Mariah Carey has apologized via Twitter for her performance at Michael Jackson’s memorial. Personally I thought she did a great job considering she was obviously overcome with emotion. At the beginning of her song “I’ll Be There” (A Jackson 5 cover she originally released as a successful single in the early nineties), she could barely get the words out and her voice was shaking and cracking. It clearly wasn’t done for show. Watching it live, it was impossible not to have a panicked “oh holy crap” moment when it seemed like everything was going to go to hell. Mariah pulled it together relatively well, but those first few seconds were rocky to say the least.
Mariah Carey has apologized for singing a less than perfect version of ‘I’ll Be There’ at the Michael Jackson memorial service.
Many fans took note of Mariah’s sloppy singing, but the diva explains emotions simply got the best of her.
In a series of posts on Twitter, Mariah commented, “Trying to sing today was basically impossible for me. I could barely keep myself from crying. I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to pull it together and really do it right, but I was literally choked up when I saw him there in front of me. One thing I know is, we will never really have to say goodbye to MJ. His legacy lives on through his music and the millions of people he inspired with his timeless music. He will be forever in our hearts.”
[From Starpulse]
Even though that last part of Mariah’s Twitter is a little cheesy, her performance actually made me like her a lot more. It showed her humanity and vulnerability, and was probably the first time I saw her as a real person instead of a performer. I definitely don’t think she has anything to apologize for. Her song wasn’t flawless, but it was real. Real grief isn’t flawless, to say the least. It’s a time where you break down and everything often goes to hell in a hand basket. Mariah pulled it together and that didn’t happen, but if anything I think it made her more likable as a person, regardless of other people’s comments about the professionalism of her performance.
Perez immediatley twittered something along the lines of “Has Mariah lost it?/Can’t sing anymore” which I thought was really insensitive, I mean she was singing at a funeral for goodness sakes–Perez is such an asshole.
I though she sang well, the guy she sang the song with was a little out of tune and off but considering it was an emotional event, it is understandably.
Remember when Princess Di died, and Elton John cried his way through candle in the wind? There’s no shame in crying at a funeral, poor Mariah.
She should not apologize for her performance she should apologize for her dress.
Why not apologize for continuing to put out albums that make me want to stuff hot pokers in my ears so I never have to hear that gawd-awful squeaking crap again?
I was actually kind of surprised she really sang.. she usually just seems to “sing.” Kudos to Mariah — this performance made her actually seem human.
If she would drop her shitty songs and that annoying screeh and stop dressing like a ‘tween, she could GROW into a fabulous performer.
I was actually kind of surprised she really sang.. she usually just seems to “sing.” Kudos to Mariah — this performance made her actually seem human.
If she would drop her shitty songs and that annoying screech and stop dressing like a ‘tween, she could GROW into a fabulous performer.
Why would someone even read Perez? The guy is a hypocrite loser and seal and glue other web site’s postings. That’s all he does. Anyway, Mariah has a great voice we all know that. She was overcome with emotions of course. I cried when Paris Jackson spoke.
she need only apologize for that hairstyle, nothing more.
Mariah did more hand theatrics than singing.
Her voice did sound a little strained at times, but she sang through it. I agree she could have worn a different black dress, but this is Mariah we’re talking about.
I couldn’t agree more, Jaybird. I have never been a fan of hers, but this performance made me, too, like her a whole lot more, as you put it. It was genuine and heartfelt, you could tell.
To quote Mary Jane above (luv the name btw):
“If she would drop her shitty songs and that annoying screech and stop dressing like a ‘tween, she could GROW into a fabulous performer.”
That is EXACTLY how I’ve always felt about her. And this performance redeemed her, in my humble opinion anyway.
i thought she did ok but considering the circumstances everyone was emotional that day. i will agree she needs to stop dressing like a 20 yr old and wear something more age appropriate.
The dress… not appropriate for a funeral…
Totally agree. I liked her performance, after all, it wasnt really about performing and giving a great show, it was about honoring MJ. What I didnt like about her was the so not appropiate dress and outfit for the memorial, and all the bling. I thought the clevage and fabric of the dress were inapropiate.
I don’t know about you but if some one asked me to sing at a funeral I’d probably be choked up too. BUT HEY! I’m only human, unlike some people I guess.
If she was perfectly polished and smiling, she’d be criticized for that as well. Personally I thought it was beautiful because it was from the heart…for God’s sake it was a funeral!! She did great.
It obviously took a great effort for her to get through each note. Kudos to her for getting up there and doing it for Michael.
Other than the hand movements which were distracting I thought she did great. And as far as the dress goes, at least she didn’t look like she would drop to her knees for a 20, which is what she normally looks like.
I’d figured it was her emotions because she has one of the best voices out there, such range. Wish she’d wear sophisticated clothes and sing better songs. Share her Hello Kitty obsession. She’s sweet.
Beautiful.
QB: Ohhhhhhhhhhhh SNAP! love it!
I agree about the dress. I was wincing for fear that she would have her own wardrobe malfunction…
“If she would drop her shitty songs and that annoying screeh and stop dressing like a ‘tween, she could GROW into a fabulous performer.”
SO TRUE! She always looks so fat to me, even though she’s not. She needs a stylist asap! Can we nominate her for what not to wear? She would throw a fit…
I thought she showed great restraint. I was expecting her usual spandex mini dress.
I thought she was lovely. She did herself proud.
I’ve never been a fan of Mariah’s. I acknowledge that she has an amazing vocal range, but the whisper-screech stuff has never been my cup of tea. I’m not really one for romantic ballads, either.
I do think that she handled herself very well, however. She’s got nothing to apologize for. It’s sad that she has to defend herself against insensitive jerks. I mean, really?
If you wanna talk inappropriate attire, check out the blonde woman in the little cocktail dress and high heels during Jennifer Hudson’s performance. She was so distracting; I just kept looking at her throughout the number.
Does anyone realize how hard that song is for a woman to sing?
No fan of the dress tho.
I’ve always loved Mariah and now I love her more. The vulnerability and eccentricity (mild, compared to Michael’s,
of course) have always endeared her to me. She has the heart of a little girl, even though she’s in one of the most cynical, cutthroat businesses imaginable. Kudos to Mariah for keeping her innocence through it all. Lastly, for Mariah, she’s dressed like a nun in that dress, bless her heart.
She shouldn’t have to apologize. She was singing during a really emotional situation. It’s hard for some people to even talk when they want to cry but are fighting it but now people expect her to be able to sing perfectly. I think she did great considering it was a memorial.
She has a thin weak voice anyway!
Don’t care for her but have to give her props. She did an amazing job with the song. Very touching.
I agree, the dress was a little revealing for a funeral
Perez Hilton is an idiot, nuff said!
I felt she did ok under the circumstances…however the dress was most inappropriate for the occasion…it wasn’t all about you that day Mariah.
she hit a wrong note at the start but sang the song very well, haters should fall back
That’s the most covered I’ve seen her in ages.
**sigh I remember a time when she was classy and not trashy. She was quite a sight those days and a joy to watch.
I was an instant fan of Mariah’s when VISION OF LOVE first came out. I bought everything, every remix she did, but when she started getting more hip-hoppy and changing her sound so much, I lost interest in her. However, she did a great job at the memorial service and I agree with those who say it just made her human. I’ve never seen her be anything less than flawless when performing, so it’s nice to see she’s human.
Now Mariah, stop trying to be Beyonce and return to what made you famous, songs with substance and vocals that don’t include whispering every word.
And please, put the breasts away every now and then. You’re gorgeous, but it’s not always about the lowest cut dress or how sexy you can be.
Ron: LMAO at “drop to her knees for a 20” — classic.
What she needs to apologize for is her patented “i swear to tell the truth / orchestra conductor / lightning-fast microphone hand swap” move. It was actually kind of shocking to see her without her stage face on, shocking and beautiful.
I don’t see reason for her to apologize. I thought it was powerful, genuine, moving.
I think she did a fine job. Jesus none of us could have done any better and the guy who sang along with her should actually be the one apologizing, because he sucked!
Mariah’s performance was commendable considering the circumstances.
yes Mariah thank you for the apology, now apologize for every other crappy piece of music you have made because being forced to listen to your music is torture, I hate shrieking “music”.
Please don’t make any more music and ask the radio stations to quit playing your crap.
Mariah , this was not a show but a show of affection, you still have a voice of an angel.
I’m still waiting for her apology for Glitter.