Mariah rocks
She's used to receiving lavish gifts from besotted admirers, but even Mariah Carey didn't expect £3million of diamonds to arrive before her sell-out concert in New York. The chart beauty was preparing to greet 20,000 fans in Madison Square Garden last Wednesday when a special envoy arrived, dispatched by Prince Azim, the son of the Sultan of Brunei, who's worth £25billion.
"We were sent by private jet to deliver this gift," a representative of the 24-year-old, who's third in line to the Sultanate, announced - as he presented an eight-carat flawless diamond and platinum necklace and matching ring. It sure beats a bunch of wilting roses from a garage forecourt.
Overjoyed by the gift, the singer, who has sold more than 100 million records, channelled her pleasure into a fabulous show. Her amazing set featured 18 hits and guest appearances from rap moguls Diddy and Jay-Z, who was so impressed by the diva's glassshattering vocals that he bowed down to Mariah on stage.
Highlights included Fly Like A Bird, featuring a full gospel choir, and Dream Lover, which was dedicated to rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard who died following a drugs overdose in 2004. Fan Jake Wheelan from New Jersey, told us: "I came to see Madonna a few weeks ago and paid $360 (£190) for my ticket. Here, I've got the best seats for less than half the price - and the show's 100 times more fun."
The generous superstar was so thrilled to be back in her home city she splashed out £30,000 on Cristal champagne for her family and friends - including 3am - at an exclusive aftershow bash. More than 150 revellers, including her brother Morgan and former opera singer mum Patricia, helped Mariah celebrate her triumph.
Sipping a glass of Pinot Grigio wine - "Champagne's bad for my voice so I can't have any on tour. Make sure you have some, though!" - Mariah told us she's sleeping for 15 hours a day in a humidification chamber. It is to ensure her eight-octave voice can survive the rigours of her Adventures Of Mimi tour.
Breaking doctor's orders to speak exclusively to us as we partied till 4am at New York's 77 bar, she said: "I sleep in a room full of humidifiers and am on total voice rest between shows - I'm not even supposed to speak. It's very hard but this tour means a lot to me and I want everyone who comes to have an amazing time."
Reflecting on her astonishing comeback - her Emancipation Of Mimi album was the biggest-selling record of 2005, just three years after she was paid £15 million to quit Virgin Records - she said: "Before I go on stage I try not to think about the dark times or it can all get too much. I know I'm blessed and I'm grateful to every person that stuck by me."
She went on: "I wish I could take this tour to the UK - I love that place, but the timing just didn't work. I've got to start filming a movie called Tennessee later this year, then I start work on a new album. The UK fans are some of my favourites, though, and I want to get back there as soon as I can." You and us both, Mimi! (Mirror)
|
