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What is your initial fan story? (102,627) by Aliya from Canada

I may have become a fan a little later than others, but I'll still tell my story. I was 9 years old when I heard the belting at the end of We Belong Together in the car. I asked my mom, "Who is that?", and the rest is history. I guess growing up in the early 2000's I didn't realize that belting even existed or that someone could hold a note for that long. Artists on the radio all sounded the same, and she stood out.
(Tuesday 25 April 2023; 00:26)


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What is your initial fan story? (102,626) by Edward from USA

I was in Kindergarten when Ms. Nuñez played "Open Arms" for us. I stood there open-mouthed, like flabbergasted. A year later I got emancipated and made my mother buy me the Daydream album.
(Monday 24 April 2023; 23:36)


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What is your initial fan story? (102,625) by Bill from the UK

My brother was watching the MTV countdown and I walked into the room as "Dreamlover" came on. I stood there, "mesmerised". The song, her voice, the video, her look. I fell in love that day and life was never the same again. I had no idea what a huge part of my life, and my heart, she would go on to take.

(Monday 24 April 2023; 22:43)


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What is your initial fan story? (102,624) by Anonymous from United States

For me, hearing "One Sweet Day" on the radio when my mom was picking me up from school is probably my earliest memory of being aware of Mariah's music. My maternal grandfather had recently passed away, so the song had particular resonance for my mom and our family. I was three years old when Mariah first came out but really became cognizant of her music around the "Daydream" era.
(Monday 24 April 2023; 20:00)


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What is your initial fan story? (102,623) by TJ from Norway

I became a fan after watching her debut video in 1990. Vision of Love is still one of my favourite songs. The video brings back so many memories. What I am really sad about is the fact that I didn't realise the reason to buy singles before 1992-93. I remember looking at this Love Takes Time cd single in Copenhagen. It had a cover of her sitting in a chair. Lovely picture.

(Monday 24 April 2023; 19:36)


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Predictions (102,622) by Tevin from USA

Thanks T for the insight. Any word on a Rarities 2 or continuation of MC 30? Granted that means more work behind the scenes for Mariah, but she doesn't have to create new songs or a album since they would have already existed.
(Monday 24 April 2023; 15:06)


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Predictions (102,621) by T from USA

None of these predictions will happen. At least not this year. Her close friend and lamb correspondent already confirmed on Twitter that no SUD and no Butterfly Lounge this year. She also noted that Mariah is a human being who needs time and space and cannot just snap her fingers and produce an album. So she urged patience. I only bring this bad news so to temper expectations. There are no new Mariah songs this years.
(Monday 24 April 2023; 14:33)


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Predictions (102,620) by Bobby A from United States

Wow. Nicky, I am going to hand over predictions to you from now on. Anna Mae has eaten that piece of cake this time. However, you can't have my special guest star status. Lol.
(Monday 24 April 2023; 04:29)


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Predictions (102,619) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa

I have a feeling that we will get some interesting projects released by Mariah this year.

I've a hunch that she has been in the studio with Beyonce. My intuition is that Act II may be an inspirational album, maybe with covers of classics in the culture. If so maybe AYNAF (alternatively this will appear on TBL). Unless Mariah hopped on a remix of Plastic Off The Sofa or Virgo's Groove.

And I heard a rumour that Mariah has something coming out with SZA. Did she hop on Blind maybe? Or is this another song for the Lounge?

SUD is coming this year too. I hope she includes some features on this project with like Willow Smith or someone else that has a fresh alternative style.

And maybe we will see Mariah and Ariana together on Honey this year. I hope The Butterfly Lounge is the project that carries us into the Rarities 2 and jazz album. This next couple of years will hold several "eras" I hope.

(Monday 24 April 2023; 01:21)

What is your initial fan story? (102,618) by Bobby A from United States

What fascinated you about MC at any era that compelled you to become a lifetime fan? For me, it was Love Takes Time. Hearing this gem constantly on the radio made me know I was going to be a fan for life.
(Monday 24 April 2023; 01:02)

Legacy (102,617) by Lady B from USA

Well said, Steven.
(Sunday 23 April 2023; 16:11)


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Legacy (102,616) by Chicago Lamb from USA

Thank you Steven, an appreciated celebratory slant to an incredible music legacy that is Mariah Carey.

(Sunday 23 April 2023; 13:49)


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Legacy (102,615) by Steven Berning from USA

What's with the negative slant? Mariah is enjoying her third act. Don't you think you are taking the rarity of that feat for granted? She had an imperial phase for an entire decade. Then, the biggest comeback of the following decade. All that would have more than cemented her place in history. However, by some reverse fate, the universe has decided Mariah defies all odds, never count her out, and she deserves to be at the top again. Absolutely no reason to feel ashamed by that in some way. Not because of Christmas or her whistle note. Mariah is traversing uncharted territory.
(Sunday 23 April 2023; 09:44)


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Legacy (102,614) by Bobby A from United States

It has to be the most reflective year ever on the board and it is just April. We are her most enduring fans who have responded to this topic today and we really care about MC. It is just worrisome that we have no true indication that new music is coming out. Also, it is out of great concern from us all about her vocal issues, no record label, and how the embarrassment of Nick's 12 children in such a short amount of time has affected MC. I hope that she can rebound quickly to take her legacy to new heights. I believe that she will surprise us all this fall with something other than Christmas music. Fingers are crossed.
(Saturday 22 April 2023; 23:09)


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Legacy (102,613) by Anonymous from USA

Also, the only artist so far, that I know of, that is now expected to have a number 1 song annually with AIWFCIY. She's unparalleled as an icon and would have more number 1s if the single choices were handled differently and no one sabotaged her for years. Call me delusional or whatever but I also think she has more hits left in her and possibly another new number 1. I will always support her and buy her records. Having said that, it would be nice if her projects and releases were at least consistent. I have some cash burning a hole in my pocket and she doesn't want it? Have a great day guys.
(Saturday 22 April 2023; 20:31)


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Legacy (102,612) by MusicfanJ from Germany

For me her signature song is "Vision of love" too. Then, "Without You" and "Fantasy". Defenitely not "All I want for Christmas is you". Non fans think of Mariah as the one with the voice for the ballads. The younger ones maybe think of Christmas. But not the majority. Her 90ies songs are unreachable and unforgettable. So I'm not worried about her legacy. She already was a legend at the age of 25, maybe a curse and a blessing at the same time. Because you can't top it. I will never forget when Mariah mania was going on around the world in 95/96. And then we got "Butterfly". It was such a surprise and also unforgettable.

She made music history and the catchy Christmas tune is just a bonus.
(Saturday 22 April 2023; 19:45)


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Legacy (102,611) by Lady B from USA

Her legacy will be 19 (and counting?) #1 hits, more than any solo artist in history, one behind The Beatles. Her legacy will be her induction into the R&R Hall of Fame. Her legacy will be that she wrote or co-wrote 18 of those 19 #1 hits. Her legacy will be scoring #1 hits in 4 decades, which has never been done before.

That's her legacy, of which individual songs are part of but certainly not overshadowing the whole. No one will ever tell her tale as an artist without noting that she has more #1 hits than any solo artist in history.
(Saturday 22 April 2023; 19:00)


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Legacy (102,610) by Anonymous from United States

I totally agree, Randy. AIWFCIY is one of the least impressive popular songs in her catalogue. I also think that "Hero" is pretty overrated, and the fact that she wrote it for someone else indicates to me that it shouldn't be considered her signature song. To me, "Vision of Love" is her signature song. It is one of the most triumphant, mature, transcendent, and confident songs in her catalogue. I think it needs to elevated above "AIWFCIY" and "Hero" - neither of those songs truly represent her artistry.

"Butterfly" is considered by most OG fans to be her best album, but, to me, "Emotions" is either a very close second or tied for first place. That era was Mariah at her most authentic. She was in full control of the creative direction of that album. Her presentation was reserved but confident, and her image was very simple. I would've pushed her tour during the "Emotions" era to silence the naysayers - "Unplugged" was great but not enough. She was not yet in the unhealthy marriage to Tommy (that relationship should have remained professional). And she was not pandering to any particular audience in the way she did post-1997.
(Saturday 22 April 2023; 15:13)


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Legacy (102,609) by T from USA

I think there are two things at play. One, is her voice is not there to record a whole album without being bashed that it sounds too chipmunky with the technology used to prop it up. The second is that for whatever reason (maybe reason number one) is that no label wants to sign her for the money she wants. Some of the biggest career missteps after TEOM that could have helped preserve her superstar status would've been releasing Migrate, and also promoting MOAIA to its full potential. So many cancelled business dealings like VH1 Storytellers etc during that era. Her Idol experience and the album that she was clearly forced to make by Island/Def Jam and Barry Weiss at the time were a mess. Very unprofessional. Just by correcting those three little things would've totally changed the game for her right now. Record Labels are very weary right now about signing people to big money. Mariah isn't the most reliable or bankable artist if it's not AIWFCIY related. As a fan I would love one more full length album. I don't think we will see that until at least 2025 to be honest. Writing has always been her cathartic release, I guess she got that when she wrote the book. Now there is no need at the moment. The artist that used to write because she loved it has turned more into a business women who writes when the money is there. If anything, can't she do her fans one more thing and at least finish the MC30 that she started by putting HateU remix and others on streaming?
(Saturday 22 April 2023; 14:39)


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Legacy (102,608) by Jamie from UK

I think we take Mariah's legacy for granted. Yes AIWFCIY is one of her huge songs, but it also belongs to a main focal season each year. People still love her classic songs, Hero, Without You, Always Be My Baby, Vision of Love, Emotions, I'll Be There, We Belong Together, need I go on.

The problem now is she isn't relevant in mainstream culture but that doesn't mean people don't like her or remember what great songs she has. There was a time when she was at number 1 in albums, singles and home video all at the same time. And like every singer their mainstream time comes and goes, it's just the way of the music world, one thing I can guarantee we would be having this conversation about other singers. Even Whitney wasn't mainstream anymore but everyone remembers how great she was and all her great songs. God forbid Mariah would die tomorrow she would be celebrated for the quality music she brought more so to the 90's and also into 20's.

A singer can continue making music for their fan base but they will never reach the heights of their "mainstream" time.
(Saturday 22 April 2023; 13:51)


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Legacy (102,607) by Bill from the UK

I even question how good the whistle register is these days. She hasn't done a live whistle in maybe, what, 10 years? The worst thing is how it birthed a bunch of awful "singers" on YouTube who think by screeching and sticking a finger in their ear that they are able to effectively use that register. The finger-in-the-ear gimmick is just that, a gimmick. In live performances from 1990-1992, she only occasionally did it, and it was usually when she was pitchy (which makes sense). But then she started to dub and lip sync her performances from 1996ish, so now it's all theatrics to mask the fact she's obviously lip syncing them.

The yaas queens also make those stupid videos on YouTube with a heading like "Mariah Carey Can't Sing" and then try to disprove it by showcasing lipped performances as apparently live, or flashing up a "G5" for a nano-second as she barks out a note. When Mariah retires/is no longer with us, those videos will be overshadowing performances like "If It's Over" and her perfect 1990-1995 run.

As much as I think AIWFCIY is the best thing she's ever done, I also agree that she's more than just that. Will she become another Bing Crosby? I can't even think of a single song he's done other than "White Christmas", though he's probably released about 30 albums.

I heard "Vision of Love" on the radio when I was driving the other day and almost mounted the curb in my state of disbelief. Firstly because the only song other than AIWFCIY to get played on UK mainstream radio is "Hero" and maybe "I'll Be There". But it was incredible to hear it live on the radio. It sounded beautiful as the radio adds that certain brightness and magic to songs.

I don't think I've even answered your question, but there we go.
(Saturday 22 April 2023; 13:29)


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Legacy (102,606) by Bobby A from United States

Preach Randy. I don't think about AIWFCIY until Mimi says it's time after Halloween.
(Saturday 22 April 2023; 11:16)


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Legacy (102,605) by Randy from USA

One of the things that bother me with the newer fans, delusionals and yass queens is the over celebration of AIWFCIY. A few years ago the older Stans were on here arguing what MC's signature song was. We tentatively settled on Hero. But now it's clear what she's going to be known for if this yearly record keeps happening. I think that the noise around that song fades away some of the most amazing singer songwriter compositions ever recorded. Mariah Carey is more than some relic you drag out of the closet and dust off on November 1st. Another damaging thing that the newer fans, delusionals and yass queens celebrate is her whistle register. Yes it is lovely. But that register doesn't make a great singer. I remember in the promotion for Emotions she said she didn't use it more on the track because she didn't want it to become a gimmick. She laid off it quite a bit on Music Box and Daydream but when the voice changed around #1s it was on full display for Rainbow. I think it's a crutch used to prove she can still sing. But if you have lost your belting register, are you gonna whistle your next albums? I just worry that Mariah's career is in a bleak spot and people are shining spotlights on things that narrow her legacy to a whistling Christmas act. Thoughts?
(Saturday 22 April 2023; 03:34)

Maybe an EP or a Maxi Single? (102,604) by Edward from USA

I disagree. Marian has had a dwindling fanbase for a long time now. Disappearing for huge periods of time at this stage in her career isn't doing her any service. When I say "disappearing", I mean going many years without releasing any new music.
(Friday 21 April 2023; 21:49)


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Maybe an EP or a Maxi Single? (102,603) by Jamie from UK

I disagree, if you're a fan you always have existing albums to listen to, Mariah disappearing for a while isn't gonna change her commercial success at this stage of her career. She's never gonna reach the highs of her earlier career at this point, I'd rather her take her time and do something quality than rush something out. For all we know she might be getting advice to take a new direction in her career, she might be trying to get herself in better shape mentally and physically to appeal to more of a wider audience now she's older. Maybe she's realised she's been erratic at times and has lost touch with the general public. Or maybe she's in a deep depression over her voice not working the way it once did. We will never know what's truly going on with her, and she's in a position where she can do as she pleases, she has nothing to prove anymore. Rest assured though people like Mariah will never just disappear, she has her legacy already she's done extremely well to continue to be in the public eye at this point. Cut the girl some slack she's already given us more than some artists do in their entire career. God bless Mariah and hope all is well with her.
(Friday 21 April 2023; 20:16)


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