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About Jono from USA: Celebrating the greatest artist to ever exist.

GMA interview (58,081) by Jono from USA Did anyone see this clip? I thought it was awkward the part where they showed her 1990 performance of Vision Of Love. Obviously she was a bit uncomfortable watching her old self as it's like taking out your childhood videos and watching them. But that was also one of her most stunning performances and she looked pretty sad, especially the part where she did the famous vocal runs at the end so effortlessly. Everyone critiques her current vocals, but she's her own worst critic. (Sunday 29 November 2015; 10:18)

Re: I mean no offence, but... (57,982) (57,995) by Jono from USA I think it's hard to judge Mariah based off of her public appearances. Keep in mind she will always be more comfortable with us fans because she knows we understand and love her unconditionally, and see a side of her that the general public overlooks. It's how we all act. We are totally ourselves with people closest to us, and different with strangers. And I'm sure she's still very aware that she's been a bit of a punching bag ever since Rockefeller and 2014 in general. Keep in mind this is someone who has never been open about her personal life, and there it was being splashed over every tabloid for the world to see. Mariah is an incredibly hard worker, so I'm sure her natural reaction was to feel like a failure that her marriage didn't work out. And again she was portrayed as the difficult one in the media, and the reason why the marriage fell apart. So she was upset and resorted to her defensive diva persona, and then was called difficult and rambling. So now that she's composed and just simply happy, and possibly tired, it suddenly means she's on drugs? It's a bit far fetched, don't you think? Also are we really going to compare her to 1999 when she was 29? I'm certain that at 45 with two kids you act a bit different than 29 and completely independent, even for someone who claims to be eternally 12. We can't expect her to be quirky and fun every interview. I actually enjoy the fact that ever since she became a mother, not once has she shown the us or the world that she's a "bad mother". Because you know the press is just waiting to slander her in that negative light. But she's been phenomenal. (Thursday 26 November 2015; 17:03)

AI judges reuniting (57,893) by Jono from USA If this is true, they better be paying Mariah another couple of million to appear on that sad excuse of a singing show. It's clear that the Idol from the first half of its run, which discovered actual talent like Kelly, Jennifer, and Carrie, no longer exists. I can't picture seeing Mariah back on the show considering her (rightful) disdain towards the whole fakery of a thing. Not to mention that means Nicki and J.Lo would be there. The Nicki thing was overblown and probably fake, but we all know how real the J.Lo thing is. (Saturday 21 November 2015; 1:09)

Re: Access Hollywood link (57,887) (57,890) by Jono from USA Thanks for the link. Wow Mariah is really just glowing here. She seems to be in such a good place, so it's great to see her happy. This was such a fun and approachable interview. (Friday 20 November 2015; 19:51)

Re: "Cant Let Go" cover (57,880) by Jono from USA According to the Target Deluxe Edition track list, Adele has a bonus track called "Can't Let Go". I really hope she isn't being a tease and have it be some original song, because I would die happy if this was indeed a cover of Mariah's song. And if it is, it goes to show that Mariah must be a fan of hers because there are legalities regarding covering/distributing songs, and we know that Mariah doesn't just let anyone touch her music babies. (Thursday 19 November 2015; 22:59)

Social media narcissism (57,843) by Jono from USA Firstly, Mariah did post on Twitter/Instagram about Pray For Paris. Secondly, I don't understand how if Mariah hadn't post something about the tragedy, that she's not thinking about it. We've become so brainwashed in to thinking that social media dictates our lives. Just because someone doesn't post something online for the whole world to see and like and comment, doesn't mean that person isn't thinking about it or doing any means to help in their personal life. This is what I hate about the generation - we're treating this online persona we all create for ourselves as reality. It's not. Yes technological advances have allowed us to connect with people across the world, but it has also created the greatest distance between those that are nearest to us. It's shallow and vapid that's spur of the moment and immediately forgotten the next day. Actions speak louder than words. Mariah is one of the most charitable celebrities but you don't hear about it because she doesn't run around making the cause about her. Lastly, as much as my heart and prayers go out to the victims in Paris, we also must confront how we deal with tragedy in this modern age. Sure, changing your Facebook profile to the French flag shows solidarity, but in reality it does nothing in the long run for the friends and family that were directly affected by this horrendous act. (Monday 16 November 2015; 19:50)

Queen of Christmas (57,630) by Jono from USA Now that we've reached the last two months of the year, I am excited for radio to be filled with Mariah again. I really hope she does another performance this year to "make up" for last year. She's in a much better place now, and I think that fiasco last year really made her wake up and realize she can't just wing it and rely on her legacy. The times have changed now, my generation and younger don't respect those who came before their idols. It's all about relevancy and apparently, being an older act means you're "irrelevant". It's sad, really. But anyway, I'm not delusional and I know that even if she started rehearsing now, there is no way she could replicate her 94 vocals on AIWFCIY. It's just not going to happen. Her voice is deeper and less flexible. So I'm hoping she does something like she did with TGIFY in Vegas, and really strip it back from the bells and whistles. Let the diva sing with just a simple piano arrangement. Mariah's writing and composition is so genius that she could take this uptempo track and turn it in to a beautiful ballad. I think when she has time (and confidence), she really excels. Clearly Macau shows that her voice didn't "disappear" like it did last year. This year has been all about repairing her image after the media completely witch hunted this poor mother going through a divorce. Ending the year with a stellar performance, with her current capabilities and not trying to replicate something from the 90s, will be the cherry on top. (Tuesday 3 November 2015; 19:19)

Pop radio sucks (57,531) by Jono from USA I miss hearing Mariah on the radio, but I know that's because pop stations are afraid to play any female artists over the age of 40. Meanwhile you have that [censored] singer (if you can even call her that) Selena Gomez all over the airwaves with her [censored] songs and voice. Mariah could outsing her vocal range just by talking. (Wednesday 28 October 2015; 1:46)

Concerning Ariana (57,468) by Jono from USA Even though I will have my issues, mainly because you can't talk about her without bringing in Mariah somehow, I will give credit where it's due. She has a great voice. Does she use it correctly? Heck no. But like others have posted, most of the blame is her team. It's not her fault that she was born too late, and is releasing music in an era where unique artistry is no longer a value. It's about being "relevant" and catching the fire, even if it burns out shortly after. That's the problem with most of this generation's pop music. It's so current that it has an expiration date. I can see it from both sides - Ariana obviously is influenced by Mariah and is a fan, but also wants to be herself. Our girl was in the very same predicament in 1990 when they were trying to compare her to Whitney. I can also see Mariah being annoyed that all the work she's put in her 25 years, is being compared to someone who's been in the industry for less than two. You have to earn your stripes. Mariah had to to finally be acknowledge as Mariah, and not Whitney 2.0. That being said I don't think Mariah has any ill will against Ariana. The only way to land on her bad side is if you screw her over, and she has yet to do that. I just think Mariah is playing it smart by not acknowledging her, only so that the media doesn't take the story and run with it and constantly compare the two. She also knows that they will paint her as the "old" one, and Ariana as the young new Mariah, and we all know that would not be ok. (Friday 23 October 2015; 0:43)

Missing Mariah (57,451) by Jono from USA Can I just say I miss my daily dose of Mariah? I know she just did promo for her Vegas show but that was five months ago, that's nearly half a year without Mariahisms on my TV. She keeps teasing us with those posts on Instagram and I am so excited for "A Christmas Melody". I hope she will go on another press tour come December and we can get some more fabulous moments. (Wednesday 21 October 2015; 22:52)

The media and sexism (57,390) by Jono from USA I knew that as soon as the "inside exclusive" story came out of Mariah directing, that the usual hating media outlets would run with the story and only emphasize certain aspects. Sure enough, Showbiz 411 decided to highlight that Mariah "made a group of children and their parents wait seven hours to shoot a few minutes". Obviously we see where this is going - a continuous slandering of Mariah as some self-absorbed diva with no regards to anyone else. What this story conveniently left out is that the people waiting were extras. I've worked as an extra multiple times before on a TV show, and it is absolutely normal, in fact standard industry practice, to be waiting. You are an extra. Meaning, it's a nice word for "moving/breathing furniture". You are basically there to fill the scene so it looks natural. You are at the bottom in terms of priority. So yes, you will be made to wait until you are needed, and kept around until you are no longer needed. That is because there are a million other things the production has to worry about that is more important than a non speaking background role. Calling you out, slanderous media. Interesting too, considering the report that came out last month about how Mariah on the Game of War set was actually really professional and easy to work with, while the male execs were actually the divas. But I guess since they're men, they can't be seen as "demanding" or "bossy" and having "diva behaviors", right? In fact, look up any female entertainer and there is bound to be some story about how "difficult" they are to work with. As for men, you would have to search hard to find even a fourth of those stories. I see you, problematic media. (Monday 19 October 2015; 18:48)

Mommy Mariah (57,291) by Jono from USA I love every time Mariah posts a photo of her and dem babies (they're so big now they can't be called that anymore). For a public figure, Mariah is a great parent. Also considering the fact that she grew up in a broken home and went through a divorce, it's so good to see that she is still thinking of her kids first and foremost. I am so proud of Mariah in all that she has accomplished in her career, but her being a great mother has to be at the top. (Thursday 15 October 2015; 4:39)

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (57,173) by Jono from USA I would have been surprised if she had actually been nominated, let alone inducted, in her first year of eligibility. To me the RRHOF and Mariah don't seem to match. Just look at the inductees. Those are very different artists from Mariah. Is she just as influential? Absolutely. However I wouldn't be surprised if it took at least another 5-10 years for her to even be considered. I think if anything, Mariah would be far more proud to be inducted in to the songwriting hall of fame (and she damn well deserves it). (Friday 9 October 2015; 3:45)

Mariah and James red carpet debut (56,825) by Jono from USA Now how stunning does Mariah look here? She is so naturally beautiful that she doesn't need to be showing a ton of skin to be sexy. Of course I love my Mariah "Marilyn" moments but this shows just how radiant she can be even while being covered up. (Tuesday 22 September 2015; 5:08)

E=MC2 vs Memoirs (56,580) by Jono from USA Very different albums, but to me E=MC2 wins hands down because this is MC at her most confident. After TEOM, she was on top and went in the studio taking chances. Migrate is an absolute banger and one of her best uptempo records. I'm That Chick is also a fun groove. Touch My Body is playful and only Mariah could deliver that kind of song. Side Effects is haunting. Hell she even went for a little Jamaican accent in Cruise Control. The first time I heard that I was floored at how ridiculous and amazing it was. The first six songs of the album are completely different from one another, which is incredible. Not to mention Mariah had an absolutely slamming body during the promotion. Now I like Mariah a bit curvier, but she still looked great and she was dressing so hip and cool with her leather jackets and jeans. E-MC2 was really like the desert, a fun after party to TEOM. Memoirs on the other hand is a lot more mature, and does a 180 in terms of sound. It's something you'd listen to on a rainy early evening. Some parts of the production are genius, as they really compliment her signature vocals and melodies. To me, Betcha Gon Know, Angels (Interlude) and Angels Cry, and Languishing are the standouts. But the rest are just solid, if unspectacular. If E=MC2 was all about risk, Memoirs was about playing it safe. (Friday 11 September 2015; 2:25)

The comeback trail (56,535) by Jono from USA I really think Mariah and her team know what they're doing. Aside from Beautiful, it's been years since Mariah has had a hit. She's been out of the public's gossip for a while, aside from her Christmas debacle last year. So Mariah and Co. have been slowly rebuilding her image. Releasing a compilation indicating her legenday status? Having a solid residency showing she still has it? Appearing on one of the biggest primetime tv shows? Seeing a new man to show the divorce is in the past? Getting a Hollywoood star? Nailing her interviews? A Christmas children's book and film? Being seen as a great mother despite everything? Check. Even though it would have been nice for her to have an epic year music wise, like 1995 and 2005, this year has been spent rebuilding her tarnished image. Now they just have to figure out the music (which is a little ironic). Her press has been a lot more positive recently, and even the general public acknowledges her as a legend. Will she able to break through the youth-obsessed, lack of talent current pop scene? Probably not, because Mariah's level is too high to stoop that low. But songs like Beautiful and YDKWTD show that she still knows how to make current music that's quality, and there's no reason for her to age herself 20 years and record standards. Sony will not allow her next studio album to drop and disappear like her last two. Her time will come. (Tuesday 8 September 2015; 21:06)

Butterfly is poetry in sound (56,100) by Jono from USA Hey all, I just recently lost someone pretty special in my life. And as usual I've turned to Mariah's music. I've been really listening to Butterfly a lot and it has helped so much with the grieving process. I've been reading the lyrics while listening, and I realized that even without the music the album's writing is an absolute masterpiece. It's like poetry. In an already outstanding catalogue, Butterfly stands above the rest IMO. Like she said herself, it truly is her magnum opus. (Monday 17 August 2015; 3:25)

The [censored] is back (55,497) by Jono from USA Warning: Do not feed ego. It's one thing to express your opinion, and it's another to just be straight up nasty. Apparently Mariah has been so offensive that it's unforgivable. Keep in mind this is someone who point blank asked the board if he should leave, and when he got an unsurprising amount of thumbs up, still continued to post. Thirsty for attention. (Tuesday 28 July 2015; 5:07)

Buzzfeed article (55,404) by Jono from USA Here's a fun poll on your favorite album by your favorite singer(s). Love that they used a very famous Mariah phrase. Check it out. (Wednesday 22 July 2015; 18:14)

Walmart performance (54,260) by Jono from USA It was pretty solid, and I love that as of late she has been doing more live vocals as opposed to pre-taped. It shows that her confidence in performing live is growing again. I'd much rather have a raw, live vocal than a dubbed one. Also, can we talk about how Mariah's ensemble is totally giving TEOM era vibes? Reminds me a little of her 2006 Grammy's performance dress. (Saturday 6 June 2015; 3:19)

The National Enquirer is a tabloid, guys (54,119) by Jono from USA I wouldn't be surprised if the whole story was fabricated just to create drama. The only celebrity reporting I can take somewhat seriously is Gossip Cop, so until they call truth on the article I won't believe it. We should know by now to believe everything written about celebrities. (Wednesday 3 June 2015; 20:10)

MV (54,034) by Jono from USA Much like the song, I was expecting more. Especially since Brett was the director. I wonder if the delayed release had anything to do with artistic differences, because this is so pedestrian from collaborators who brought Heartbreaker, It's Like That, WBT, and TMB. Or maybe I just hyped up the song/video and was left disappointed. I hope the good material and videos will come for the next studio album. (Tuesday 2 June 2015; 9:44)

Concerning Beyonce (54,026) by Jono from USA I think she should be given more credit. No she is not the most original artist, but she is one heck of a performer. Most entertainers who have spectacle/dance in their routines don't bother with the vocals as much (see Britney and JLo) but she still sings. Yes she may be overpraised and overexposed to the point where she is starting to get backlash, but Beyonce has always made it a known fact that Vision Of Love is what inspired her to learn vocal runs. Unlike other pop acts who don't bother acknowledging legends that have paved the way, Beyonce has always given the utmost respect to Mariah from what I've seen. Same goes with Rihanna. They've never written MC off as "irrelevant" even though that's such a corny and popular term for the instant gratification generation, who are so quick to throw around the utmost praise for their favorites who haven't earned the right. Even though B may have a far too pristine and perfect image, it says something about how her and her team are in control of her press. I could only wish Mariah received the same amount of universal love, but that just comes with a stellar PR team which MC lacked the past couple of years until late. (Tuesday 2 June 2015; 0:32)

For the love (53,916) by Jono from USA It is clear that Mariah Carey is doing music because it is for the love. Echoing what many people have said on here, she no longer needs to prove herself. She said in a pre-Vegas interview, that in the 90s it was all about her career and her fear that the rug might be pulled out from underneath her and she'd be back living the difficult life she worked so hard to escape. Her kids are her main priorities now, and I think her setting a good example for her kids is far more important than anything she could accomplish career wise. Mariah is not going to be another one of those damaging stage parents that have ruined child stars, and she certainly isn't going to be absent like her father was. That is why I am not crazy about Mariah getting another #1 or trying to achieve some record, because her being a good parent for her kids is what makes me the most proud of her in this stage of her career. MC is never going to stop making music, but it's realistic to not expect her to be as diligent as she was in the 90s. She has other (more important) priorities now. (Saturday 30 May 2015; 21:21)

Kelly & Michael (53,704) by Jono from USA Our girl did so well you guys. She was cautious at the beginning of the week but by K&M she was in full force confidence mode. That second head/whistle note at the end of Infinity? RIP. And it's not just the high notes, her belting voice sounds fuller and rich. Whatever she's doing, whether resting or consulting a vocal coach, please keep doing it. I was watching a fan cam of her performance and this little girl stood up as soon as Mariah hit the high C# "dream" to get a better view. If she didn't know who Mariah was, she knows now lol. To think that 25 years in Mariah is still influencing younger generations is so amazing to see. (Saturday 23 May 2015; 6:49)

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