Mariah Carey wows fans in Saudi Arabia  | mcarchives.com

Friday 1 February 2019

Mariah Carey wows fans in Saudi Arabia

Mariah Carey took the stage in Saudi Arabia on Thursday to become the highest profile international artist to perform in the Kingdom since the easing of restrictions on entertainment. "I'm so happy to see you guys all together tonight," the superstar told an exuberant crowd at the Bay La Sun resort in King Abdullah Economic City.

She then launched into a string of her hits including "Love Takes Time", and "Make it Happen". Wearing a full length black sequined dress, Carey dedicated the song "Always Be My Baby", to the crowd.

Fans flocked to the concert to see Carey become the first female international artist to perform in the Kingdom since social reforms removed restrictions on entertainment and segregation of the sexes. Ahead of her performance, fans told Arab News of their excitement at seeing the star on stage. Faisal Mulla, 21, said it was his first time seeing a concert in the Kingdom. "I'd just like to enjoy it as much as I can," he told Arab News as he waited excitedly outside the venue.

Mariah Carey wows fans in Saudi Arabia  | mcarchives.com

Hundreds gathered at the event before she arrived and the mood was joyful and full of anticipation. The crowd included a mix of Saudis and foreigners, with quite a few in their 40s and above. For many it was their first concert experience. When Carey performed one of her classic hits "Fantasy" the crowd erupted, singing along. The mixed crowd cheered and danced with many holding their smartphones in the air.

"I came to encourage more artists to come to Saudi Arabia and celebrate," said 22 year-old Hamza Gamaraldin. "We're all big fans of pop music and as we're huge fans of her music, I came to support her too. She's a legend. We love Mariah and we thank her for coming to Saudi! I feel good and more encouraged about the future of Saudi Arabia, I'm encouraging it to be more improved and more open to foreigners."

Earlier, Carey said her concert was a positive step towards the dissolution of gender segregation. "Presented with the offer to perform for an international and mixed gender audience in Saudi Arabia, Mariah accepted the opportunity as a positive step towards the dissolution of gender segregation," Carey's publicists told The Associated Press.

Mariah Carey wows fans in Saudi Arabia  | mcarchives.com

"As the first female international artist to perform in Saudi Arabia, Mariah recognizes the cultural significance of this event and will continue to support global efforts towards equality for all," the publicists added.

DJ Dash warmed up the crowd before Carey took to the stage while Dutch DJ Tiesto was set to perform after Carey had finished. Ahmad, a 29 year old Lebanese man who was born and raised in Saudi Arabia, said that he was attending to see DJ Tiesto rather than Mariah Carey, and that "it's a great performance so far, it's just nice to see in Saudi". He added that it is the first time he has seen "something like this. I hope she comes again, and other artists."

Carey's concert is taking place at the Kingdom's first major international golf tournament. Part of the European Tour, the inaugural Saudi International, powered by SBIA, has drawn several of golf's biggest stars. Ticket prices ranged from SR295 for the grandstand to almost SR800 for the "golden circle."

(Arab News)



COMMENTS
90sMariah from SG wrote:
She looks bloated again.
(Friday 1 February 2019; 03:12)
Joachim Agerup Løkkevik from Norway wrote:
Yes, I think it's really strange to think about that she just don't have the disipline to keep her weight stable. I mean, I can, and I think I would have managed also if I was a global super star, especially if I had been so vocal about wanting to be thin.

But then again, she might need meds to keep her bipolar disorder stable, and those kind of meds are influencing your hunger alot. So we might not be so fast to judge Mariah.
(Friday 1 February 2019; 13:58)
Leito from USA wrote:
I read somewhere, she was wearing a bulletproof vest underneath. I'm not certain, but I wouldn't surprise if she was wearing a custom made vest. After all, there were threats.
(Friday 1 February 2019; 14:34)
90sMariah from SG wrote:
I watched videos of her Saudi performances and wow they were bad. She was so hoarse that nothing was coming out, making her dodge every mid range notes. My All was my favourite of the night and it was horrendous. I wish I could get paid millions while doing the bare minimum like her. I wish she or someone from her team could read this: Mariah, please for the love of everything that is holy, when you're going to do a show pre-record all your songs, practice and rehearse to lip sync the hell out of them. Celine does it all the time (thus preserving her voice) and she's amazing at it.
(Friday 1 February 2019; 15:49)
Bill from the UK wrote:
I watched the highlights on YouTube and I must agree, it was dreadful. If they were the highlights then thank the good Lord above the video didn't subject me to the lowlights. It's the worst she's sounded since that horrific Elusive Chanteuse tour. The rate of decline in her vocals is alarming.
(Friday 1 February 2019; 16:43)
90sMariah from SG wrote:
I know. I really hope that she spends more time rehearsing (pre-recording and practicing her lip syncing) on her set list for her upcoming Caution tour. Am I the only one who's sick and tired of her usual repertoire? They sound so stale to me now and her lack of passion in singing is making it worse. Tbh, I don't even miss her belting, I just kind of wish her vocal agility was still there.
(Friday 1 February 2019; 18:28)

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