After being absent in 2024, the biggest party in Australia returned with a champagne supernova, as if to compensate for last year's no-show. Headlined by Mariah Carey and Pitbull, the class of 2025 is legendary, comprising artists who have shaped the music landscape for over three decades, while influencing the later generations. Together, they have accumulated almost 60 Grammy nominations, with Mariah leading the charge with 34 (and winning 6).
Even though we were at the Gold Standing area - over 100 meters from the stage and on flat ground packed with tag teams and partygoers in between - the energy felt was palpable throughout Langley Park. When called upon, a sea of hands pierced the rainy skies while revelers danced and sang to the rhythm of beats and voice of our generations. People of all creeds, cultures, and ages came together for one of the most successful events in pop culture.
Glitter was rare, but determination sparkled everywhere. A few Santa hats dotted the sea of faces, but it was the endless army of Pitbull lookalikes that dominated amongst the dressups. Hundreds were in in bald caps, sunglasses, and crisp white shirts, each one channeling their inner Mr 305 with full commitment.
The icy breeze off the Swan River and the intermittent rain did nothing to cool the heat of excitement in the audience, and judging by the number of high-rise apartment balconies twinkling with phone lights, the whole city was in on the action.
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Mariah Carey by Sheldon Ang
Before the start of Mariah's set, we were upgraded to the Platinum section (the front half) courtesy of an AAA staff member. Naturally, at 20 meters from the stage, it made a difference in the immersive experience and onstage appreciation.
With the clouds finally parting, the night sky revealed a canopy of stars, setting the stage for what came next. A few minutes past 10, another star is about to shine in Perth; her albums were displayed on the screens: from the self-titled album of 1990, to the likes of Emotions, Music Box, Daydream, Butterfly, Rainbow and Glitter, while a mashup of her recorded vocals from across the eras – "Vision of Love", "Emotions", "All I Want for Christmas Is You" - echoed across the field of dreams.
Draped in super-dapper white, the musicians stepped onto the stage with East Coast elegance, followed by Mariah Carey, who was accompanied hand in hand to the stage.
Mariah commenced her night with "Type Dangerous", from her latest album Here For It All, released last month. The hardcore fans sang along, but it wasn't until the next song, "Emotions", released 35 years ago, that the crowd screamed into delirium. The track peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (her fifth consecutive number 1, which was a record at the time). Just like that, we were plunged back into our high school years. The crowd danced while she effortlessly reached for the skies with her whistle registers. Joyful energy pulsed through the crowd as dancers delivered a throwback performance straight out of her '90s music video.
We had left 2025.
The '90s energy kept the crowd revving with "Dreamlover". The breezy performance was thematically choreographed by the dancers who filled the background. The infectious, playful track resonated in Mariah's vocals as we remembered from the classic days. Then came the familiar piano intro that stimulated our inner selves; the tingling resonance spoke to us like a calming voice, uplifting everyone emotionally. The crowd self-appointed themselves as backup vocalists, singing to "Hero" without drowning out the main vocals, as Mariah Carey delivered with utter emotion, starting gently before swelling into the bridge. By the end of the emotional concoction, the eyes of this writer were watery. It was something that everyone needed - a hero that comes from within.
The classic hits kept coming with "Fantasy". The first verse was a classic reminder of one of the most fun-filled decades in music, again superimposed by the dancers. The happy, airy quality in her vocals was a warm delight on a cold, wet, wintry night. For many of us, we were brought back to Havana Nightclub, The Globe, and ABC Rage TV on a lazy Saturday morning once upon a time.
The old schoolers would know that Mariah Carey began her career with mainly ballads. "My All" and "Always Be My Baby" showcased her vocal gymnastics. Even after almost 30 years, she still reminisces about her past - the hurt is still raw, as evident in her vocals, from the restrained vocals in the verses to the swelling propagation into the powerful chorus. The intro of the latter track with the ad-libbing ("do, do, doop, dum") was chanted by everyone, and the chorus sparked special memories for many of us - our first act of selflessness, letting go for the better.
The second half consisted of newer hits, such as "Shake It Off" and "It's Like That" from the comeback 2005 album Emancipation of Mimi, and the most recent "Play This Song", "In Your Feelings", and "Sugar Sweet" were from 2025's Here For It All. For this writer, it was the first time listening to the latest tracks. The summery vibe of her latest work reflects her vocal maturity, lyrical honesty, and a celebration of her life. After a seven-year hiatus from the recording studios, we all say: welcome back, Mariah.
What about Christmas? And here comes the elephant in the room, which we can't ignore. "All I Want for Christmas Is You" - perhaps the most anticipated song of the night - was stolen by Mr Scrooge. Sydney had it. The crowd called for "one more song" as Mariah left the stage. Alas, the "See you in 2026" was displayed on the big screen. Our co-writer Krystal reckons the abrupt ending may have been due to Perth's strict noise regulations after curfew, despite being on a Friday night the show might have run overtime. And with that, the mystery was settled - perhaps.
Nevertheless, Mariah Carey is the headline act for Fridayz Live 2025. Arguably, Pitbull is the co-headliner (after all, we can't have two headline acts unless they alternate - but that's not going to happen). Such debates will always be part of any festival, but for those of us in Generation X who grew up with Mariah Carey's anthems, there is no argument. Moreover, Mariah holds the record for the highest voice register ever recorded; therefore, she's the queen and king.
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Mariah Carey by Krystal Galloway
We were so impressed by Mariah's performance that our co-writer, Krystal, penned her own take on the experience. This is what she had to say.
For those of us who grew up in the nineties, the music of Mariah Carey is woven into the soundtrack of our childhood. Her songs, the euphoria of "Dreamlover", the defiant pulse of "Heartbreaker" weren't just charttoppers; they were the anthems our mothers played on repeat while cleaning house, a backdrop to our lives. Seeing Mariah in person, headlining the Fridayz Live show, wasn't just another concert; it was like finally meeting a beloved, long-lost family member who had lived overseas your entire life, whom you'd only ever seen in photographs.
She looked every bit the icon we remembered, yet entirely grounded. Rugged up against the elements in a chic ensemble of a black top, black leather jacket, long black skirt, and knee-high boots, her vocals were anything but chilled. They were instantly warmed up, pouring out the cherished songs with flawless power. When she moved, she was like a princess from our childhood movies; she seemed to glide, as if floating on a magic carpet, pausing only to smile and wave at her adoring fans.
Surrounded by her talented pianist, drummer, and choir of backing singers, as well as her dreamy male dancers, who showed her the utmost respect, she commanded the space.
The setlist was a journey through musical royalty, touching every era of her legendary career. We were treated to the soaring highs of "Always Be My Baby", the emotional depth of "We Belong Together", and the definitive diva swagger of "Obsessed". Interspersed between the hits, Mariah spoke to the crowd, sharing personal anecdotes about the songs and her incredible career journey, giving us a genuine connection to the artist behind the myth. The performance also included her latest highly addictive track, "Sugar Sweet", a new, catchy anthem proving the Queen's enduring relevance.
It was more than a performance; it was a fleeting, breathtaking moment where royalty occupied the same air space, a night I honestly never dreamed would be never happen. We were all mesmerised and in a trance, swaying along to all the slow love songs. After enduring hours of cold, pouring rain, and soaking up every glorious moment, the final song left a collective feeling of disappointment in the air. As the headliner, the one song most of us were truly hoping for, the undisputed global phenomenon that is "All I Want for Christmas Is You" never arrived. Mariah left the stage and didn't return for an encore, leaving many of us disappointed and unsure why the night was cut short after waiting so long in the elements.
However, the momentary pang of disappointment cannot overshadow the majesty of the event. We must offer our deepest appreciation and thanks to Mariah Carey and the entire production crew of the Fridayz Live Tour for enduring the challenging weather and for delivering a truly unforgettable performance that connected us all to our shared past.
It was a night to remember!
(Sheldon Ang Media)
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