Sony and Mariah set to battle
Mariah on Bet 106 & Park | To say 2001 has been a rough year for songbird Mariah Carey would be an understatement. She filmed two movies, recorded a soundtrack, signed a multi-million dollar recording contract, had a breakdown, watched her movie bomb at the box office and get scathing reviews by critics, watched her soundtrack get lost in the shuffle among hot releases and possible end her streak of having a number one every year. And the year's not over yet.
Now comes another obstacle - her former label Sony. After announcing that they would release a 3 CD set of her earlier albums later this year, Sony has now announced that they will release a greatest hits album that will include all of her past hits, never before heard tracks, and various remixes.
"Sony knows what they're doing," said Jeff Starks, entertainment coordinator of 96.9 FM, "Mariah is now back to promoting her new album and they want to fill the market with as much Mariah as they can, so the consumer will get so sick of her that they will move on."
During the summer, before her breakdown, Carey claimed that Sony, specifically CEO Tommy Mottola, was undermining an attempt to destroy her career. At the time, many believed it was the initial signs of her breakdown, now many are resigning to Carey's claims. "When you are an artist like Mariah who can sing from a cable guide and get a hit and suddenly you stop getting one, one might think that they (the artist) would begin to pass blame, but in this case it now seems to be legit," said Starks.
But Carey has a few tricks under sleeve. In the coming of weeks Carey's face will be on practically every major network and cable channel known to man. First up was Tuesday's night VH1 Fashion Award where Carey dazzled the audience with a subdued edition of her latest song, "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life". This Friday you can catch Carey on the Radio City Music Hall where she will sing a medley and if that's not enough expect to see Carey serenade Patti Labelle at BET Walk Of Fame next Tuesday and show her support for America on the televised edition of "United We Stand" on ABC next Friday.
But wait there's more. CBS will feature Carey on their "Home For the Holidays" special in December; NBC is in negotiations to feature Carey at their annual Central Park tree lighting special, Barbara Walters will sit down with Carey on 20/20 and even Ally McBeal will step on the Carey bandwagon featuring her in an episode to air Jan. 7 of next year. Not to mention the countless award shows that Carey is sure to be apart of. "It's a music war and we'll have to wait and see who will win," said Sparks. Let the battle begin. (Extra Weekly Report)
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