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About nikki from usa:

Re: Baby and Grammy continued (48,434) by nikki from usa No doubt. The funny thing is when TEOM emerged she had no real competition. She had 50 Cent at the height of his fame and that was about it. People were struggling to hit double platinum and she whipped them all out of nowhere. She broke new radio and Billboard records and #1's. The album wasn't only popular, it was diverse. There was no way the Grammy could refuse her she was too celebrated, noticeable, and had no competition. In '95 Mariah had to compete against Alanis for Jagged Little Pill and severely over exaggerate her success to shut Mariah out. U2 is always a favorite of the Grammy. It seemed they could fart into a mic and they'd be given a Grammy. But, I think 1 year they were actually skipped over. I was shocked MC wasn't at least up for a couple of nominations. Mariah makes great music so maybe simply doing what she's known for isn't impressive. This album is more "safe" and middle of the road for her. I think she'd gain more recognition, even from the Grammies, if she stretched her wings a bit further. Jazz, Blues, Motown, etc. We haven't heard Rock from her since You Need Me. I know I'd like to hear a song by MC where she actually stands her ground and has an opinion on something. (Wednesday 10 December 2014; 4:16)

AIWFCIY and feminism (48,433) by nikki from usa I'm a feminist, but I have to disagree with all of that. Mariah never specifies a "man". She continually says "baby" and what she would give up to have that person with her. This could apply to any significant other, hetero or not. I had a friend trying to get pregnant with her husband and they sang this to her belly. They literally wanted the baby for Christmas. There isn't anything sexual in the song at all and doesn't even mention kissing. My kid neighbor sang this to her baby brother over the phone because she was going to miss his first Christmas. This song is pretty universal and unspecific. I do believe that's another factor to its longevity. It doesn't discriminate. (Wednesday 10 December 2014; 3:57)

Mariah and longevity (48,432) by nikki from usa The worst thing about the public and media is that they have the attention span of a gnat. You can sing 9 times beautifully, but the 1 off song is what will get heard around the world. It doesn't matter if you redeem yourself by singing the next 10 perfectly, because they will be ignored until your next screw up. There's nothing to prove when the positive results are ignored. But, the best thing about the public and media is that they have the attention span of a gnat. People think she's "over" every time there's a bump in the road. Mariah's lasted this long because she makes great music that connects with the masses. The second Mariah has a great song in true Mariah Carey fashion it'll be a hit and she'll be back on top. The only reason Mariah is talked about, even badly, is because she's still relevant. It's the reason she's a huge draw at Rockefeller each year. Her audience is still here. She also has 1 thing no one else alive does. A recurring annual classic that begets great press for her each year. That will forever give her an open door. (Wednesday 10 December 2014; 3:43)

Re: Ken / Grammy (48,411) by nikki from usa The Grammy's seems to have given MC the cold shoulder the second she married Mottola. Celine also married her manager in '94, but didn't suffer the same consequences. Which is a little weird due to the creep factor that her manager has been managing her since she was 12. He raised himself a good wife. I do think after a few years, they would've gotten over it and began to recognize Mariah for her abilities again. But, then a pop star at the pinnacle of her success did the unthinkable. She brought light and a mainstream audience to a musical genre that wasn't take seriously by the higher ups. She was popularizing rap/hip-hop and R&B on a whole new scale. It became so popular it eventually needed their own categories for rap, remixes, and extending the R&B catalog. The Grammy's will give away their awards, but forever snub the woman who helped bring that music to light. (Monday 8 December 2014; 19:24)

I Am... A Singer (48,410) by nikki from usa At the end of the day it comes down to what drives you. A lot of "artists" then and now are more about performing and being seen than the music. It's a means to an end. Mariah is a music machine in human form. People love to categorize people and put them in boxes, but MC lacks definition. She's not known for just one style of music and isn't given credit for 90% of her contributions to the industry. This is why people are shocked she's still around and expect her to kick the career bucket any minute... for the last 13 years. Mariah will always be around because creating music is a driving force. It's simply apart of who she is. She's not going to wake up one day and stop being Mariah. No matter how many times she takes a break or goes away, she'll always have a "comeback" because it's in her to create music. The only thing up for debate is what musical form she takes when she does. (Monday 8 December 2014; 19:09)

Did anyone else see? (48,216) by nikki from usa Now, there's an "isolated" vocal track out so you can hear every flaw the music covered. This is really above and beyond. Only someone from the show would be able to do that. TMZ claims a lot of things, but as others have said, we don't know. Mariah said it was beyond her control and I still question to what happened with the dark ensemble and the shades. The AI tape leaking to TMZ. Mariah's forced to do this live last minute, the media embellishes as it always does, but now there's an isolated track available? The media have always been negatively oriented, but this is overboard. It also can't completely be done by the media. Japan's performance leaked, but her last one in Brisbane seen crickets. This was so-so, but now we can hear every flaw because it wasn't terrible enough on its own to truly criticize. Is Mariah's ability to actually sing a threat or something? (Thursday 4 December 2014; 18:08)

No excuses, just the facts (48,212) by nikki from usa Last year, her Rockefeller performances were flawless and so was her duet with Buble. How was her National Tree Lighting performance? All those shows were done in the same month. She was able to sing beautifully and then her voice just died at the end of the month? There were circumstances clearly, because that wasn't her norm. How about her first performance in Japan and her last in Brisbane? Mariah has good and bad days like everyone else. Fans keep saying she can't sing anymore, but then sooner or later she slays a song indisputably live and these same people are shocked. Until another bad day comes around that is. Mariah Carey is Mariah Carey at 44. It's a strange phenomena that she's forever supposed to sound like she's 22, this only applies to her. Elvis, Sinatra, Brocelli, and Tony Bennet never sounded the same as their younger years. Mariah in the 90's was 100% about her career. Mariah now is concerned with being a mom, her personal life, and singing. She's not 100% in it at the moment. But, when Mariah is in love with life once again is when the music flows, the perfectionist returns, and she'll be back on top. (Thursday 4 December 2014; 17:30)

Ever wonder (48,198) by nikki from usa What is really going on behind the scenes? I don't think anyone would've blamed MC if she cancelled the tour or postponed it. Especially, after the news of marital woes. I'm still shocked Nick was dumb enough to take a lie detector test. He failed miserably when asked about Amber. "Hey, maybe I was nervous and these things aren't always accurate." Good one, Nick, good. I do wonder if Mariah's doing this for therapy or to get away from it all. The other possibility is that she's had so much down time the rest of her team is convincing her to get back to work. They want to get paid. If MC was insecure before, being cheated on with a younger female will bring her over the top. She's had all these bad starts. It doesn't seem like she's entirely into it, like she's going through the motions. The spirit is willing, but the heartache isn't on board. Maybe her Christmas shows will be better since they're all planned and in the same place. She'll have more control. I'm still worried about her doing those shows back to back without a break. Why is she working herself like this? (Thursday 4 December 2014; 6:44)

WTF is going on? (48,196) by nikki from usa All these pics of MC in black with shades, yet her performance features her in a red dress. Did she sing more than 1 song? Or did she sing at the pretaping after all? I feel so, so, so bad for MC right now. I blame me, really. I jinxed this. I thought the only problem she could possibly have at this point is a faulty earpiece which has messed up so many performances in the past. Sure enough. She's tapping the ear before she takes the thing out and throws it over her shoulder. Performing live deaf. Now, the reviews. MC might make her own choices and what not, but where her career is concerned Nick has been like a bad penny. It's just an energy thing. If he just had her over for Thanksgiving why is he waiting until just before she's set to tape to go over divorce stuff? It couldn't wait until the day after? How many times did MC ever stop you from working, Nick? It's weird. Whenever MC helped out with his career and made appearances for him, he soared. Everything he helped with from music videos and the way he "inspired" her, MC crashed and burned. It would be ironic if Mariah's career took off after the papers were signed. (Thursday 4 December 2014; 6:25)

Raging alcoholic (48,110) by nikki from usa "Control"and "self-discipline". Really, *guys*? Personally, I haven't seen any alcohol in Mariah's hands to jump to that conclusion. There's no pictures of that to suggest it either. "Alcohol" will dry out your chords, but you'd need a lot of it with lightweight wine and champagne to sound like that. I have a hard time believing as a full time mom of two toddlers she's getting shit-faced. I doubt she needs the extra added rumors from her own fans for no reason. The only thing we know is that she was having vocal issues that have been improving. What is less "Hollywood" and more likely is vocal maintenance. When she's taking her kids around the world into malls and pizza parlors, exactly when is she getting vocal rest with 2 days in between shows? An insomniac with toddlers and traveling between shows while divorcing. She must get tons of sleep. It's going to be more than 1 element to get where she started at in this tour. It's completely unfair and unwarranted to chalk it up to drinking. What has she been seen drinking onstage? Water. (Sunday 30 November 2014; 4:23)

Mariah as a musician (48,083) by nikki from usa I can't believe that guy tells her to take it off. This performance just proves how sorely we're in need of more live specials. (Thursday 27 November 2014; 1:46)

No Mariah no (48,070) by nikki from usa It's only speculation at this point, but I don't want MC doing a residency anywhere. People who do that can't chart or sell music anymore. Mariah can. I don't want her to put herself out to pasture, she has too much going for her. The annual Christmas thing is fantastic. I hope there's some TV special this year and I'm glad she'll be singing at Rockefeller. The Jazz and Blues festival is amazing to hear about. I hope that's something that will be aired. There are so many songs still under wraps in Mariah's arsenal. I'm positive she did more than 3 new songs for the year she pushed her album back too. Other than Christmas time, it's been a full 5 years since Mariah sang new music live on any TV shows. Nothing that was live or fully promoted anyway. Mariah, please open your own label. You could be independent and the music would do so much better. Plus, it would be hilarious for you to be one of the best selling labels when you're the only artist on it. (Tuesday 25 November 2014; 22:42)

Gong on Jeter, straight from the horse's mouth (48,047) by nikki from usa I've lost some video interview recordings and mag interviews over the years, but never their content. Mariah didn't have an affair with Jeter. She met him and became best buds with his sister and their family. MC and Jeter were never seen solo together until the end of '97 and by then she was legally separated. In a late 90's interview Mariah had stated when she left Mottola initially it was meant to be a wake up call. She thought he would come around, give her more freedom, and stop micromanaging her. She was intending on working things out and returning. Jeter was just a friend at that point and had a girlfriend of his own. Did I Do That from Rainbow and Da Brat's verse on Pure Imagination were about Jeter. In a magazine interview, Mariah stated after she and Jeter took their relationship "to the next level" she saw reports in gossip mills about their sex life and he was using it as "locker room" talk. She said she ignored it at first because tabloids make things up. It wasn't until personal details that only Derek would know wound up in the stories did she believe them. They began fighting, but Jeter never stopped dishing. That's what "extensive media attention" meant. MC originally thought they were meant to be due to their similar background and how well she got along with his family. To this day MC refers to Luis as a "class act" for he doesn't talk about his exes to anyone. Luis, their trip to Morocco, Moroccan room, Moroccan - something's up there. (Monday 24 November 2014; 20:16)

Re: Baby and LC (47,999) by nikki from usa Baby, I was kinda generalizing at the end since the Aussie girl is new. I was referring to the girl who was supposed to be the opening act for one of her shows this year. She went straight to media and was telling everyone Mariah didn't want her because she was a female. Nathaniel was the official opening act and the organizers were going to have her open for him then called her the day of to demote her from the stage. They claimed Mariah didn't want her for being a female which was a sleazy scapegoat. The girl thinks her idol rejected her. This was the same show where Mariah had to cut down her own show by removing her medley due to "time restraints". LC, I completely agree with you. I seriously doubt that's the reason her appearance fell through. I heard a rumor that she was going to go on Wendy, but cancelled when a more popular show requested her presence. You know if Wendy did anything that made MC change her mind, she would never tell us anyway. She doesn't display herself in a bad light, just everyone else. In any case, Wendy was the one that wanted MC on and not the other way around. If Mariah agreed to come on after a decade of "no" and said I'll do it if you let me sit in your chair, but Wendy rejected that than she should stop complaining that MC won't visit her. Call me weird, but when I have company over they sit wherever they want. (Friday 21 November 2014; 2:23)

Re: G.G. / Andy Cohen (47,984) by nikki from usa I read that article a few times, because these days writers are really scrapping to make stories by making mountains out of mole hills and stretching the truth. The only part of the article where MC was actually mentioned was the tardiness and lighting requirement. I don't know that these are "demands". She asked for his chair, she didn't threaten to walk out for not getting her way. She doesn't want to look like the Crypt Creeper, I'd say that's practical. When they talk about the "do not mention" list, they never specifically referenced Mariah. They began talking about her in the next paragraph. If it is her, I can see why. J.Lo has been talking about MC a lot and it looks like a ploy to bring up more beef or start a new one. It makes sense that MC would try to avoid it. She went the extra length to say "no females" instead of singling one out in particular. It may look bad, but I think it's important to keep the focus on her music instead of "rivals". Think about it. Over the years J.Lo, Nicki, and this Aussie girl are all giving Mariah a good reason to skip on the ladies. All these girls are interested in is cat fighting and getting their names out at MC's expense. This is probably why MC prefers the guys. (Thursday 20 November 2014; 19:43)

MC Emotions in New Z. (47,955) by nikki from usa As far as celebs go, MC is truly elusive. She's a recluse even during her prime she stayed at home. She's still not out and about unless she's promoting something. Mariah is the hermit diva. I would like to see her in the limelight more often, but is it the real reason that she's uncomfortable with it? I don't know why she doesn't have her own label at this point. It would save her a lot of hassles and she could efficiently promote her own albums. The invent of the internet would give her so much opportunity to distribute. I also think she should have her own show where she can mentor singer hopefuls and the point of the show is to earn (not win) a record deal. Focus on the journey rather than a contestant show. She can teach them how to sing and be a superstar. Mariah could help them to get over stage fright by making them bungee jump or something. It could be comical and entertaining. It would feature everything Mariah: actual talent, no judging, mentoring, and her life experience, while she shamelessly promotes her own music. I'd watch it. (Tuesday 18 November 2014; 0:29)

Re: Baby / Sweden (47,950) by nikki from usa First, you got a part confused. I was saying Mariah knew she could help Nick's career, not the other way around. Where did I get the idea that Mariah wanted someone to take care of and help? Mariah. She was the one in bed with him at the hospital feeding him. She hired him to direct her videos. Mariah's always described herself as the "caretaker" or "nurturer". In Cribs, Mariah described herself as a 'homemaker'. Women like that like to be needed. She's family oriented therefore she's a nurturer. Nick went on Big Boi before her birthday, but I think you're not noticing what an airhead he is. He'll brag about anything like a teenage boy. I think he has a massive ego and anyone dissing her, is still dissing him, because that's the mom he chose for his children. Nick goes through women and doesn't take breaks. No, I don't see him "studying" Mariah. Nick's father is a minister, he's always described himself as "a big kid", and does weird dress up. I can see why they fell for each other. You're right, his women are more successful than him, he has a thing for strong women. I don't think he really knows what love is, but is easily infatuated. In the future, I think he'll still gloat he was married to Mariah Carey and the fact she's the mother of his children. (Monday 17 November 2014; 21:15)

Nick (47,929) by nikki from usa Nick is an attention ho, he's "thirsty", and can't shut up, but I don't see him being vindictive. The media has been making up weird ass stories about MC long before Nick was in the picture. Even when Nick listed his list of jump offs, it was Kim the media fixed on. I do think he's easily infatuated. He was with Kim for like 8 months. Christina Milian was with him for 2 years, but said she caught him cheating repeatedly. He moved on to a Victoria Secret model, then traded her for another one. He was with Selita for only 3 months before he proposed marriage to her. They broke it off 5 months later. It was rumored he cheated. He dated Nicole, the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, for 3 months before he spent a week with Mariah and called it off. They officially dated for 3 weeks before he proposed. Nick can't keep it in his pants and I do think he thought MC could help his career. But, honestly I think she did too. She was always there to make appearances and hiring him to do her music videos. I think MC wants a man she can "help" or take care of to a degree. She also bought him a Lamborghini for his birthday. I was always surprised no matter what Nick bought for MC, he was quick to buy something even more expensive for himself. He recently spent 2 million on a pair of shoes. Ironically, Nick may be the one with spending problems. (Sunday 16 November 2014; 1:50)

Re: Jay (47,881) by nikki from usa Have you noticed this weird spell Mariah casts on the males she encounters? Mottola was obsessed with her even after marrying her. Then, set on ending her career rather than seeing her soar without him. Walter pops up every other Christmas and can't seem to stop talking about her. Eminem has a few encounters with her and can't shut up for a decade. Nick was openly crushing on her for years on tv before meeting her and continued until they were married. Luis Miguel simply met her, made her his girlfriend, and jetted around the world with her for 2 years. Damizza can't completely let her go. Far more amusing, The Rock stopped an interviewer in mid-sentence to hug her and chat her up. Heck, who am I kidding? I met Mariah 12 years ago and I can't stop talking about her. Mariah must be some weird humanoid drug. It takes a 12 step program to get over her. (Monday 10 November 2014; 2:33)

We need someone to control us, don't be an [censored] (47,879) by nikki from usa Walter, I wish you'd control your mouth and move on already. Especially, after the recent article where you chastise Mariah for reinventing "Want" a couple of times over 20 years, for new generations and genres no less. Then, actually assume she's trying to surpass the original, but now you've reinvented the song? For real? Sour grapes indeed. Hypocrisy to boot. Lambs, do correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I know there's only the R&B/hip-pop version with a cartoon video, and the Justin B. duet for the emerging EDM crowd. Both are targeting different audiences. It's a smart business move and refreshing to change things up once in a blue moon. I agree with Jay and Baby. Walter hasn't known Mariah for 17 years. Fool, please, if you cared you wouldn't trash her in public by acting like you know what's up with her. You couldn't control her and clearly she didn't need you to. Why is he still talking about her? Move on to Celine Dion. She does all the things you want Mariah to do. (Monday 10 November 2014; 0:12)

Re: Ken pic (47,878) by nikki from usa Yes. It's been awhile, but I remember that pic. That's Mariah, Josephine, and the other girl they lived with in her first apartment. Josephine is riding in the car with MC in the Emotions video, she went on to be a talk show host in her native Sweden. Once and awhile you can still see the two of them vacationing together. (Sunday 9 November 2014; 23:53)

Ageism: reality or fantasy? (47,867) by nikki from usa A lot of people have the assumption that as an artist gets older they simply lose their appeal or people aren't interested. But, I've noticed this trend. After a newbie becomes big, they're generally promoted heavily for the next 5 years. After that, there's always the initial promotional push, but it's essentially up to the artist and the momentum of the past 5 years to carry them. As long as the music is good it does. But, over the course of the next 5 years they're simply not as heavily promoted. After that, it's up to the artist to figure it out. All of this breaks down to exposure which I think has more to do with the music selling than the artists' declining marketability. Right now, the music industry is eating itself. The biggest consumers of music are 45+ which Mariah's current album would appeal to, but it's the teens and 20 something's that listen to the radio and go to concerts. It's a slippery slope. If Mariah were to do an album of jazz, Motown, and blues inspired by 60's music and up it would sell millions if she sang it live on Oprah, Today, and had a special. Wouldn't that be ironic? I'd like to hear Mariah sing Black Velvet or Fever. (Sunday 9 November 2014; 6:03)

One Sweet Day (47,866) by nikki from usa In her earlier concerts her voice quality had an audible illness to it, but this is different. At this point her cold is gone, but her "struggles" during her belting sounds more like the "Kermit the Frog I just woke up sound" than the "I can't sing like I used to" vocal. I was concerned about her being overly ambitious with this tour by only giving herself 2-3 days in between shows. Two days isn't really "rest" when you're traveling continents and being a full time mom of two. I hope in the future Mariah regresses back to her '96 routine of 1 concert per week or every 5-6 days. Over the course of the past decade Mariah's had some "off" performances, but I think that has more to do with spreading herself too thin. Everyone always brings up back in the '90's, but back then Mariah didn't have to promote anywhere near the degree she has since the internet age took over. A voice change should be expected over 20 years, but I don't think the reality is nearly as bad as most think. This seems to be more of a maintenance issue. (Sunday 9 November 2014; 5:24)

Re: Carol (47,824) by nikki from usa I didn't "twist" your words, I repeated them. As you correctly stated previously, we bought multiple copies. We did what we could from our end. However, Mariah's never sold millions here because her "lambs" buy multiple copies, it's because the general public does as well. As I've previously stated, we've bought millions of her albums in the past but were jipped on tours nonetheless. Mariah's always been given credit for her accomplishments. You seem to be confusing gossip with credible sources which are vastly becoming non-existent on a worldwide basis. Even CNN is starting to repeat tabloids. Less talented artists aren't given "credit" as much as they are simply gossiped about. No artist in America has gone platinum in 2014. We still bought more copies than Australia did, but America is far larger. None of this changes the fact that Mariah pushed her album back 2 years and didn't promote it. Her label didn't advertise and that's not going to grab the general public. On New Year's eve Mariah told us May 6th would be the release and then pushed it back another 3 weeks right before release. "Faith" isn't going to bring the masses to the arenas here on an album she didn't bother to promote. America needs visuals for appeal and has a short attention span. If MC doesn't want to promote than it's only logical that she moves on to the next project. So far, that appears to be what she's doing with Christmas. (Thursday 6 November 2014; 4:06)

Re: Carol (47,805) by nikki from usa You do realize stating that the US lambs "didn't care" about the album while stating you knew we bought several copies is an oxymoron onto itself, right? Mariah rarely ever tours the US period. She also jipped us out of the Daydream and Butterfly tours. What was the reason for that? It couldn't be because we didn't buy enough. We broke records with sales and singles. We also bought over a million copies of #Beautiful last year. Her sales have been low in Australia and critics are far worse over here. Most likely, she won't be able to sell out arenas. As much as I'd love for her to come over here, I don't think it's wise now and she doesn't need anymore bad press. I think she should finish her tour and do her Christmas rounds. I hope Christmas is a special that gets televised, especially if she wants to make it annual. Then, get back to working on that voice and do new material. (Tuesday 4 November 2014; 20:59)

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