| Thursday 4 September 2003 |
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Carey confirms diva-ness, makes rafters hum
"They call me a diva. I might as well act like one," Mariah Carey calmly explained as her hairdresser re-perfected her 'do, onstage and between songs at her elaborate, amazing Labor Day appearance at Fort Lauderdale's Broward Center. Yes, it must be said that the ever-glittery Carey came equipped with your requisite accoutrements of diva-dom - the scores of dancers, eight costume changes, that warm smile that says "I'll wait to speak until the adoring applause ceases," a complicated set and hordes of well-dressed fans screaming "Mariahweloveyouuuuuu!!!"
But there's supposed to be more to being a diva than a well-stocked staff of worshipers and attitude. "Diva" is an operatic term that refers to a singer of amazing talent and presence, of commanding voice and personality. This may inspire said singer to act high and mighty and start firing people at will, but the diva - and her fans - understand that her talent is the point.
Make no mistake. Mariah Carey's talent is the point, and it's a multi-octave, effortless wonder. And it was in full effect Monday night, in a production that was slightly overwrought, a wee self-referential but intensely human. It also helped that Carey, looking healthy and rested after her well-publicized emotional and career troubles, seemed to be enjoying herself. And that always makes a concert better.
Actually, maybe "concert" is too small a word for the grand production that Carey put on, on a pink-hued set that was equal parts Moulin Rogue and Circus Of The Stars. Backed up by a bevy of dancers, impressive backup singers, band and a clown, Carey took the stage in a protective cloud of bodyguards, trilling the upbeat Heartbreaker.
Right away, it was obvious that whatever emotional or mental issues the singer once had left her voice untouched. During Heartbreaker, she stepped to the edge of the stage, held her ear in a Carol Burnett-like stance and let loose with one of those rafter-scaling high notes she's known for. Those rafter-dwellers were on full display, through up-tempo hits like Dream Lover and Fantasy, as much as her less-celebrated but equally impressive lower range was during the torchy My All.
Pro that she is, Carey did a seamless job of weaving her considerable cadre of hits like Always Be My Baby in with such new material as the faith-protesting My Saving Grace and the recent hit Through The Rain. In fact, it was her turn on Through The Rain, a seemingly treacly ballad she described as "a song about pressing on", that showcased why Mariah Carey's not fading into that good night anytime soon.
Lyrics like "I can make it through the rain, I can stand up once again/ On my own and I know that I'm strong enough to mend" sound saccharine on the radio. But settled into a plush red chair, Carey closed her eyes, clenched her fist and opened a vein - and the tabloid memories of her bad marriage, career downturns and public freak-outs all came pouring into her voice.
Simultaneously vulnerable and steely, Carey rose for the key change and planted her feet like she was willing the strength of the words into life, as her singers' voices melded like a church choir behind her. The crowd applauded adoringly. The diva paused and smiled. If getting your hair checked onstage ensures a show as vocally satisfying and sweet as this one, I'm all for installing a salon next to the drum kit at every concert I attend. (Palm Beach Post)
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