Friday 28 December 2007

The year 2007 (part 1)

This year, fans were expecting two new albums, a DVD, and a movie, but they only got the DVD. According to Universal Music CEO Doug Morris, Mariah would release two albums in 2007. One of them was the new studio album and the other one was either the soundtrack album of the movie Tennessee, or a live album of one of the concerts of the tour. Here is a recap of what did happen in 2007.

January

Oprah Winfrey's long-awaited school opened January 2, fulfilling a promise she made to former President Nelson Mandela six years ago and giving more than 150 girls a chance for a better future. "I wanted to give this opportunity to girls who had a light so bright that not even poverty could dim that light," Oprah said at a news conference. Many celebrities were invited, including Mariah. Each guest was asked to bring a personally inscribed book for the library, Mariah brought a bible. "My visit has been amazing. This is my first trip to South Africa and it's just been overwhelming. You know, everything Oprah does is next level. I mean, obviously she's very subtle when she's wants to be. She's just one of those anointed people who can change the world and we just don't have many of those people left. This is such a huge accomplishment, and I know it's something so close to her heart," Mariah said.

Governor Bill Richardson announced that the feature film Tennessee will be shot in New Mexico. Tennessee, starring James D'Arcy and Ethan Peck, will be shot in and around Albuquerque from January 22 through February 13, 2007. The production expects to hire over 50 local New Mexico crew members. Aaron Woodley is directing with Lee Daniels producing. "New Mexico is recognized in the industry as a legitimate top-caliber production location, a very attractive alternative to productions that might otherwise go to Canada or overseas to shoot," Governor Richardson said. "They recognize the level of local talent that exists here, our ultimate well-spring for this industry in the long term."

February

PerezHilton.com presented this first exclusive look of the March cover of Playboy magazine. The photograph was taken by duo Markus Klinko & Indrani, the pair who were also responsible for The Emancipation Of Mimi's cover art. Mariah bares a lot of skin, but you don't see her naked. In the interview, Mariah was openly about her 2001 breakdown, the Eminem dating drama, wardrobe malfunctions and how she actively avoids her own movie. "It was cool. She scheduled me for late at night, and we didn't get on the phone until 10 o'clock," interviewer Jason Buhrmester said. "She went up to her penthouse, shut the door and climbed into bed with a glass of warm milk and Frangelico. We talked for hours. It reminded me of being in high school and staying on the phone with a girl all night. I think the interview has a very intimate feel." The magazine hit the newsstands on February 9th.

Italian fashion house Pinko appointed Mariah as the new face of its London-inspire fashion brand. Mariah said: "I first discovered this spectacular fashion house while working in Italy. I immediately became a huge fan of the brand, and I bought almost everything in the store. So as you can imagine, when I was approached about doing the Pinko campaign I was beyond excited. The clothes are so stylish and fun, and I'm really looking forward to our new venture together." Pinko president and founder Pietro Negra said the company had searched for "not only a beautiful woman, but a musical artist, because music is the greatest channel of communication". Previous faces of Pinko include supermodels Elle Macpherson, Eva Herzigova and Naomi Campbell. On February 15, Mariah attended a cocktail party in the newly refurbished Pinko store in London. She also did a press conference and a photo call.

March

Mariah prompted tears on the set of her new movie Tennessee after performing a song she co-wrote with country legend Willie Nelson. Mariah, who plays an aspiring country singer in the film, unveiled the track Right To Dream last week - and the film's director Aaron Woodley admitted he was "moved" by the star's emotionally charged performance. He said, "People were weeping on the crew when she sang it. It's very moving, especially in the context of the film and her character." And Woodley added Nashville, Tennessee locals were star-struck after spying Carey filming in their hometown. He explained, "There I am, sitting on the edge of a boxcar with Mariah Carey, breezing through town. We slowed down to go over a bridge, and there were people sitting in cars. I think they did a double-take: 'I swear I just saw Mariah Carey on a boxcar.'"

Mariah sent a specially-recorded video message congratulating Jermaine Dupri on receiving the 2007 Quincy Jones Award for Outstanding Career Achievement at the 21st Soul Train Awards live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California on March 17. She said, "Hi Jermaine. I'm sorry that I couldn't be there tonight at Soul Train Awards but I heard you're getting a very special award and I just had to make sure that I was at least represented on film because, well, we've shared a lot of things together - a lot of number one records together, a lot of success, a lot of big, big albums, big things together and now we're going to share something else. Tonight, we now share this. [laughs] We both have a lifetime achievement, actually it's called the Quincy Jones Award for Outstanding Career Achievement in the Field of Entertainment. I have it in Female, but obviously you're getting it in Male. So congratulations on this award 'cause I know that Quincy is your idol. I know that this really means a lot to you as it means the world to me. So I love you, and I appreciate you. You're the best in the world and nobody deserves this more than you."

On March 27, Mariah celebrated her 37th birthday. Or was it her 38th? According to People magazine, Mariah was actually born in 1969. In response to fan inquiries about the correct date, a spokesperson of the magazine issued a statement, "We have a copy of Ms. Carey’s driver’s license, which lists her birthday as March 27, 1969. Furthermore, we spoke with the administrators at the high school she attended who confirmed that Ms. Carey's birthday is March 27, 1969, as did her management when we made our initial interview."

(to be continued)



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