Messageboard

Bryant (40,182) by Myles from CT, USA Maybe that is the problem. Maybe we are still hoping she will become what she once was, not what she is now. It is getting harder and harder to naturally love a woman so obsessed with age, vanity and her own ego. Sometimes it makes me sick. But I will always love Mariah. After all, I have been a dedicated fan since 1993. I am not into kicking people when they are down, it's just she is not doing anything to bring herself back up. (Wednesday 11 December 2013; 19:57)

Today Show (40,181) by Mimi L. from Empower Your Highlighter I started watching the interview. I was happy Mariah was behaving when [...] she starts blabbering again. I know it's supposed to be a fun interview, but even the interviewer at one point was like ok just hold up Mariah, because MC wasn't letting her talk. What is happening? And just when everyone is saying she should now put on a more serious image, she started messing with her robes and Agent Provacateur slippers. (Wednesday 11 December 2013; 18:56)

The art of letting go (40,180) by George Golden from UK Rihanna is on a roll now guys. 13 number ones. What is Mariah doing? It will be a travesty if Rihanna surpasses her number ones. I am not happy with what is going on with Mariah's career. After she had her 18th number one, she just became lazy thinking she is on top. But look at it now. Rihanna is a serious threat to her. Triumphant Pulse remix would have been her 19 number one, Almost Home could have been a top ten hit with good promotion, Beautiful would have been her 20th with a great artistic video and promo. "The art of letting go" is an album track and it should have never been released as a single. Mariah should "let go" of her ego and make an album of dance and uptempo tracks. It's not the 90s anymore, if you want to stay relevant you must move with the times. (Wednesday 11 December 2013; 18:40)

Mariah and Barbra (40,179) by Billy from Greece I'm so glad to see the picture of Mariah and Barbra together during MC's interview on the Today show. It must be from the first half of the 2000s. I was always wondering whether they have had any encounters (beyond the first marriage I guess). I love Barbra. (Wednesday 11 December 2013; 18:24)

MC dubbing / insecurities (40,177) by clueey23 from USA Sony were the first ones to start dubbing Mariah's performances around 1994. So everyone acting like it's something new is mistaken. I actually believe that many people listen/watch something like Madison Square Garden and thinks that all of the swoops and transitions were actually live. Awesome concert but the whole thing was dubbed over to make MC sound perfect. I don't think her voice is completely shot. Now if her whole vocal was that of what we heard when she tried to sing the falsetto "you"s at the end, then it would be completely shot. I think Babyface said it best, "When an artist reaches a certain level of success, because they are so successful, they become insecure and begin to question even if they're relevant anymore." In some ways I feel MC has always had some insecurities, who doesn't? But more were brought on after she was signed. Not to be funny, but the label will say they love you and everything about you and slowly they change you, ie: early on in her career someone said that she had a bad angle and she only needs to be photographed from specific angles. That would be tough to hear from a professional that you trust to groom your image. That's what makes MC great is being able to sing something like the freestyle on Fallon and be able to joke and laugh about something that her handlers back in the day programmed her to think and believe. Also, it's not MC acting or saying she is the best vocalist, it's the media and the public. MC seems to be very humble when it comes to her vocals. She has said plenty of times that there are singers out there that can sing her under the table. To me, when it comes to MC is not about everything being perfect it's about the heart and the emotions she makes me feel with the runs and rifts and phrasing. It's not about having a hit record on the radio. I was born in 1986 and literally grew up listening to MC and Whitney and Mary J Blige. 90s music. What I've noticed is the music industry and celebrity have become so diluted and convoluted at the same time. Less love, more money. Less singer/songwriter more Barbie doll. MC hit #1 with "We Belong Together" a love song to the industry. Then hit #1 with "Don't Forget About Us" another love song to the industry. And then #1 with a song all about sex "Touch My Body". Notice the pattern change from what she was talking about then until now. (Wednesday 11 December 2013; 17:36)

Today Show (40,176) by Licia from USA The little interview was cute. I was rolling when Tamron quoted ODB. It was a fun moment not to be taken seriously, but I'm sure somebody will make it an issue. Lol. (Wednesday 11 December 2013; 15:57)

MC's image (40,175) by clueey23 from USA I don't think MC should cut her hair. A bob wouldn't look cute on her. Just the thought makes me laugh. I would like MC to have a more relaxed style though. Like I need to see her with some jeans on, hair pulled back every now and again. I think it would come off very rediculous at this point in her career to change her entire image. More so than anything, MC needs to sing parts of her catalogue that she hasn't sang live before when she begins her tour. A new set list. I'm tired of her singing the same songs. I wonder if it's a contractual issue that she can't sing songs like "The roof" in concert. I'm tired of these greatest hits tours. The standard songs that should always be on the set list are "Vision of Love" and "Hero" and "We Belong Together". Every other song should be something off the current album or something that she hasn't sang live before or sang in a long time. The snippet of "Love takes time" was actually refreshing, also "Looking in". (Wednesday 11 December 2013; 15:40)

Lamb O Chop (40,174) by Lyric from USA I don't think there is a bandwagon, per se. People are making excuses for Mariah, it's not a farfetched notion. Some people on this board truly feel the only way to be a fan is to wear blinders and that's ridiculous. "Yes" people in a celebrity's life do more harm than good, and I think Mariah could benefit from hearing some genuine criticism from her fans. People show disappointment out of love for her, so I don't understand the hostility coming from sensitive lambs. At the end of the day, WE have supported her career, WE have bought her music, WE have watched her videos, WE have been around through thick and thin. So if we want to voice negative opinions, we've got the right to do so. It's not the weather, it's not the speed of the song, it's not her being out of breath, etc. Mariah's voice is shot, deal with it. If it wasn't shot, we wouldn't all be on pins and needles whenever she performs. I think some honesty from her would smooth things over, she is still trying to convince us and the public that she still has her 1990 voice. Only delusional fans believe that. Someone who can still deliver good vocals outside of the studio wouldn't have been lip syncing and dubbing performances since the late 90s. Mariah is no longer reliable live, realizing this does not make someone a terrible fan. (Wednesday 11 December 2013; 13:19)

You can't change a 43-year old (40,173) by CHAZ from USA Mariah is Mariah. Is she gonna change? Heck no! The major problem with Mariah is her mentality that she's eternally 12. As far as her voice, do you sound like your voice 23 years ago? Thought so. It's only natural. Either you love her for what she is today, or you don't love her at all. Period. (Wednesday 11 December 2013; 11:11)

Re: Licia (40,172) by Billy from Greece Thanx Licia. I managed to find the picture after all. (Wednesday 11 December 2013; 8:31)

An excuse vs. a reason: do you know the difference? (40,171) by Lamb_O_Chop from Australia Since the "lame excuses" bandwagon is on a rise, I thought I'd raise a valid question. Do you understand the difference between someone making an excuse from someone giving a valid reason. Compare the definitions below: Reason, noun a statement presented in justification or explanation of a belief or action, the basis or cause for a belief or action. Excuse, noun a pretext or subterfuge, an explanation offered to justify or obtain forgiveness. So I ask, were members of this board "making excuses" for Mariah's bad performance or where they just merely "offering reasons" why Mariah's voice was in the condition it was in at the tree lighting performance? Ponder, sleep on it, even respond if you will. Or not. (Wednesday 11 December 2013; 3:53)

I love you Myles (40,170) by Joyce from USA Myles, you sound just like me. And it's nice to see more people listening to their ears and not being afraid to say, ummm that sucks rather than make excuses and trick themselves into thinking it was awsome. I think she should never use the words "moment" "festive" and "dahling", focus on on rehabilitating that voice, cut her hair to a classy bob do, or something totally new and fresh that doesn’t say cougar hair, step away from the usual and try something new. I think a few tracks composed by William Orbit but down tempo and very cutting edge or by Tosca, the music composing duo, would be new, cutting edge and new territory. But it seems she fears change at this stage. (Tuesday 10 December 2013; 20:26)

I agree with all the critiques (40,169) by Kenny from Canada I agree with all the criticism that's been mentioned by everyone here. First, that her vanity is what is leading to her downfall. She seems like she wants so desperately to cling to that girly Barbie/Marilyn Monroe image that she's lost sight of what has drawn her fans to her in the first place - which is her musicality, passion and her voice. She's had the same look and style for so many years it's exasperating. She likes to squeeze into these tiny cleavage-baring outfits in -10 degree weather. And always, always... the long blonde hair. Ugh. Second, it's painful to watch and hear her perform live. If she has to lip synch she should just stop period and retire. I just watched clips of her performing WBT, Honey and It's Like That for the NY special and it just reaffirms all the points I made her. Also, why is she still singing these songs in 2013 instead of promoting new music? (Tuesday 10 December 2013; 17:01)

Mariah's voice (40,168) by Alex from England I can understand some people are scared Mariah will fade away into oblivion. But what you guys should realize is that even after the debacle that was Glitter and the breakdown moment (though I loved the album) when everyone was saying she is over, she is still here 12 years after that. Yes, she has issues with her voice, nothing new, it's been 15 years. Whether it is due to alcohol or not, I don't know and neither do you. All I know is Mariah's had bad performances here and there for more than a decade, but she's also had great ones (you know, the ones you watch and then you think "I'll never doubt Mariah's voice again"). Everytime she has a bad performance, I end up being still blown away by the next one. Mariah's voice has changed, we all know it. It's not about singing in the cold or all those lame excuses. Let's be real, there is another explanation whether it is because of her nodules flaring up or her not sleeping properly or drinking/eating the wrong things. Or even something we are not aware of. That being said, I wish people would just be a bit more supportive (while still being realistic) because I'm sure she sings the best she can on a given day, why wouldn't she? Sure I'd love for her to have that powerhouse voice she used to but she doesn't. All I know is her voice is touch and go and as a singer myself I can relate. Some days there is just no controlling my voice however bad I want to. Mariah, I love and support you no matter how good you sing next time. (Tuesday 10 December 2013; 16:47)

The pregnant woman (40,167) by Edward from USA It is so weird that many female artist have reported bad voice changes while being pregnant, yet Mariah voice changed for the better. What wasn't Mariah doing during her pregnancy? Oh, she said herself she wasn't drinkng alcohol or even splashing at all. So, for those who prefer to be blinded by their own fanatism, it is ok, but for some people with objectivity and common sense it is evident that not-drinking was a huge factor. The pregnant woman was slaying her performances left and right, One Child in Washington was a vivid example of it. Is Mariah an alcoholic? Maybe not, but just like when she quit smoking to regain her range, she doesn't seem to want to give up her "splashes" that sometimes get her drunk. What will the excuses be when people start walking out of her future concerts like they did to Whitney? Oh, maybe it is because she is a mother and have family now, another excuse. (Tuesday 10 December 2013; 16:35)

Her vanity got the best of her (40,166) by Myles from CT, USA I will always love Mariah, but the passion I used to feel for her is fading. Her vanity got the best of her. Remember when she put on a good show? Ran across the stage and sang her heart out? The energy she brought was magnificent. It was about the music then. Now it is about the right angle and the right dress. She just stands there and tries to sing as she once did. It depresses me. (Tuesday 10 December 2013; 16:06)

MC (40,165) by Mimi L. from Empower Your Highlighter Mariah should really get into her TEOM mode. She promoted that album a lot! She did not start rambling on about random unrelated things during interviews. She gave some very memorable performances. She changed the songs here and there to adjust to her voice. A common example would be "We belong together". There are many changes she does to the song when she sings it live. That's great, I like it. She doesn't have to sing exactly like the studio version. Nowadays she keeps rambling during interviews, talking about her dog and champagne and camera angles even when the host themselves are trying to steer her towards related topics. Her performances haven't been great. It hurts me to see her go down like this. If she really wants to stay in the business she should get serious, and yes I think she is not being serious because it's a fact. Now people on this board may throw darts my way, I don't care. Someone needs to tell MC to get her act together, I don't want her to fade away. (Tuesday 10 December 2013; 13:44)

Mariah's voice (40,164) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom If it looks like an orange, peels like an orange and even tastes like an orange, then call it a bloody orange. Mariah's voice has its good moments, but the bad moments are certainly outweighing the good. Some fans need to recognise that Mariah's voice is shot. There's no need for excuses. Bad is bad. Simple. Do I think it's the end for Mariah? No. She's a great songwriter and producer. If she lays off the alcohol, then who knows what may happen. At the moment though, taking care of her voice is clearly not a priority. Anyone for a "splash"?! (Tuesday 10 December 2013; 11:18)

Excuses, excuses (40,163) by Bill from the UK I think everybody is dancing around the obvious here. No "lamb" wants to admit it, but there is a very heavy suggestion that Mariah has a drinking problem. Her public appearances are very odd and the most telling sign is of course the state of her voice. There is absolutely no reason why she cannot sing well, because every so often she does a great performance. It is entirely self inflicted and if she was more responsible and stopped the daily "splashes" she'd be fine. Every singer in the world, except Mariah it would seem, knows alcohol is one of the worst things for your singing voice. If she wants to carry on then so be it, she can do what she wants, but please stop these lame half-baked excuses. Plenty of mediocre singers perform perfectly well in cold weather people! Singing for three minutes should be a walk in the park for a singer of Mariah's calibre. (Tuesday 10 December 2013; 8:58)

Re: Licia (40,162) by jaker20 from US I did not say MC should never sing her old songs. I'm saying she needs to build a new discography that is more fitting to her current voice. And no one said it is going to be easy. We are all working and at some point in time we need to adjust to our new self. At some point in our lives we can't continue to work 12 hours a day, run like the wind and eat anything we want. Same with MC. She needs to adjust to her new self, otherwise, that's it. It's over. If she and her fans don't recognize this, she will not grow old gracefully because she'll be stuck in reminiscing her past glories. Like I said, it won't be easy. It might mean losing your old fans, maybe losing you and me. But for her as an artist, it is good. We all get old, but growing and learning never ends. (Tuesday 10 December 2013; 8:35)

Marc Charles' analysis (40,161) by Jamie from UK I don't think Mark Charles' post was unnecessarily lengthy. If this was a forum, his analysis/theory should be in a sticky at the top for everyone wondering what happened to Mariah's voice. That topic is brought up again and again and again. I also think an upvote/downvote system would be cool for this message board. Anyone agree? (Tuesday 10 December 2013; 8:06)

Nobody comes close to MC (40,160) by Will from Australia So remember when Leona Lewis came on the scene and she was being heralded as the new new Mariah, before Grande. Well she just realised a Christmas album that I for one knew nothing about and it just happens to have three songs from Merry Christmas: O Holy Night, Christmas Baby Please Come Home and Silent Night. Silent Night is the only one that I can honestly say sounds good but the other two are so poor compared to Mimi's versions. Simon Cowell is still trying to mimic Mariah (remember he made Walter Afanesief an executive producer on Leona's debut album and wrote songs not too dismisliar to Music Box). I like Leona (her Ave Maria - is that even her wow) but it does make you admire more just how brilliant Mariah's versions are, aside from what everyone knows in AIWFCIY, the other efforts are untouchable from any female artist in my opinion. (Tuesday 10 December 2013; 8:05)

Lee, Lamby from Hong Kong, Joyce (40,158) by Lamb_O_Chop from Australia Lee from the UK: Sugar sugar boo boo, my point still stands, many things the lambily mentioned in reference to Mimi's tree lighting performance weren't "unfounded excuses", but if you say no shade was intended then I digress. Lamby: Sweet potato, we don't know the details of what Mariah had to endure with Tommy. Even MJ said he was a , so it's not our place to tell her to "get over it already" or call her mean when we don't know all the facts. Letting go ain't easy baby. Also be careful with what you give Tommy credit for, because the Mariah we fell in love with wasn't Tommy's puppet, but was the result of Mariah fighting to add favor to her sound. It wasn't all Tommy, it was his guidance and Mariah creative instincts that created the artist we fell in love with. I believe if it was up to Tommy, we probably wouldn't have Daydream, or several of MC's biggest hits as well; instead we'd have several Music Boxes and she would still be stuck in the Whitney Celine clone status not how I wanna see my Mariah. So please stop giving him all that. As a matter of fact, I blame him for MC not having a balance now. Joyce: Mariah is not old, so you're right it's not age that affected her voice, evidently it's medical issues with her vocals chords due to many things already mentioned. Therefore you can't compare her vocal state to Celine, Barbra, Patty or whoever else's, because they don't have the same vocal chords or have the same vocal issues MC has. After finally seeing the performance, I think she just had an off day which could've been due to several factors, so I totally disagree with the individuals who believe that this is the best of MC's current vocal condition. If you believe that it is then you should refer to the camera phone video of her singing on Fallon, it gets no more undubbed than that. (Tuesday 10 December 2013; 2:16)

How many years? / lame excuses (40,157) by Edward from USA How many years does Mariah need to rest her voice to be able to deliver a great performance? Mariah is a human being, I know that, but she is a singer by profession. Why do we have to hold on to our seats everytime she is going to sing live? Some even say that now she is a mother, well there are many mothers out there who have it worse than her. Instead of making lame excuses for her bad performances, I rather remain silent. Mariah has vocal chords issues, and she should find a way to deal with it. I hope she finds some sort of viable solution to enhance the state of her voice, since the new album is supposed to be full of old Mariah type of moments. She'll need to deliver should she want this new era to be good. We, fans alone, won't make a difference. She needs new fans, and to regain some of the lost ones should she want to have a record deal after this album. Sales like Memoirs won't cut it, since she isn't having multiple platinum singles like Rihanna, Katy Perry or Miley Cyrus. (Tuesday 10 December 2013; 2:10)

Re: Lee from the UK (40,156) by Tory from Australia I agree with you 100%. No more excuses, this is not "hating" or "nitpicking". If you can't handle your loyal fans critique, how are you going to feel when the media is up your bum about it? Lol. I've had enough of the dubbing and blatant lipping, I just want Mariah to give us her all and give us the real deal. Whitney Houston didn't sound like she used to but she still got up and sang live infront of countless award and talent shows and no-one made a fuss about it. I still loved her comeback performances because even though the voice wasn't 100%, her energy and stage presence was above and beyond. Her performances were genuine and at the end of the day, that was most important. Mind you, she always had that "spark" and presence from the very beginning. (Tuesday 10 December 2013; 1:43)

MORE MESSAGES