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About Billy from Greece: I don't know, and neither do you.

Re: Current public opinion of MC (62,317) (62,327) (62,332) by Billy from Greece I saw the clip last night. To quote my own comment that I left for that video (I know, whatever): Did the lady who quoted Mariah on her wedding being "the most important thing in the history of the world" care to contextualize her statement? No. Anyone with a tiny bit sense of humor can sense that Mariah was clearly joking when she was making that statement in the trailer. On the other hand, the lady panelist transfers this statement with such bewilderment and seriousness that has people thinking god knows what. That's why Mariah has adopted this over-the-top, almost unrealistic version of divahood. When she keeps being misquoted for years and years, why not play with this persona to the extremes? I personally totally understand that, even if I acknowledge at the same time the damage that that may have on her public perception. "What kind of a person do you have to be to believe that this is the most important thing to ever happen in the history of the world?", the lady asks with great mystification. Well, I'd say, a person who actually is smart enough to use sarcasm and irony in the face of an obviously licentious celebrity culture, who though part of it, still manages to rise above. These people...? (Wednesday 18 May 2016; 10:04)

Charmbracelet era (62,258) by Billy from Greece I remember this this news report. She looked so glamorous here. I'm so glad she kept going strong back in 2002/2003, being creative, musically or otherwise, despite constant bashing. It was also during those years that she established for good her cult following and became legendary. In all diva narratives, it is the pitfalls that make the divas larger than life. (Monday 16 May 2016; 21:05)

The trailer (62,257) by Billy from Greece It's here, it looks excellent. (Monday 16 May 2016; 20:47)

"Thank you for the unconditional love" (62,204) by Billy from Greece Say what you want about her, the woman always speaks her truth. "I haven't experienced much of it." That goes for everybody putting conditions for Mariah to be worthy for them to be a fan. I'm also really trying hard not say "please shut up and get lost" to some newcomers on this board, but I'm just human, so hey, there you have it. Long live Mariah. (Sunday 15 May 2016; 15:37)

Crybaby (61,940) by Billy from Greece Did they remove "Crybaby" from Mariah's official channel? Now, why would they do that? (Monday 9 May 2016; 10:49)

Mariah Amsterdam concert (61,829) by Billy from Greece If the last six years and a half I've been trying to come to terms with the fact that I've met (and touched) Mariah, I think I'll spend the next decade trying to come to terms with the fact that I've seen and heard her live. Due to the rush and over excitement that I experienced at the first half of the concert, I had to allow some time before I recounted my experience because in the beginning it felt as if I wasn't really there, as if I dreamed of it or something. Though some coulda woulda shouldas brought me down for a while (I wish I had better seats to see her face more clearly, for instance) the feeling of hearing live songs I've been singing my whole life was just surreal. In fact, listening to her live allowed me to understand her voice better, to almost feel the "weight" and huskiness it carries, while its power was otherworldly, something that had the audience cheering so loud that at times it drowned her out. Apart from that, and apart from the hardcore fans, the audience seemed dead to me, which gave me a weird vibe as to how the band and Mariah must feel in such a context, wishing deep down that it wouldn't ruin the concert for them or for me, but I guess it might be a cultural thing with northern European audiences, not being too expressive (like in Japan), I don't know. I could go on and on forever, and deconstruct every minute detail, but I can only say that there wasn't anything I didn't enjoy (though I did want to hear "I'll Be There" live which was omitted) and I wished it didn't have to end so fast. I'm still lost for words, trying to recollect my experience there. At the end of the day, I'll always marvel at the fact that I witnessed this majestically epic note live. (Thursday 5 May 2016; 0:29)

Article: A view from the top (61,751) by Billy from Greece "Nicki Minaj's recent stint in the country, which witnessed sold-out concerts and throngs of devotees desperate to catch a glimpse of their Harajuka Barbie." I'm really curious whether Miss Minaj will be able to have a sold-out concert on the 26th year of her career (or a concert, or even a career). So should the writer of this thing called article. (Saturday 30 April 2016; 6:13)

Photo Mariah - Madonna (61,678) by Billy from Greece That's an interesting photograph. Mariah in front of a mini poster of Madonna. Who would have thought? (Wednesday 27 April 2016; 14:54)

Re: Mariah Amsterdam, questions (61,497) (61,514) by Billy from Greece Hi Yiorgos. A friend of mine and I are also attending the concert tomorrow (that is, she is kind enough to join me as she is not a lamb of any sorts). Have you received any emails regarding a time change, as another person mentioned here (saying that the concert starts around 21:00). I think I'll try to be there around 18:30, unless it's too early. By the way, based on your name, should I assume that you are Greek too? (Saturday 23 April 2016; 0:01)

Prince (61,480) by Billy from Greece Prince is dead? I'm shocked. First MJ, then Whitney, now Prince? Are you kidding me? Just shocked right now. (Thursday 21 April 2016; 20:09)

Lyric (61,472) by Billy from Greece It just popped in my head that the most profound lyric in Mariah's entire career might as well be: "Do you care for me beyond idolization?" (Thursday 21 April 2016; 10:40)

Re: Mariah Amsterdam, questions (61,468) (61,471) by Billy from Greece Thank you Sarah and Hanno. I bought my ticket on Viagogo, though, so I haven't received any emails about the show starting at 21:10. (Thursday 21 April 2016; 10:33)

"Butterfly" / "Me. I Am Mariah" (61,463) by Billy from Greece Since I unintentionally started this whole debate between these two albums, let me explain my comment that MIAM is the "sequel" to "Butterfly". First of all, I undoubtedly regard "Butterfly" as an undisputed masterpiece and Mariah's magnum opus. Everything (and by that I mean every minute detail) in this albums is perfection and Mariah is at her most artistic. From the truly poetic and personal lyrics and the overall production, to the vocal arrangements (and layering), this album stands on a league of its own. At the same time, "Me. I Am Mariah" is in my eyes a continuation of some of the themes explored in "Butterfly", either lyrically or musically. Both are "divorce" albums and show Mariah more "naked" than ever before. What I appreciated in MIAM is that Mariah had a somehow back-to-basics approach, giving the whole album a more timeless feel (compared to the two albums preceding it), while foregrounding her voice more clearly than in recent years. Sure, there are contemporary elements to it (see "Thirsty") that place it more specifically at a specific time/era, but I hardly find it dated (especially compared to "Memoirs"). Also, lyrically, it may not be as sensitive or introspective as "Butterfly", but it does contain some of Mariah's most personal songs, while minimizing the "trendy" wordplay of the last few albums. Clearly, "Butterfly" is unmatched, but "MIAM" holds its own in Mariah's entire catalogue. In fact, I would easily include it in the top 5 Mariah albums that a music lover should own. (Thursday 21 April 2016; 0:30)

Mariah Amsterdam, questions (61,461) by Billy from Greece If anyone can help, I'll appreciate it greatly: how much earlier should somebody go to the concert hall? The concert in Amsterdam starts at 20:00 p.m., so I presume a couple of hours earlier should be ok? Also, is there any information regarding the place where Mariah will stay in Amsterdam? (Wednesday 20 April 2016; 23:29)

"Stares and Whispers" / "We Belong Together" (61,435) by Billy from Greece Do check out this song. The bars in the intro bear a resemblance to the piano intro and the way the background vocals in WBT are arranged. (Wednesday 20 April 2016; 9:33)

Meet & Greet - Amsterdam (61,427) by Billy from Greece Any chance to win a meet and greet for the Amsterdam concert like Philipp did via, I don't know, a contest or something? If anyone knows, drop a hint please, thank you. (Tuesday 19 April 2016; 20:23)

"Cry." (61,426) by Billy from Greece Reminiscing of the moment two years ago when time stopped the first time I heard the opening bars of "Cry." while staring into Mariah's eyes in the cover of the Japanese edition of "The Elusive Chanteuse". Definitely a re-awakening of sensations and a re-introduction of Mariah the musician. For those still waiting for the sequel of the "Butterfly" album, you will find it in "Me. I Am Mariah". (Tuesday 19 April 2016; 20:07)

"My All" Cologne (61,301) by Billy from Greece The resonance here is amazing. There is practically no rasp, no straining, just pure flexible vocals. In fact she sounds better than the prerecorded parts. (Thursday 14 April 2016; 14:53)

"Greatest Hits" (2001) album cover (61,273) by Billy from Greece How would you feel had this been the cover for "Butterfly"? I think this is one of the photoshoots that took place in 1997 and were never used until several years later obviously. I often forget that it is indeed a stunning picture. (Wednesday 13 April 2016; 19:56)

"Friend to Friend" (61,192) by Billy from Greece I'm usually not the "Mariah should cover such and such song" type of guy, but listening to Diana Ross's sublime "Friend to Friend" (from the "Diana" 1980 album) I can almost hear Mariah singing it. Here's the link for anyone who does not know the song. (Saturday 9 April 2016; 22:52)

"There's Got to Be a Way" remix (61,160) by Billy from Greece I had no idea that there were some additional adlibs towards the end of this remix, as well as some re-arranged background vocals. Wow. I've always regarded TGTBAW as the cheesiest song in Mariah's catalogue, which nonetheless functions as a perfect vocal showcase. (Friday 8 April 2016; 22:30)

Re: Meet and greet (61,144) (61,148) by Billy from Greece I don't think it's Mariah per se that charges. I think it has to do more with the promoters and the variety of packages they offer to make more money, so I don't think Mariah can say let's make a free meet and greet. Surely, Mariah can give her consent or not. But I think these types of tickets are a relatively recent trend, and is probably connected to touring companies. But it is weird when all you want is just a little time with your idol because you get just a glimpse of the backstage madness in this industry. And the fact that it involves such huge amounts of money kinda ruins the "innocent" drive that brought you there in the first place, which is (I guess for a lot of people) pure love of music and of an artist, and you may feel like that magic is lost since it is all about the logistics. That being said, I think the best opportunities to meet an artist of her caliber is through contests and through luck to be honest. When you get too close, the myth you have been building for years may fall apart. (Friday 8 April 2016; 18:01)

"Hero" in Riga (61,146) by Billy from Greece The bridge in this performance is everything. (Friday 8 April 2016; 17:37)

G4 (61,108) by Billy from Greece I can't get over that G4 here. (Thursday 7 April 2016; 20:56)

Nigel / American Idol (61,080) by Billy from Greece So, regarding the Mariah/Nicki feud, Nigel commented that "nothing would stop them, once they got going, which I don't think the public enjoyed, we certainly didn't." Right, Nigel, whatever. Just notice his face and body language when he says that. (Wednesday 6 April 2016; 12:45)

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