Tour beat: big, bad Mariah
 | TOUR BACKGROUND
Mariah Carey's latest album "Rainbow" hit shelves just before the New Year, spawning the single "Heartbreaker," which quickly hit the number one spot on the charts. Last month, the album produced its second immensely successful single, "Thank God I Found You," a duet with 98 Degrees and Joe. In fact, that hit also topped the charts as her 15th number one single, thus giving Mariah a career total of 61 weeks in Billboard's top position. Not only is that an amazing feat, but it is also a world record for spending the most time in the number one spot in the history of the Hot 100 charts!
With a knockout year like that, Mariah thought it would be a good idea to translate her airplay success into live performances showcasing those tunes. At the end of last month, her tour kicked off overseas playing to enormous crowds in countries like England, France, and Italy. Just last week the songstress brought her show over to the States, and has thus far has played to sold-out audiences in California, Nevada, and Chicago. This is Mariah's first time hitting the road in over seven years, which certainly adds fuel to the ticket buying fire. THE SHOW
After selling over 128 million records and having a hit list longer than all the notes you've taken in class this semester, look forward to hearing classics like "Vision of Love," "Dream Lover," "Emotions," "Always Be My Baby" and "Fantasy." In addition, fans can expect to hear a beautiful cover of "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" a track originally penned by Phil Collins, an extended version of "Honey" from 1997's "Butterfly" disc, plus new cuts like "Breakdown," "Cry Baby" and "Heartbreaker."
But if she doesn't play what you want to hear, you will have the opportunity to request your fav Mariah tune. "What do you want me to do?" asks Carey each night on the tour. "Just shout something out and I'll sing it for you, anything you're in the mood for." Of course, a common track called out is the classic "Hero," a tune that is arguably Mariah's best known hit. "I'll get to that one later," she says to the anxious crowd. "You guys will like that one because I'm going to come out and sing to you all."
Sure enough she fulfilled that promise for her closing number. Mariah and her stiletto heels make their way off the stage and down through the audience singing "Hero" to each and every fan along the way. Plus the superstar takes time every few steps to sign an autograph and pose for pictures, while belting out the tender ballad. MARIAH'S STYLIN'
In addition to her trademark six-inch heels just mentioned, keep an eye out for those outfits she wears. After an hour, the audience is bound to loose count of her wardrobe changes. Mariah goes through at least eight! Along with her outfits, which range from formal wear to pajamas (that's right, pj's), the sets constantly change. Concertgoers will get to see the stage transformed into a dance club during "Heartbreaker," then into a bedroom for "Close My Eyes."
The stage is always bustling, despite Mariah leaving to get dressed, with the activities of her ten-member dance troupe, impromptu solos by her five-piece band and moments of audience participation with her four backup singers. In addition, a big screen protrudes from the center and sides of the stage giving audience members throughout the entire venue an up-close-and-personal view of the action. IS THE TOUR WORTH CHECKING OUT?
If you're a fan, Mariah's Rainbow tour is a must. Even if you're not a long time follower, you'll know a lot of the songs in her sets. The show lasts just shy of two hours and is intermixed evenly with pounding dance tracks and all those slow songs that make you feel all mushy inside. Plus Mariah seems like she is having a good time on stage and wants to involve everyone from the front of the house to the cheap seats in back.
"I feel like we all go way back," she says to fans. "I guess we have since you have supported me throughout all these years. I just want to tell you all that I appreciate you, I adore you, and I love you. Without you, this whole tour would not be possible." (College Press Network)
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