singing, I'm having mixed feelings. At points it was reminiscent of the vocal prowess from her first album. At other times, marshmallow-soft air notes evaporated in the crowd (a friend suggested she wouldn't be able to win "American Idol" with that performance).

Truth be told, I have bought Mariah CDs and still listen to them, but there were times Tuesday I couldn't figure out if there was some occasional lip-synching. Which on the surface wouldn't be terrible if she put on a high-energy show like Beyonce or Lady Gaga. But let's be honest: the only sweat Mariah works up is when she's air boxing with that right arm.


FAN REVIEWS

Bryson: "I arrive at the venue and opening act RydazNRtist are just starting their set. They get the crowd hyped! They were done in about 15 mins. Then, the crowd got entertained by some Michael Jackson songs. But, at one point people started to get restless and jeered and booed a little. Soon, there are some stage directors behind the curtain, and they turn on the Mariah lights shining through the fabric on curtain! Then, the curtain pulls back and 'Butterfly Intro' starts playing! She comes down on her swing, and starts daydream interlude, I was so excited! She did "Shake It Off' as the opener, and Jermaine Dupri was there to rap with the song! As the show continued, Mariah had 3 costume changes, and sang great songs that I love! Not to mention, the audience was so responsive! There were people sitting down, but they clapped and were very lively! Something that pissed me off, was that a older couple was sitting behind me, and left after a couple of songs! I guess they were expecting her to sing her 'older' type of music! I don't know why they were surprised, Mariah has been doing this style for a while now! I don't get why they came! But, Mariah still made her money off them, their loss, her gain! Overall, the show had nice choreography, and it wasn't too over the top or anything, a good normal show! I wish she would've sung more songs! On the 'Mimi' tour she sang 22! Maybe she's tired or just wants to do a simpler tour! Anyway, great show Mariah, and I'll see you next time!"

Caleb: "I sat in row D in the orchestra section which is 4 rows behind the pit. After the show started the crowd was super pumped and excited. After she started, my disappointment of the set list being so short just vanished and I just couldn't help but enjoy the show. She had a bit of a technical difficulty during 'Touch My Body' but no one really seemed to care we just loved having her in our presence. After the show ended, we went back around the building to wait for her to come out, as we waited we chatted with other fellow Mariah fans and sang songs outside as we waited. Trey Lorenz came out to say Hi to the audience and being that it was his birthday tonight we all sang happy birthday to him. Then Tatum came out and chatted with us for a while. Anyway, so finally Mariah came out and everyone went crazy. I took some nice footage of her as well as me shaking her hand before she jumped onto her bus. After Trey and Tatum were outside just chatting with everyone and Trey signed my ticket. The show and the night was amazing and I can't wait for the second time around."

Jorge: "Wow! What can I say? The show was amazing! I arrived at Fox Theatre around 7:30pm. Traffic was traffic as it always is in Atlanta haha. I went and found my seat a little later afterwards.The crowd and me included were getting more and more energy as the Michael Jackson songs faded in and out. It got to the point where people eventually started to boo when an MJ song ended and another begin disappointed that Mariah hadn't popped on stage yet. What made the evening a night to remember was that the second it started it was basically intense until the finale. You could feel the whole crowd singing to 'We Belong Together' and 'Hero.' The opening sequence is so amazing and beautiful to see in person compared to just looking at pictures. It was 100% Talent, 100% The Voice and definitely a night I won't forget anytime soon."

Robyn: "I just wanted to say that the concert was amazing! Mariah sounded wonderful. I didn't get to meet Mariah personally, but I met Rydaznartist. They were very nice. What a way to spend my birthday!"

Ashante: "Just got back from seeing Mariah at the Fox Theatre and it was AMAZING! I actually won front row tickets from Honey B Fly and wow my seats were amazing. After seeing her at Madison Square Garden I knew this show was going to be amazing. After flying down from Jersey we arrive at the Fox Theatre and it's a beautiful venue! We waited an hour or so for Mariah to come out and it was worth the wait. Majority of the crowd was on their feet as Mariah belted out My All, It's A Wrap, Emotions, Angels Cry! Mariah was soo amazing! Amazing show! AMAZING night!"

Antonio: "Mariah put on an incredible show last night. She seemed in very good spirits and her voice was in full range! The crowd was very lively and anxious as Michael Jackson hits were blasting. After an hour of waiting people starting getting a little upset, but they really came to life as Mariah descended down to the stage on a swing while the Butterfly/Daydream intro played. The highlight moments came when she performed Fly Like A Bird: it literally felt like we were in church as she sailed through the bridge and closing lines of the song, everyone had their hands raised singing every note with her. Angels Cry: she dedicated to the victims in Haiti. At times the fog was too much, she couldn't be seen very well because it was so thick at times. However, the vocals were extremely passionate-it was a chill bump moment as she added fresh emotion to the song by doing more soulful vocals than she does on the album version. It's A Wrap: she requested a mic stand but finally gave up after waiting for about a minute, once the song started she sang it flawlessly. My All: seemed a little more soulful than in past performances (A+). Emotions: this was the show stealing moment. Mariah showed that she still "has it"...hitting every note with perfection. You could tell who the fans were from 'back in the day' as she sang Emotions, we were all on our feet taking it back 1991. Emotions was my favorite song of the night! Obsessed: drove the crowd wild! As soon as MC said "and I'm like why are you so obsessed with me" everyone started screaming and dancing. Mariah obviously enjoyed the audience's response to Obsessed. Of course We Belong Together was another crowd pleaser. It was hard to hear her at times because the whole audience was singing every line with her. After the show I waited outside the theatre to meet Mariah. Trey Lorenz came out and talked with the fans. We sang happy birthday to him (during the show Mariah told us it was his birthday). Then Sherry Tatum came out and talked with fans and took pictures. She was really kind to everyone, she told us that Mariah would be out in a few minutes (Mary Ann wasn't at the show). Jermaine Dupri came out about 15 minutes before Mariah. When Mariah came out she told everyone thanks for coming and that we were a good crowd. She posed for pics and signed a few autographs before boarding the bus. All in all the show was perfect! Getting to see Mariah live made my life! Nothing compares to meeting her after the show!"

Sarah: "I got to see Mariah last night! I'm still excited! I was in the first row behind the pit section. The security guards were pouncing on people with cameras, not even letting people take pictures of each other or away from the stage (even before the show started!), which probably accounts for your lack of photo submissions. Dallas Austin was two rows in front of me, and I asked the guy next to me, 'Did you see Dallas Austin over there?' He said he knew him, and that he was a recording artist named Esty. I told him I was gonna see if Dallas could hook me up so I could meet Mariah, and Esty said they were going to go backstage with Dallas, but Mariah wasn't seeing visitors. He said she was feeling a little under the weather. Crap! So the one time I had a chance to get the hookup, I was foiled! The show was great - it was about the same as the others have been described, with Mariah joking around about her water and play-acting like a demanding diva. It seemed kinda scripted, but it was still cute. I had made a shirt in hopes that Mariah would see it, but I don't think she did. Maybe the people around me were just lukewarm or just recent Mariah fans... I was the only one singing along to every song! It was only during 'We Belong Together,' 'Obsessed' and 'Hero' that I had accompaniment. I really wished I was sitting close to people who were as excited to be there as I was! It was a great show, overall, short though it was (in comparison with Rainbow and Adventures of Mimi shows). Any day I get to see Mariah is a good day!"

Bradley: "This is the first MC concert I have ever been to. But I can tell you MC did a wonderful job, she may have been late but it was worth the wait! It was also worth standing outside in the cold with no jacket to see her within feet. This is the best concert I have ever been to!"

Jeremy: "I waited twenty years for the moment I experienced January 19. In all my years as a fan, I had never gotten the chance to see Mariah live. I finally got that chance, and it was WELL worth the wait! Mariah started the show late, but that was a good thing in my case. I was delayed by work and traffic, as I had to drive over 100 miles to get to the venue. From the moment she descended from the ceiling in her swing, I was instantly transformed into a giddy little kid, full of excitement. The crowd erupted onto its feet and stayed standing for the majority of the show, only sitting when Mariah was off stage. She was at the top of her vocal game, blasting the roof off with her signature high notes and belting her way flawlessly through the ballads. She re-affirmed my faith with her rendition of 'Fly Like A Bird.' After her amazing performance of 'Emotions,' the audience screamed and applauded so loudly that Mariah was forced to stop for a minute to take it all in. She kept the energy level up throughout the night. The set list was somewhat short, but she completely delivered on the vocals. I have been to many concerts over the years. I've seen some of the greatest vocalists in the industry. Mariah Carey surpassed every other act I've seen, as well as my own expectations of her. I can't wait for the chance to see her in concert again!"

Adam: "I've never been to see her before. I have been so excited since getting my tickets. I got to Fox Theatre early, about 5:50pm. I was very upset when they announced no photos, but thankfully, we were able to get pictures. The anticipation of Mariah's arrival is building and about to explode. But, it is another hour and 15 (ish) minutes before she comes to the stage. People were booing because of the wait, but once she was there, everyone was so excited! I couldn't believe Mariah was actually in front of me. When she sang 'Shake It Off,' JD came out on stage and it was a perfect performance. Her voice was grabbing the spotlight. She looked beautiful as well. The crowd loved 'Fly Like A Bird' and the musicians dancing to 'Subtle Invitation' was very nice. I loved her live version of this great song. 'It's A Wrap' was excellent. She introduced the song, sang it perfect and we all loved it. Next was 1991's #1, Emotions. Being a fan for so many years, I've always wondered what the high pitched notes would sound like live...I was blown away with goosebumps. It was amazing to hear her nail it note for note. It was perfectly done and everyone screamed, cheered and loved it. Was truly amazing. The crowd went CRAZY when she started Obsessed.' Everyone was on their feet, dancing and singing. Was awesome. She announced 'We Belong Together' as Song Of The Decade and the crowd screamed with joy as she sang the smash. She ended the perfect night with the fitting single, 'Hero.' It is fitting because Mariah is so many people's 'hero.' She touches so many people with her lyrics, she inspires us, moves us and we love her 'imperfections.' She gave such a beautiful show that I'll never forget. She's amazing, she's beautiful, she's talented, she's Mimi. Her voice was pitch perfect and she hit note for note. Overall, it was amazing. I didn't think I could love MCC anymore, but it's official, I do. Everything (with the exception of the delay) was amazing."

Mayar: "OMG! My dream came true last night! I have been a Mariah Carey fan ever since the beginning! Her concert was AMAZING! Like the other fans stated, it started a little late (I overheard one of the ushers saying that she arrived late and that may have been the cause) but we waited patiently and boy was it worth it! To speed things along after the concert we went around back and got to meet Mariah, Jermaine Dupri, Trey Lorenz, Sherry Tatum, the dancers, the assistants, body guards and her road manager Michael. We even got to see them pack up the tour bus with luggage, food, costumes, everything! Wow! What a night, It was everything like I had imagined and it included everyone's autograph!"

Darrell: My experience was amazing! I took a very good friend of mine, who just lost her sister so I wanted her to hear one of Mariah's many songs that touches on spirituality to help. We were in the 5th row (right behind Dallas Austin), so we were right there up front with her. The show started on time and Mariah was on point all night long. Whether it was singing her amazing range from the lows all the way to the top of her falsetto, talking with the crowd, or joking about the infamous tipsy interview; my girl put on an awesome show. When song four started ('Fly Like a Bird'), I told my friend, this is the exact song I wanted you to hear! Afterwards, we continued dancing for the whole show! Next, many local radio stations were also noting that she was allowing a track to handle her vocals. Unfortunately for these individuals, this was not the real case, as I am a musician (20 yrs+) and watch for these types of faux-performances. Ms. Carey had a track playing on some of the background parts and choruses (which is pretty industry standard at this point) but was singing well above the level and sang the entire show. I saw her with the Emancipation tour in ATL, 7th row, and it was really great too, but she caught slack for that performance as well. I just wanted my opinion on this to be known, as she is still a very, very talented singer it seems like people still hate on her because they are jealous or something, not too sure about all that but wanted to set the record straight. The surprise of 'Subtle Invitation' from Charmbracelet was really nice, as I love that album. Also, the new tracks were really good too, with a personal attraction to her lovely new song 'It's A Wrap.' In the closing, 'We Belong Together' was a super banger, and 'Hero' were both awesome hearing everyone behind singing right along with her. I hope Mariah tours more in the future, keeps putting out albums, and ignores all of the hating mess that seems to follow her around. I would tell her… COME THROUGH ATL ANYTIME HUNNIE, AND WE WILL PAY TO SEE YOU DO YO THANG! Hahahaha."