MC hits MSG
In all my years of travelling to New York to work with some of the biggest music artists in the world, can you believe I had never seen a gig at the world famous venue Madison Square Garden (MSG)? I had been there for MTV-related stuff but never to see a gig.
Well, to kick start 2010 that was all changed because Mariah was performing there. So on a cold and snowy day, we were picked up at 4pm to make our way to the venue in a giant SUV convoy. We were there early for sound check and the streets around the venue were pandemonium with police locking off roads in preparation for the thousands that were set to gather. MSG corridors were full of excited dancers, singers and celebs. As I walked through the backstage dressing room corridors and spotted framed superstar live photos on the walls, I was in awe at the venue's history. It's not called the world's most famous arena for nothing.
Mariah's dressing room was large and airy but they'd made it seem lovely and cosy with white silk drapery and scented candles. Luckily, it was nice and warm as Mrs C was having her outfits fitted and resting her voice before she hit the stage.
The legendary director/choreographer Debbie Allen - who had choreographed the show - was busily getting everyone together; the fantastic vocalists - Maryann Tatum, Trey Lorenz and Sherry Tatum Frederick - were warming up their vocals; the dancers were stretching; techs were running around - there was a lot going on.
I always stop to check out artist merchandise to see how creative it is, and whilst doing so, my eyes were drawn to a great keepsake - the official tour programme, priced at $25. I decided to buy two, and as I flicked through the pages, my eyes froze over a certain page where I was looking back at myself. There amongst Mrs C's fun photos were two pictures of me, MC and Da Brat on one of our vacation escapades a few years ago. MC always looks amazing, Brat looked cute, and I was a freakin' mess. I wasn't mad though. I was honoured to be included in such a superstar's programme, but I had to laugh at the fact that on that day, I had thrown on something at the last minute that didn't match, and my hair was an ocean-dried mess. I was rocking gold Adidas runners, denim shorts with the words "bad gal" on them, a gold American apparel swimsuit and a Rocawear red, black and white tracksuit top - what a mess. My maturity must have kicked in though, because I soon realised I didn't care how I looked in the picture. In fact, I even called my mum excitedly to tell her - she, however told me to focus on my own stuff and snapped me straight back to reality.
Kicking off the show was Nick Cannon's new male vocal group Rydaz N Rtists who were really good and the arena loved them. They're signed to the music arm of Nick's company, NCredible. I think they'll go far. Next up was heartthrob Trey Songz, who had a lot of ladies hysterical. And then, it was time for the main star to hit the stage.
We returned to our backstage area, and I checked to see that Mrs C was ok and if she needed anything, but her assistant/friend Rachel had everything covered so we just chatted for a while. The arena was full of fans, friends, celebs and family. Mariah's co star in Precious, and this week's cover girl, Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe, was also in attendance with friends, and as the house lights went down, I thought my ear drums might actually burst with the screaming and roaring from the crowd.
Mariah came on at about 10.30pm and for two solid hours, sang hit after hit. Even though I know MC has hits for days, it's not until you see her killing it on stage that you realise just how many. She also went through a number of diva-esque outfits and at one point, she even summoned onstage her hair and make-up and assistant to "re-fluff" her. I love that; she's fly and she knows it and she doesn't give a damn what folks think.
The fans were delirious with excitement when, ten seconds before midnight, Mariah led a countdown, which was followed by the excitement of pyro fireworks, confetti and balloons covering the whole stadium.
Post-show, we hung out in the dressing room, toasting the show with drinks, before hitting nightclub M2 where Nick was DJ-ing. Joining us were Gabourey and new American internet celebrity Love B Scott, who is the hottest new celebrity blogger Stateside. As we celebrated the New Year, Mariah said to me: "I have another show in Atlantic City tomorrow. Are you coming?" But I had made other plans already to go see the Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe, as well the as the hit show Fela Kuti on Broadway. But my life's never simple and the next thing I knew, my whole diary was remixed again with a crazy Thelma and Louise-style adventure. For all the juice, catch me next week. (Voice Online)
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