Mariah Carey must have known she couldn't mess about with tricks and backing tracks when performing at the 81st Annual Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting in New York City. After all, she was on the bill with Leona Lewis, Ariana Grande, Kelly Clarkson and Mary J Blige- all singers who have cited her as their own inspiration. Even still, I wasn't expecting this level of vocal health from the songbird!
It was evident from watching Joy To The World- which was a brave choice to sing, fully live, considering how full on it is- that the Diva's stamina is in better shape than it has been in a long while. It was because of this improvement that Mariah was sustaining belts and switching registers like the glory days.(Okay, a tiny bit hyperbolic, but it was still impressive to watch).
In addition to that, it was refreshing to watch Mariah not try to recreate the studio versions of the songs. Instead she switched up the arrangements for Joy To The World and All I want For Christmas on the fly. Something a person (me), who has watched too many live performances of these songs, really appreciated. Hopefully we'll see more of this approach from now on.
Is this a positive sign for the next chapter in the book of Mariah Carey's ever evolving voice? Only time will tell. But I sure am pumped for her next live showing!
Thoughts?
