| What Would U Do update
Check the Heroes of Mariah What Would U Do Promo page. Posted on February the 29th. |
 |
Mariah in Dubai
Mohaned is photographer and was able to shot pictures of Mariah at the Royal Mirage in Dubai. Please, don't remove his copyrights and respect his work, as he was nice enough to share one of his pictures with us  .
Source for the picture: Mohaned Al Nuaimy (All rights reserved) Note: Click on the picture to enlarge. Posted on February the 29th. |
And this year, the Razzie Award for Worst
Actress goes to... tada... Jennifer Lopez!!! 
At the Razzies, It's a Bennifer Sweep By Chris Michaud Los Angeles - And the Razzie goes to: "Gigli," "Gigli" and, oh yes, "Gigli." Plus another three for good measure. In a virtual sweep of the awards that "honor" the worst of the very worst in Hollywood -- a sort-of anti-Oscar, the Jennifer Lopez-Ben Affleck mega-flop was accorded the Golden Raspberry on Saturday as worst film of the year. And in an almost unprecedented wash, "Gigli," the first on-screen collaboration for the couple, whose overhyped engagement went down in flames, mowed down the competition in all the top categories. No one was left out: worst actor Affleck, worst actress Lopez, worst director and screenwriter Martin Brest in a double whammy, and worst screen couple (yes, them again). There was some small consolation for the "Gigli" perpetrators in the worst supporting actor and actress nods going to Razzie king Sylvester Stallone and another veteran, Demi Moore. Stallone was cited for an unprecedented 10th Razzie for "Spy Kids 3D: Game Over," while Moore's work in "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" had Razzie voters' jaws hitting the floor. The latter film was also cited as worst sequel. And in a new category, the Mike Myers vehicle "The Cat in the Hat" was named "worst excuse for an actual movie." (All concept, no content). It came into the competition with an impressive eight nominations. Source: Yahoo! News (All rights reserved) Heroes comment: Yaaaaaaaaayyyyy, 6 Razzies for Gigli, ladies and gentlemen of the media industry, let the trash begin, each one his turn!!!
Posted on February the 28th. |
| Yaaaaay, stay tuned, new updates for What
Would U Do soon .
Posted on February the 28th. |
| Transcript of "De Rode Loper" of February
the 27th. 2004
In the USA her career has fallen into neglect, but at the other side of the world, they haven’t forgotten Mariah Carey yet. That much was obvious last Tuesday, when the popdiva gave her first concert on Arabian grounds in the Libanese capital Beirut. It was a pale Mariah who gave a pressconference at the Mövenpick Hotel. But at night the fans got to see a completely different Carey. The popdiva was swinging in a little silver outfit. She mostly sang songs from her latest album, Charmbracelet, which she nearly completely wrote by herself. MC: I think that as a writer I’ve just been able to write about more personal things in a more honest way. As opposed to like kind of alluding to certain things, that I’ve been able to become more specific about what I’m, you know, actually writing about and talk about my life and talk about, you know, things that I really need to express. So, uhm, I think that would be the major difference. In her own country Carey is burned after the film Glitter and the soundtrack which flopped. But at the other side of the world she is still very popular. Last month she got a Lifetime Achievement Award at MTV Asia. Hence this tour. MC: I just want to reach as many fans as possible and I get so many letters from people all over the world. And I just feel like, you know, I really wanted to try to come and see the fans here and put my show on and hopefully the fans would enjoy it. And she’s serious about it as well, because after the concert, Mariah extensively took her time to sign autographs. Two bodyguards made sure that everyone got their chance. Or perhaps they were just trying to avoid a “Janet Jackson incident”. Translation: Elise by e-mail. Transcript van De Rode Loper van 27 februari
2004
|
| Vote for Mariah
Don't forget to vote for Mariah for the DanceStar USA 2004 American Dance Music Awards. To vote, click here. Posted on February the 28th. |
| Mariah Carey takes a chill pill
By Farha Sait 
Pop charmer looks to cool her heels in the Emirates, the last stop on her Charmbracelet tour. She'd barely been here, yet American pop diva Mariah Carey confessed "she was loving every bit of it." It's her first visit to the sun-soaked Emirate and letting her hair down and kicking up the sands is something she's set her heart on, now that her Charmbracelet tour has concluded with the Dubai gig at the Media City late last night. "I love Middle Eastern cuisine," the number one female artist who has over a 150 million CDs sold worldwide to-date, told a group of media people during a brief pre-concert meet. Dressed in a skimpy brown singlet and snug jeans, her crimped golden-brown locks framing her delicate face, a translucent brush of make-up on and a chunky ring flashing from her finger, she arrived fashionably late with an entourage of publicists, bodyguards and the organisers who'd insisted "no political questions and nothing personal" from the local media that had gathered at the Royal Mirage to meet the star. Mariah, soft-spoken, almost shy, looked refreshingly healthy - a far cry from the bulimic brigade of contemporary celebs. The much written about star has reportedly got "a heart of gold" and she loves to help in charitable causes. She spends her free time either sleeping or playing with her brood of dogs and loves to cook up some pasta impromptu or just take a roller coaster ride when she's on a high. Then of course, she's got her first love - writing lyrics and bringing them to life. "I have a personal attachment to all the songs I write, but people really love Hero and Butterfly," said the star who reportedly loves charms and wears them for luck and love. "I forgot to put on my Charmbracelet today. It's lying upstairs," she laughed when asked about it. The sold-out concert that had Khaleej Times as a media sponsor, was Mariah's second show in the Middle East - the first was in Beirut just two days earlier. It was a sort of coup for organisers, Mirage Promotion who managed to confirm her to do the swansong of the global tour which kicked off in Osaka in June. Dubai was the last stop. "And post concert, Mariah's looking to cool heels in the Emirate without having to catch flights, rehearse and globetrot," City Times was told. A child-star, Mariah worked her way up since the age of four when her mother first realised her talent. An unstable childhood, a struggling career and much heartbreak later, she says, she's finally, living her dream. And helping others live theirs. The magnanimous crooner works with four charities worldwide and sponsors children to have dream vacations, to travel and realise those ambitions which only money can fulfill. There was a lot more one could really ask the pop princess sitting so close yet so distanced. How does she identify with the culture here and how well does she identify with people in this part of the world? How much creativity in expression does she allow herself as an artist and just what price she has paid for fame? Well, maybe another time, another day with Mariah Carey. Source: Khaleej Times (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 28th. |
| Elise let us know that there was a little
subject about Mariah in De Rode Loper on TV1 (Belgian TV for the Dutch
speaking part of Belgium). Unfortunately I missed it, so, stay tuned
to know what was shown, I'm sure someone will tell us what is was .
Posted on February the 28th. |
| Mariah to begin recording in March?
Go on Mariah's official site Q: Mariah I love all you music, its like the soundtrack to my life. I was wondering when are you gonna make a new album. A: Dear Lucas, Mariah has begun writing for her next album and plans to go into the studio to begin recording sometime next month. Source for the Q and A: MariahCarey.com Posted on February the 27th.. |
| Fans fall to Mariah's charm
By a staff reporter Dubai - Hundreds of rapturous fans welcomed Mariah Carey to Dubai with screams and whistles at her first ever concert at the Dubai Media City yesterday. Clad in a silver two-piece costume, Mariah began the concert with a rendition of Heartbreaker much to the delight of her fans, with many of them jumping from their seats to take a better look at the ravishing pop diva. A spellbinding dance routine followed when Give my all was performed with many people singing along with the pop star. The audience consisting of both young and old fans, were mesmerizsd with the many costume changes that the singer did along with her song routines. The show lasting for nearly 100 minutes saw many of her old hits being performed such as Hero, Rainbow and Honey. Mariah having one of the best voices in pop music, combined with one of the best attitudes is one of the world's top recording artists, setting records for most No. 1 singles by a female artist, to most consecutive weeks at No. 1 with One Sweet Day, her collaboration with Boyz II Men. Her chart accomplishments resulted in Billboard magazine naming her 'Artist of the Decade' for the 90s. Mariah's first self-titled album uncovered a high-octave voice that could break sound barriers, as well as record sales. She arrived in Dubai on wednesday as part of a world tour to promote her latest album, Charmbracelet. The concert was organised by Mirage Promotions and was sponsored by Nokia, Qatar Airways, Mastercard, Coca Cola, Ahlan! Magazine, Areej, Budget rent-a-car rental, Gearhouse, Emirates Radio 1 and 2, Hardrock Cafe, Khaleej Times, Music Master, UAQ FM, HUM FM, Showtime, iBuzz, Virgin Megastore Venue, Dubai Media City. Source: Khaleej Times (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 27th. |
| Mariah in San Francisco on May the 1st.
Here's what I read on SFGate: Mariah will attend Danielle Steel's biennial "Star Ball," a benefit for her late son's Nick Traina Foundation on May the 1st. Heroes comment: If you want to learn more about the Nick Traina Foundation, click here. Posted on February the 26th. |
Mariah tunes up to enthral music lovers
American pop music diva Mariah Carey will enthral music lovers tonight with a mix of ballards dance-pop music. Mariah at a late night press conference yesterday said she will be singing some of here favourite songs during the Dubai concert. Mariah's concert in Dubai, part of her Charmbracelet world tour, follows the unprecedented success of Craig David concerts. Mariah's live concert in Dubai is set to be the season's biggest and most highly anticipated live entertainment event. The concert will be staged at Dubai Media City amphithetre in association with Qatar Airways. Doors open at 7pm, and the concert starts at 9pm. "Mariah Carey is one of the most talented, successful and best loved artistes around the world. She is a true Diva who can move from glossy ballads to hip-hop-inspired dance-pop hits with great ease and so appeals to audiences of all ages and nationalities," said Thomas Ovesen, Mirage Promotions Dubai, General Manager. Since she began her career, Mariah Carey has gone on to become the best-selling female performer of all time. Pic: Mariah Carey poses for photographers at a press conference yesterday. ©Gulf News Source: Gulf News (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 26th. |
| Venus meeting Mariah in Dubai?
As Venus Williams is in Dubai for the Dubai Duty Free Women's Open, I wonder if she will meet Mariah in Dubai or even attend Mariah's concert. Posted on February the 26th. |
| Last chance to get Carey show tickets
Mariah Carey fans still have a chance to get their tickets for the superstar's concert tonight at the Dubai Media City. Bahrain-based Mirage Promotions is the regional promoter for the Middle East leg of the award-winning artist's Charmbracelet Tour. Mariah's Lebanon concert last Tuesday had a 5,000 strong crowd. "Both the Lebanon and Dubai events are a fitting climax to what has been an amazing 12 months for Mariah, achieving a global sale of two million albums and receiving an MTV Lifetime Achievement award last week in Singapore," said Mirage Promotions regional managing director Elissa Murtaza. "Fans at the Dubai concert can expect a fantastic live show of over 90 minutes." Fans can purchase their tickets in Bahrain at 195 dirhams (BD19.500), 145 dirhams (BD14.500) or 255 dirhams (BD25.500). Source: Gulf Daily (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 26th. |
| Guys, even if I'm really, really busy with
the promotion, I'm starting to plan a party for Mariah's Birthday.
This party would be on Saturday, March the 27th. in Brussels. Please, e-mail me as soon as possible if you want to attend the party, so I can book a place for the party. Posted on February the 25th. |
| Mariah Carey performs in Beirut
American pop diva Mariah Carey has made her first debut in the Arab world with a concert to thousands of cheering fans in Beirut. Carey, 33, was met on Tuesday night with loud cheers and warm applause when she appeared on the stage in a two-piece, silver outfit at an exhibition and leisure centre on the Mediterranean seafront in downtown Beirut. "Thank you for being so welcoming," Carey said to the crowd of about 5000, who included the wives of the president and prime minister of Lebanon. Impressed by the Beirut fans, Carey was heard telling her bodyguards, "Wonderful, wonderful." Carey enchanted the fans with hits including Butterfly, Hero and Dreamlover. Her concert, the first in the Middle East, was organised by the Beiteddine Festival Committee. "It was really good. It was really good," 15-year-old Tina Choueiri said of the 90-minute concert. "Her voice was amazing." Carey, who has sold more than 150 million records and won two Grammy Awards, arrived in Beirut on Monday as part of a world tour designed to promote her latest album, Charmbracelet. She will perform in Dubai on Thursday. Source: Aljazeera (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 25th. |
| Carey’s spokeswoman says “it’s not a Kabbalah
bracelet”!
Is Carey latest celebrity to turn to Kabbalah? Does Mariah Carey have a new bracelet -- and a new man? By Jeannette Walls with Ashley Pearson Has Mariah Carey turned to Kabbalah? Sources report that the trouble-plagued diva has been wearing the red yarn bracelet that is a symbol of Kabbalah. The mystical branch of Judaism has become the rage among certain celebs lately, and has been embraced by Madonna and Britney Spears. “It definitely looked like one of those Kabbalah bracelets,” says a source. “They’re supposed to absorb negative energy, and Mariah’s been surrounded by plenty of that over the last couple of years.” Another source says that the Kabbalah bracelet isn’t all that Carey has picked up lately; apparently, she has a new man in her life. “She brought him along on tour,” says the source. Carey’s spokeswoman denies that the singer has found a new religion, saying “it’s not a Kabbalah bracelet” — but she declined to comment on whether Carey has a new sweetie. Source: MSNBC (All rights reserved) Heroes comment: This rumor was flying around since a few days and as you can read, it was a rumor. Posted on February the 25th. |
Mariah performing in Beirut
    
  
Pic 1, 2, 3 and 6: Pop singer Mariah Carey performs at Beirut's Biel Haul February 24, 2004. Jamal Saidi Pic 4, 5 and 7: American pop star Mariah Carey performs during a concert in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday Feb. 24, 2004. Carey is in Beirut for only one show. Pic 8: US pop music diva Mariah Carey performs in the Lebanese capital Beirut (Ramzi Haidar) Source: Yahoo! News (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 24th. |
| Beirut Concert fan report
It was simply AMAZING. More than words can say. Mariah sounded really good. She didn't lip any song even Fantasy. It was all 100% LIVE. She seemed to be in great spirits and joked around a lot. She kept telling us that we're an amazing audience, that we're one of the best crowds she's ever encountered. Everyone was going crazy cheering and calling "Mariah I Love You's". She said she has wanted to come to Beirut for such a long long time, and that she loves it here.. the people have been so warm and welcoming. Even Trey said he loved Beirut and wants to come back soon. Mariah sang: Looking In Intro/Heartbreaker - Dreamlover - Through The Rain - My All - Can't Take That Away - I Know What You Want - Without You - My Saving Grace - Band Intro - Friend Of Mine (Trey) - Honey - Fantasy - Always Be My Baby - Make It Happen - Vision Of Love - Hero/Butterfly Outro The audience went crazy when she sang "Without You," "My All" and "Make It Happen".. she kept saying 'You're an amazing audience'. The concert was sold out.. there were 7000 people. She wore same outfits she wore in the other concerts + the black one she's been wearing recently when she sang Without You. She seemed to be in a really good mood. Unlike in Paris. She was really happy and joking around with the band and stuff. At one point when she was singing Honey she wanted to go down the stairs and wasn't able to. So she called one of the dancers and said "Come here give MC some help". At the end she thanked everyone for coming and being there and stuff. It truly was amazing, I cant wait for the reviews tomorrow morning. It was sooooooooo much better than the Paris show. She sounded AMAZING and was in good spirits. Mariah left to party at a club called "CRYSTAL". She is leaving to Dubai tomorrow morning. Source: stopfalling at FOMM. Heroes comment: She called one of the dancers and said "Come here give MC some help" 
Posted on February the 24th. |
Plus de 5.000 spectateurs au concert de Mariah
Carey à Beyrouth
Plus de 5.000 spectateurs en délire ont assisté mardi soir au concert de la diva de la musique pop Mariah Carey à Beyrouth, qui donnait une unique représentation dans la capitale libanaise pour sa première apparition publique dans le monde arabe. Un grand nombre de personnalités, dont Andrée Lahoud, épouse du chef de l'Etat Emile Lahoud, qui venait de regagner le Liban au terme d'une visite officielle d'une semaine au Brésil, le député Bahia Hariri, soeur du Premier ministre Rafic Hariri, et l'ambassadeur américain Vincent Battle, s'étaient déplacés au Biel, salle luxueuse sur le front de mer du centre de Beyrouth, pour assister au concert de la star américaine. Mais ce sont essentiellement des jeunes, des adolescentes surtout, dont beaucoup en jeans et T-shirts, qui remplissaient la salle et avaient envahi les allées. Mariah Carey, en très petite tenue argentée, entourée de gardes du corps, a provoqué le délire en entrant par la salle, et la foule a dû être contenue pour lui permettre d'arriver jusqu'à la scène illuminée. Après Beyrouth, la chanteuse, qui est celle qui a vendu le plus de disques dans le monde (150 millions) doit se produire, jeudi soir, à Dubaï. Le concert fait partie de »Charmbracelet» (»Bracelet à breloques»), tournée mondiale de la chanteuse aujourd'hui âgée de 33 ans. Source: Tageblatt (All rights reserved) Heroes comment (en français): Pour une fois qu'un article en français sur Mariah n'est pas trash, je ne me suis pas privé de le poster. Merci à nos amis Luxembourgeois .
Heroes comment (in English): For once that there's no trash in an article in French about Mariah, I made sure I posted it. Thanks to our Luxembourgian friends .
Posted on February the 24th. |
| Pop diva Carey delights fans in Beirut on
first concert in Arab world
More than 5,000 fans gave Mariah Carey a rapturous welcome in the Lebanese capital as the US pop star gave her first concert in the Arab world. Appearing in a two-piece, silver belly-dancing outfit, the blonde Carey was sorrounded by bodyguards as she entered the downtown BIEL leisure centre facing the eastern Mediterranean. Most of the crowd were youths in jeans and T-shirt, but among the VIPs were Andree Lahoud, wife of President Emile Lahoud, MP Bahia Hariri, a sister of Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, and the US ambassador to Lebanon, Vincent Battle. On a world tour to promote her latest album, "Charmbracelet", Carey is to perform in Dubai on Thursday. The 33-year-old singer-songwriter, who has sold more than 150 million records and won two Grammy Awards along the way, is trying to kick-start her career after suffering a nervous breakdown last year. Source: Yahoo! News (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 24th. |
US pop music diva Mariah Carey performs in
the Lebanese capital Beirut 24 February 2004
    
 
Pic 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7: US pop music diva Mariah Carey performs in the Lebanese capital Beirut 24 February 2004. Carey, 33, will have a concert on 26 February in Dubai as part of her "Charmbracelet" international tour. This was the first time she performs in Lebanon. Ramzi Haidar Pic 5: US pop music diva Mariah Carey performs in the Lebanese capital Beirut 24 February 2004. Carey, who is giving her first concert ever in Lebanon, received in Singapore earlier this month a special Lifetime Achievement award. Ramzi Haidar Source: Getty Images (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 24th. |
| Trying hard to get up close and personal with
Mariah Carey
I wanted to ask Mariah Carey if she felt solidarity with Muslim women at yesterday’s news conference at the Movenpick Hotel in Raouche. I wanted to ask her what her opinion of the Arab world was and how countries like Lebanon are viewed amongst celebrities in America? Did she read about the country before she came? Was she afraid? Who is she currently dating? I was banned, however, from asking any personal or political questions. Still, she did tell me that whenever she has a day off her main pastime is sleeping. I laughed. Briefly. Carey, in town for her concert at Beirut International Exhibition and Leisure Center tonight, was dressed in a dark black evening dress with a plunging neckline revealing her more than ample bosom. To be fair, she was both pleasant and kind, signing autographs and politely listening to everyone, even a pair of tearful fans. She smiled constantly and looked like a million dollars. But she reveals very little about herself and surrounds herself with an entourage of 16 bodyguards four of her own and 12 provided by the Beiteddine Festival Committee who have organized Carey’s Beirut concert, her first in the Middle East. Although I couldn’t think of anyone who would want to bump Carey off, she is obviously a huge celebrity who travels nowhere in public without protection and enough to stop me getting a one-on-one on interview. I settled for asking her about her musical evolution as a songwriter and whether she felt now she had more freedom to write what she felt without the shadow of a corporate record company hanging over her. “Definitely I think as I have matured I am able to think more deeply about the songs that I write,” she replied with a smile. Tonight’s concert is definitely worth a look, with dancers, a band and Carey’s trademark five-octave voice. She will sing both her popular songs and some new ones. After the conference, when Carey disappeared to meet the Star Academy kids, I managed to grab Louie, her hairdresser, who told me he was half Syrian, and his grandparents came from Beirut 100 years ago. What’s it like doing Mariah’s hair? “I better go in and check on it actually,” he told me, brush and hair spray in hand. Mariah Carey plays at BIEL tonight, and tickets are still available at Virgin Megastore. Call 01/995222 Source: The Daily Star (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 24th. |
| Mariah's Press conference in Beirut - she
said she has a boyfriend
She will stay in Beirut till Wednesday. After the show tomorrow she said she wants to party in down town Beirut. They played parts of the press conference on TV. One of the journalists asked her why she decided to come to Beirut during winter instead of the summer when it's more fun. She said she has been on a world tour since June and now she was able to come to Beirut. She said she has wanted to come to Beirut for a very long time and now she got the chance. Then someone else asked her if she's seeing anyone, she said she came to Beirut this morning with her boyfriend. When they asked her: "Who is he?" She smiled and said she wants to keep it for herself. They all invited her out to dinner, but she declined and said she hasn't slept yet and was on a 12 hour flight from Malaysia and she prefered to rest and sleep in tonight and tomorrow after the show she would party. She asked them for advice on where to go.. and they all told her there are great clubs in down town Beirut. Then the reporter said that thousands of fans will be at the show tomorrow impatiently waiting to hear Mariah's voice. Source: stopfalling at FOMM. Posted on February the 24th. |
| Don't ask me why, I really want to sing "Mizza"
tonight, here we go:
Mizza~~~~ what's my motha fuckin' name, Mizza~~~~ yeah
Posted on February the 23rd. |
Mariah in Beirut
    
Pic1: US singer Mariah Carey signs autographs for fans upon her arrival at her hotel in Beirut 23 February 2004, on the eve of her first ever concert in Lebanon. Haitham Mussawi Pic 2: US singer Mariah Carey arrives at a press conference at her hotel in Beirut 23 February 2004, on the eve of her first ever concert in Lebanon. Ramzi Haidar Pic 3: US singer Mariah Carey waves upon her arrival for a press conference at her hotel in Beirut 23 February 2004, on the eve of her first ever concert in Lebanon. Ramzi Haidar Pic 4: US singer Mariah Carey waves to fans upon her arrival at her hotel in Beirut 23 February 2004, on the eve of her first ever concert in Lebanon. Ramzi Haidar Pic 5: US singer Mariah Carey arrives at a press conference with Noura Jumblatt, head of the Beiteddine festival, at her hotel in Beirut 23 February 2004, on the eve of her first ever concert in Lebanon. Haitham Mussawi Source: Getty Images (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 23rd. |
  |
Mariah's Press conference in Beirut
American pop star Mariah Carey poses for photographers during a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday Feb. 23, 2004. Carey is in Beirut for performance on Tuesday Feb. 24, 2004. (Mahmoud Tawil) Source: Yahoo! News (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 23rd. |
 |
Mariah's Press conference in Beirut
Pop singer Mariah Carey poses before her press conference in Beirut February 23, 2004. Carey is scheduled to perform at a concert in Beirut on Tuesday. Jamal Saidi Source: Yahoo! News (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 23rd. |
| Mariah in Beirut
Mariah arrived at Beirut Airport last night at 2am. She's at her hotel at the Movenpick Resort in Beirut. She has a press conference at 4h00pm. She is then going to BIEL the venue to check it out and rehearse or something. The concert is tomorrow starting 9pm. There is a road show happening with prizes and give-aways in down town Beirut all the way to BIEL starting 4pm. She is leaving to Dubai tomorrow night after the show. Source: stopfalling at FOMM. Posted on February the 23rd. |
| Carey’s undeniable charm
Philip Augustine 
Despite no costume change, only a couple of songs from her Charmbracelet album and a 90-minute delay, the local audience welcomes Mariah Carey with open arms at her first concert here. Mariah Carey’s Friday concert at Stadium Merdeka Kuala Lumpur was a bundle of surprises right from the very beginning. Fans who came expecting to see a scantily clad diva were thrown off guard when Carey, dressed in a bright pink spaghetti-strapped top and tight-fitting blue flared jeans, made her grand entrance perched at the back of a black BMW convertible as it went around the stadium before finally stopping by the stage. With no opening act and a one-and-a-half hour delay, the American pop-diva smiled and waved to the crowds as she opened the 90-minute set with the remix version of her 1999 No.1 smash hit Heartbreaker taken from her Rainbow album. Looking conspicuously like a Barbie doll complete with her pink platforms and long blond curly mane, Carey’s concert had a happy, colourful and somewhat childish theme going on that seemed to enthrall the excited crowd of close to 30,000 who immediately took to their feet (and stood on their chairs) to get a better view of the 33-year-old international singing sensation who said: “I’ve waited a long time to come and see you.” Royalty, celebrities and fashionistas were out in full force. While pop-diva concerts are predominantly about the visuals, (Cher rode a fake elephant on her Farewell tour and Christina Aguilera steamed up her Stripped tour with a hunky guy who well, strips), Carey had none of that and, in fact, went all out to stage what could possibly be the most demure performance in her current world tour. When after several stage exits Carey re-emerged wearing the same outfit, which had the words “Automatic Princess” splashed prominently across her chest, the slightly peeved crowd emitted sounds of disappointment (the best the audience got was half way through the show, when she switched from her bright pink platforms to strappy high-heels). However, the songtress did apologise. “Typically I change clothes like eight times during the show and I’m sorry if I’m being boring but that’s the rules and we gotta play by them,” said the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter referring to the strict stage regulations imposed by officials and concert organisers. Funnily enough, similar “strict guidelines” were ignored during her recent concert in Jakarta when curvaceous Carey performed in six of her tour costumes. For a large part of her show, Carey was flanked by five dancers, all dressed in mismatched hip-hop circus wear – like the girl who had a tutu over her tight jeans. She was accompanied by five very good band members and three back-up singers led by long-time friend Trey Lorenz (who later joined her in an impressive vocal-Olympic version of the Jackson 5 classic I’ll Be There). While the 33-year-old superstar did another one of her disappearing acts, a buffed up and very bald Lorenz took centre stage to render the song A Friend of Mine and also highlighted the vocal prowess of the other two backup singers as well as the band’s pianist. Much to the delight of everyone, especially the ladies in the crowd, Lorenz heaped praise on the nation’s capital saying it was one of the best venues they ever performed in. As trademark of the true musical icon and gifted vocalist she is, Carey needed no elaborate set design or flashy pyrotechnics to prove that she can still deliver the goods. In fact, a simple, minimalist stage (with a set of steps), and two giant screens on each side showing accompanying videos to some of her songs, was all she had. This nevertheless added to the overall magical spell Carey cast on her audience. Carey’s pure talent and superstar quality was never more obvious as she belted out emotive and highly inspirational ballads like Through The Rain and Can’t Take That Away (Mariah’s Theme). Both songs earned loud ovations as she dug deep to hit some spectacular notes. In recent years, Carey has faced unfavourable media attention, which is hardly a surprise considering the tumult of a divorce in 1998 with ex-Sony Music Entertainment chairman Tommy Mottola, a record-label change, a universally panned movie and album (Glitter in 2001), and that very, very public “breakdown”. The gifted singer however, who has always sought refuge in writing songs, eventually produced Charmbracelet, which made its debut at No.3 on the US Billboard Charts. And one of the most poignant parts of the evening was when Carey bared all (with her clothes on) in a very personal video presentation of her childhood, career highs and lows and her rise from it all as she rendered a deeply moving version of her gospel-inspired song My Saving Grace. Although dubbed ‘An Intimate Evening With Mariah Carey Charmbracelet World Tour 2004’, to promote her latest album Charmbracelet, only two songs (Through The Rain and My Saving Grace) from the album were featured. Carey also sang the single I Know What You Want from her newest Remixes compilation. Instead, Carey, who sang a total of 16 songs, primarily delivered a series of her hits from the previous decade including Dreamlover, Make it Happen, Always Be My Baby and her first ever single and No.1 hit, Vision of Love, thus, endearing herself further to many Malaysians who have long said they missed the “old Mariah”. Carey also maintained a steady and cheeky banter with the crowd – often throwing back “I love you’s” and asking the crowd to sing along as she teased and gyrated a few times by rotating her hips and thighs suggestively and flashing the sweetest smile. Carey has also developed her own special lingo or Mariahisms like “love ya much” and “hey, lamb!” which she readily offered the Malaysian crowd. While for the most part the concert went on smoothly, at other times the videos that were played between set changes created brief but obvious lulls in the show. The song I Know What You Want is a case in point. As dancers performed intricate dance movements while the song’s video was played, Carey came out briefly, uttered a few lines as she walked across the stage, then quickly left. A disappointment perhaps was Carey’s Fantasy number with its “been there done that” steps, which were not only old but showed moments where both her dance routine and singing were out of sync with the music. But as the best selling female artiste of all time and as the only artiste to have a No.1 hit in every year of the 90s, Carey more than made up for it with her encore performance of the all-time crowd favourite and semi anthem-like melody Hero. “In appreciation to all of you fans here in Malaysia, I say thank you for supporting me through my whole career. I want you to know that I really appreciate you and thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Carey. While what Carey projected on stage may have seemed fluffy and girlish or even childish at times, none of it seem calculated or rehearsed. In her 14-year career, Carey’s appearance and style may have changed, but one thing is certain – her music continues to inspire. Source: The Star (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 23rd. |
| Is Blair still Mariah's stylist?
As we can read in the report about the Kuala Lumpur concert, Mariah's stylist is Nikki Siegenberg. I did a few research and I found out that Nikki Siegenberg works as stylist and costume designer for movies. Posted on February the 23rd. |
| Designer Ong gave his all for Mariah
Dazman Manan Mariah Carey may not have worn the three outfits specially-made by Michael Ong for her recent concert in Kuala Lumpur but it was well worth the designer's effort. Ong had five hours to work on the dresses. He says: "I've never done anything like this (in just a few hours!) but for a superstar like Mariah, I did." It's every designer's dream to dress a diva, he notes, before cheekily breaking into one of her hit songs "I give My All ..." Ong received a call at midnight, a day before the concert, from a member of Mariah's management team who said that she needed several outfits made in keeping with the country's strict dress code on performing artistes. The next morning, her stylist Nikki Siegenberg met him at his boutique in KL Plaza, Kuala Lumpur bringing with her several of Mariah's favourite dresses, a hot pink Victoria's Secret padded bra and her measurements (36-30-38) to assist Ong in making the dresses. Most of Mariah's favourite outfits that Siegenberg brought as samples were mainly stretchable long dresses in olive green and red, but one was a short, spaghetti-strap cocktail number made of silk chiffon in peach detailed with iridescent sequins. Except for a stretchable dress in olive green which had the name Susanna Monaco, none of the sample dresses had labels on them, even though it is a known fact that the American singer often wears Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Roberto Cavalli and Giorgio Armani. "Siegenberg selected the materials from my shop herself which included silk lycra in black, fuchsia and royal blue to be made into simple, long tank dresses. "She also requested the dresses be accented on the bodice with gold glomesh for the fuschia number and silver glomesh sprinkled with Swarovski crystals for the black and royal-blue dresses," Ong explains. According to him, the silver glomesh with Swarovski crystals imported from Austria costs about RM4,000 for less than a metre. Each dress costs approximately RM10,000 each and Ong gave them to her for free. "I must admit that I was stressed-out that day as I, together with my team of eight seamstresses, only had several hours to complete the outfits. I was a nervous wreck. "The dresses were for Mariah, a superstar, and I had to make sure that everything was extra, extra perfect," says Ong, adding that thankfully Siegenberg was not fussy about the style and design. After the dresses were completed at about 5pm on the day of the concert, an assistant from Mariah's team came to collect them at Ong's boutique. She, however, did not wear any of the outfits at the concert, opting for a pink baby T-shirt and tight blue jeans throughout her 90-minute show instead. Ong, who was in the audience at the one-night sell-out concert at Stadium Merdeka, was obviously disappointed. "Every time she went backstage after several songs, my heart raced and I kept my hopes high that she would come out onstage in one of my outfits. I was waiting and waiting but she never did wear any of my creations. "I hope she likes them. She did take them with her and my wish now is that she would make use of them. Who knows, we might one day see Mariah in the papers or magazines in one of the dresses?" Ong, 32, began his career 10 years ago without any formal education or training in fashion design. Known for his extravagant creations that are either ultra-glamorous or downright unusual, the self-made designer has an impressive list of clientele that includes celebrities like Siti Hurhaliza, Ning Baizura and Ziana Zain, socialites as well as trendy women from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. Although some feel his creations are rehashed versions of ideas from couturiers of the past, sometimes even present, Ong does not lack in originality. One will notice in his designs his strong signature which lies in the ornate beading, and his quirky whims and fancies like slits and slashes to display a glimpse of leg, breast and torso. In addition, he sometimes injects traditional Malaysian motifs into his works. Source: New Straits Times (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 23rd. |
| Mariah reigns supreme
Faridul Anwar Farinordin Mariah Carey gave an electric rendition of her past hits to an adoring crowd in Stadium Merdeka, KL, last Friday. "Typically, I'd change my costumes like eight times, but there're some rules here and I would have to follow them..." said American pop diva Mariah Carey during her concert at Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, on Friday. The crowd screamed disapprovingly. It was quite a bummer to know that your favourite singer, known as much for her sexy, glamorous outfits as for powerful vocals, had to bow to a dress code at her maiden concert here. Clad in a pink tank top and tight blue pants throughout the show — billed An Intimate Evening With Mariah Carey Charmbracelet World Tour 2004 — Mariah later said: "Sorry for being so boring but this is the only thing I have that's appropriate." More deafening screams ensued. After all, her previous shows in other countries — which were part of this tour — saw Mariah in colourful outfits with theatrical themes. Sexy and revealing they may be, but they made for a visual feast. And yes, they made the beautiful and talented songstress happy while on stage. But that's not to say that our regulations dampened her spirits. Throughout the 90-minute show, Mariah showed her appreciation for her Malaysian fans by giving her all — with her clothes firmly in place, of course. It seemed that Mariah, who had to undergo therapy for an emotional breakdown not too long ago, was out to prove that she still reigns supreme in the international arena 14 years after she made it big with her Grammy Award-winning eponymous album. And if the Friday night concert was any indication, Mariah still has it. Every do, re and mi of her wide vocal range was intact. That's right, the biggest-selling female artiste of the '90s displayed her mind-blowing octave-jumping ability and trademark "glass-shattering" voice that never faltered during the show. Most of the songs were taken from her earlier albums (Emotions, Music Box, Daydream) where her vocals soared powerfully and majestically, not the later albums (Butterfly, Rainbow) in which she showed a more whispery side. The crowd responded enthusiastically, singing along to the familiar tunes which included My All, Without You, Always Be My Baby, Make It Happen, Dreamlover and Fantasy (Ol' Dirty Bastard Remix version). Obviously, there were clear visions of Mariah's love for performing throughout the show, organised by Galaxy Production and presented by TMNet. She opened her show with the remix version of Heartbreaker while being driven around the stadium in a buggy with her two big, burly bodyguards (jogging) by her side. Waving to her screaming fans in the stadium like a beauty queen on a parade, she coaxed the seated audience to jump onto the field to join her in a 1.4km run. By the time she completed the lap, hundreds of fans were already with her (luckily she made her way to the stage without major interruptions). Mariah later said that she had waited a long time to see her Malaysian fans and thanked them for their support throughout her career. A retrospective journey of sorts, the show was thoroughly enjoyable, fun and exciting with 15 hit songs from her past albums — Honey, Through the Rain, Can't Take That Away From Me (Mariah's Theme). She also gave her fans a glimpse of her troubled past in the haunting ballad My Saving Grace. Featuring video footages of media coverage on Carey's much-publicised breakdown projected onto two giant screens at both sides of the stage, it was perhaps the most emotional moment during the show. She also performed the first single which catapulted her to stardom, Vision of Love, which was a pleasant surprise since it was known that she seldom performed this vocally-challenging number in past concerts. Her duet with R&B singer Trey Lorenz in I'll Be There was also one of the highlights of the night. Trey, first featured in Mariah's 1992 MTV Unplugged album, later belted out a solo performance of his song Friend of Mine. Before wishing her fans goodnight, Mariah belted out her much-loved ballad Hero. She was immediately joined by the audience in a chorus which reverberated in the stadium and triggered an incredible warm feeling. Well, if there's anything that Mariah achieved that night, it was a permanent place in the hearts of thousands of her fans. Source: New Straits Times (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 23rd. |
| Mariah's name mentioned in the new Lion commercial
Click here to download the video of the new Lion commercial (Lion: very popular chocolate crisp and caramel bar), you'll see how funny it is. Anouk, a well known artist in the Dutch speaking part of Belgium and in The Netherlands is in a recording studio to record her new single, while she is singing, one of the guys who is in charge of the sound, talk to Mariah on his cell phone. Here's what he says: "Mariah, baby, how are you? You're my favourite you know that... yeah sure." Source for the link: Lion (All rights reserved) Heroes comment: Very smart, promoting Mariah, Anouk and Lion in one commercial .
Posted on February the 22nd. |
  |
On Arabia.com
there's a contest to win cd's and concert tickets.
Posted on February the 22nd. |
 |
Radio ad for Mariah's concert in Dubai
To hear it, click here. Source: The Emirates Network and Mirage Promotions (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 21st. |
| Carey charms fans with electrifying concert
in KL
It was a show of love and devotion for fans of American superstar Mariah Carey when more than 26,000 people turned up for her maiden Malaysian concert at Stadium Merdeka here tonight despite clear signs of a stormy weather. Throughout the 90-minute concert, themed "An Intimate Evening With Mariah Carey Charmbracelet World Tour 2004", thousands of fans sang and danced along as Carey took them on a musical journey with a string of hits — from her eponymous debut album in 1990 right down to her latest release, Charmbracelet. But it was her hip-hop flavoured tracks such as "Fantasy" and "Boy I Need You" that really got the crowd moving. Accompanied by five musicians, her show also featured three back-up singers and five dancers who helped set the night on fire with slick choreography and sensual moves. Carey wore a tight blue pants and a pink tank top throughout the show, although the New Straits Times had earlier learnt that she would be wearing three dresses specially tailored by local designer Michael Ong. She opened her show with the upbeat "Heartbreaker" and kept her audience enthralled with a selection of well-loved tracks from her previous albums. They included "Always Be My Baby", "Through the Rain" and "My All". After wishing everybody goodnight, Carey returned on stage for an encore in response to the crowd's deafening screams. She thanked her fans for their continuous support towards her 14-year-long career and belted out her wellknown ballads "Vision of Love" and "Hero". Also making an appearance in a duet with the diva was singer Trey Lorenz, who was first featured in Carey's MTV Unplugged album in1992. They gave a rousing rendition of "I'll Be There". Earlier, local fashion designer Michael Ong told the NST that the diva, through her stylist Nikki Siegenberg, had yesterday requested him to prepare the outfits. "They are made of silk lycra accented with sparkling glomesh and Swarovski crystals. The latter costs about RM4,000 for less than a metre. The three outfits — in fuchsia, black and royal blue — were designed based on several of Carey's favourite dresses which Siegenberg brought at RM10,000 each," he said. Source: New Straits Times (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 21st. |
Carey wows Malaysian fans
Kuala Lumpur: The fans went wild as Mariah Carey, seated at the back of a BMW convertible, made her appearance at the start of her 90-minute show at the Merdeka Stadium yesterday. Clad in a pair of blue jeans and a pink spaghetti-strapped top, the diva kicked off her first-ever concert in Malaysia with the upbeat song Heartbreaker, taken from her 1999 Rainbow album as the BMW drove her into the stadium. Fans rushed towards the award-winning singer to get a closer look at their idol, who arrived fresh from her sell-out concerts in Jakarta and Bangkok. Carey's prima-donna attitude took a different turn when she made several adjustments in her appearance here to conform to local customs and sensitivities. Even though she made several disappearances from the stage, Carey reappeared wearing the same outfit again. Later, Carey told fans that she normally changed costumes about eight times between performances but this time she had to make an exception. “I’m sorry that I’m so boring but I’m just playing by the rules,” she said. The 33-year-old singer said she was abiding by the dress code regulations of the Government and decided to stick to one “safe” outfit. The fans were undeterred by her unprecedented compromise on her clothing. Despite a slight drizzle in the late afternoon, about 30,000 excited fans, both young and old, thronged the stadium, with some of them coming as early as 5pm. Paul Munro, a broadcaster from Australia who came to Malaysia for a holiday in November, even extended his stay just to catch a glimpse of his favourite singer. Munro, a Carey fan who has all her albums and knows all her songs, said his extended stay was decided on at the last minute because he only found out about the concert four weeks earlier. Local singer Vincent Chong, better known as Vince, was also spotted outside the stadium before the concert started. “I’m really a big fan of Mariah Carey and have always dreamed of doing a duet with her,” said the Akademi Fantasia 2003 winner. The concert, which started at 9.30pm, saw Carey perform 15 of her hit songs, including My All, Without You, Hero, Always Be My Baby, Through The Rain and Butterfly. Mariah Carey in concert (Real Video) Media Player Source: The Star (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 21st. |
| Carey's fans brave storm
Dennis Chua Kuala Lumpur: Mariah Carey's concert at Stadium Merdeka last night saw no shortage of Malaysian fans who came dressed like the American pop queen. They gathered at the stadium's compound as early as 5pm, saying they could hardly wait to meet their idol. "I am a great fan of her," said International School student Pacita Torre. Her schoolmate Georgina Robinson agreed. "This event is something I have been waiting for all the time," she said. It had been raining heavily an hour earlier, but by the time the crowd started arriving at the stadium, the rain was reduced to a drizzle. "The rain is not going to deter us," said M. Kula, another fan of Carey. "Michael Jackson's visit here in 1996 was a dream come true and now Mariah Carey's visit is another. "I hope that some of the world's greatest kings and queens of pop would continue to turn up on our shores. Others on my list include Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder." Promotional posters of Carey were all over the stadium, as were scarves and stickers at stalls promoting her concert. Another fan of Carey, identified only as Normah, said: "Ideally, I want to speak to her and tell her she has a great voice and loads of star appeal. "If that is not possible, I would like to shake her hand and get her autograph. "Finally, if that too is not possible, I just stand among the crowd applauding and feeling honoured to attend her concert. It is a wish come true. As she sang, there can be miracles when you believe." Source: Malay Mail (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 21st. |
| Mariah's Kuala Lumpur concert
Her concert started at 9.30pm (instead of 8pm), well maybe because some "royal ppl" only arrived at 9pm to attend this concert. Anyway, she came out from the side of the stadium, carried with a "truck" or something like that around the stadium and waved to all her fans and greeted the "royal ppl". And while she was still in the "truck", she started singing Heartbreaker... got off the truck... walked thru the audience.. and got up the stage and continued singing Heartbreaker. She only wore ONE OUTFIT which I've never seen before, probably it was specially made for her Kuala Lumpur concert. There was no outfit changes - she wore the same outfit thru out the show, eventhough she did got off to the backstage quite often after some songs. She said to the audience that she was sorry cuz her outfit might kinda be boring and giggled and she said she had to play by the "rule" by not wearing some "revealing" outfits. And u could see that she perspired a lot due the hot and humid weather (though it rained earlier before the show). The concert ended at about 11pm. Here are the songs (not in actual sequence, can't remember well) : Heartbreaker - Dreamlover - Thru The Rain - My All - Can't Take That Away - Always Be My Baby - I know What u want - Without You - Honey - Fantasy - My Saving Grace - Band Intro - I'll Be There - Trey's song - Make It Happen - Vision Of Love - Hero There was no Looking In intro, just the Butterfly outro at the end of the concert. Probably because she was carried around the stadium and started the concert in a different way. Before she sang Hero, she thanked her Malaysian fans "from the bottom of my heart" for being so supportive thru-out her career, and she said she was really, really, really glad to be able to perform for all of us eventually. And, truly, she gave all of us in Malaysia.... one of the BEST CONCERT EVER IN MALAYSIA. Mariah, you rock!!!! Mariah was wearing pink shirts with "Automatic princess" written on it and Long Blue Jeans. TWO THUMBS UP TO THE CREW FOR MAKING IT A NIGHT FOR MALAYSIANS TO REMEMBER AND FOR MARIAH ---- thank you for gracing our shores- Malaysia will never (I hope) forget your generosity and your grace... Source: zeshun - kissmelin - pigduck at FOMM. Posted on February the 20th. |
Mariah arriving at the airport in Kuala Lumpur
  
Source: Love Love Jack. Posted on February the 20th. |
| Carey-Ed Away By Diva’s Warmth
Amir Hafizi Shouts of “Mariah, I love you” and “Oh my god, oh my god!” from the public greeted Mariah Carey as she walked across the arrival hall at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) soon after her arrival last night. The American pop diva, who was accompanied by an entourage, is performing a concert tonight at Stadium Merdeka, themed “An Intimate Evening With Mariah Carey - The Charmbracelet Tour”. Although her concert here has been well-publicised, the presence of the superstar at KLIA stunned locals and foreigners alike. As Carey, flanked by burly bodyguards, made her way to a waiting car that would take her to her hotel in the city, she smiled and waved, prompting delirious shouts of appreciation by her fans. Earlier, a crowd of curious onlookers gathered where the media were converging, outside the VIP lounge to wait for Carey’s arrival. As soon as Carey emerged from the lounge, some of the fans screamed her name. This had a ripple effect as more and more people began to be aware of her presence, and even a group of Japanese tourists got interested. Mohamed Zamir Abd Ghani, 22, a student at Uniten, jumped and shouted with joy as soon as he caught sight of Carey leaving the airport in her car. “I cannot afford the tickets to her concert as all the cheaper ones were sold out, so I just wanted to see her up close at the airport,” said Zamir. Azwani Azmi, 22, a student at the Multimedia University, was also happy to be able to get close to Carey as she walked past. “I found out from the net (about her flight time) and decided to come and see her,” said Azwani. Carey, fresh from her concerts in Thailand and Indonesia, wore a low-cut tight black dress... which made those who saw her wonder what she would be wearing tonight. For more details, get your copy of Malay Mail today! Source: Malay Mail (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 20th. |
Mariah Carey arrives in Kuala Lumpur
Charming and beautiful: American diva Mariah Carey waving to fans on her arrival at the KL International Airport Thursday. The singer and her 50-strong entourage are in Kuala Lumpur for a one-night concert — 'An Intimate Evening With Mariah Carey Charmbracelet World Tour 2004' — at the Stadium Merdeka tonight. The 33-year-old singer arrived at 8.05pm from Bangkok and accompanied by airport security personnel and her bodyguards, she was whisked off to the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Kuala Lumpur. — Starpic by Uu Ban Leong Source: The Star (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 20th. |
Mariah arriving at the airport in Kuala Lumpur
 
Source: mariahclubmix at FOMM. Posted on February the 20th. |
| Asian tour companies upbeat despite anxiety
over bird flu
Bangkok, Thailand - Asia is grappling with its second health crisis in as many years. While travelers stayed home during last year's SARS outbreak, the tourism industry hopes they'll regard this year's bird flu as pop singer Mariah Carey did on her Asian tour: The show must go on. Bird flu has decimated Asia's poultry and killed more than 20 people in Vietnam and Thailand, and health experts say the virus remains a threat, though it hasn't shown signs of becoming easily transferrable between people as SARS was. Some travelers, particularly East Asians who are notoriously skittish about health threats, have canceled vacation plans. Taiwanese and South Koreans are staying home, and the industries in Vietnam and Thailand have been affected. Still, many of the region's tourism professionals say the disruptions this time are minimal, with Carey's decision to go ahead with concerts in Singapore and Bangkok this past week indicative of this year's traveler. The American singer said she thought twice about coming to Singapore on Valentine's Day to accept an MTV Asia award because - although there haven't been cases in Singapore - she was afraid of the region's bird flu. "But the show must go on,'' Carey said. She canceled a concert in Singapore last year because of severe acute respiratory syndrome, which eventually killed 774 people out of more than 8,000 people infected worldwide before it subsided last July. Rock stars to world leaders to holidaymakers stayed away from planes and hotels in Asia during SARS, when the World Health organization advised against travel to affected countries. The entire region had a downturn, even countries suffering no infections. There have been no travel advisories connected with bird flu. The Pacific Asia Travel Association said a survey of global industry partners found only limited cancellations this year and no significant downturn in bookings. "No real sense of panic,'' said John Koldowski, a managing director with the group. Tourism officials in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore - with no cases of bird flu so far this year - report no notable fall-off in visitors. David Reilly, a 25-year-old English teacher from Melbourne, Australia, in Thailand for a two-week vacation said scares about bird flu and other disease are a "kind of absurd paranoia.'' "Absolutely no difference to my travel plans. I'm eating lots of eggs and chicken, and the food is exquisite,'' Reilly said Thursday while strolling in downtown Bangkok. Bird flu "is kind of a non-issue for us,'' said Jeff Crowe, Marriott International hotels' marketing director in Bangkok. He noted no appreciable change in reservations at either of the company's two properties in Thailand. United Airlines said there had been no significant changes in bookings in and out of Thailand or other Asian countries. The impact of bird flu has been "fractional, not even minimal,'' said Imtiaz Muqbil, a Bangkok-based travel industry writer. SARS taught travelers to put problems like bird flu into perspective and treat them as just another travel issue - like crime, Muqbil said. "Nonetheless, if the situation worsens in the coming weeks, the psychological impact could dampen regional tourism, including Singapore,'' that country's National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan told parliament on Feb. 6. Vietnam has seem some negative effects from bird flu, tour operators said. The Tourism Authority of Thailand acknowledged earlier this month that its offices in China, Hong Kong, Korea, and Taiwan had reported some cancellations. Some French tour operators reported several hundred cancellations, mostly to Vietnam and Thailand. But a spokeswoman for France's biggest holiday agency, FRAM, said SARS has had a lingering impact, and that she didn't think bird flu would make things worse. In South Korea, no official statistics were available on cancellations, but travel agencies said the number of tourists heading to Thailand has fallen sharply compared to previous years. The number of Taiwanese tourists traveling to Thailand and Vietnam has dropped by about 30 percent, said Wu Yen-hui, a member of the Taipei Travel Agents Association. "Many people refuse to travel to Thailand no matter how you try to convince them that bird flu will not be transmitted from human to human,'' Wu said. "It's a dire situation but better than last May or June when outbound tourism was down to zero.'' Source: The Star (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 20th. |
The British Music Industry named Mariah Worst International Female Here's what I found on Contactmusic: "Kitten voted worst British group Record industry insiders have voted Atomic Kitten the worst British group of last year (03). The Eternal Flame trio topped the poll of 100 music insiders at the second annual Naomi Awards, named after supermodel Naomi Campbell's disastrous attempt at a pop career in 1994. Elsewhere, troubled R+B star R Kelly was honoured with the award for worst international male singer, while Mariah Carey received the award for the worst international female singer. Former Five hunk Richard 'Abs' Breen was named worst British male singer and ex-Hearsay singer Kym Marsh was singled out as the worst British female singer. Simon George from Music Choice, who organised the survey, says, "There's a lot of talk about how music lacks integrity these days so it's great that those in the industry are willing to name and shame the worst protagonists."" Source: Contactmusic (All rights reserved) I made a few research on the Naomi Awards and... Naomi Awards Announced On the eve of the ever-more-corporate Brits, Music Choice has announced the second annual Naomi Awards, and named Atomic Kitten, Abs and Kym Marsh as award winners for their (lack of) contribution to the British Music Industry. Atomic Kitten, who recently announced a timely split, beat a cavalcade of top name embarrassments and big budget bombs (including The Fast Food Rockers) to be voted the Worst British Group. 5ive solo-wannabe, Abs scooped Worst British Male and Popstars quitter Kym Marsh triumphed in the Worst British Female category as voted for by a secret* panel of 100 of the great and the not-so-good of the music industry and media. Allegedly careless driver Daniel Bedingfield might want to restrict his metal adventures to those supporting his head rather than those of a musical persuasion given that he receives the gong for Worst British Attempt at Rock. The panel deemed his song, I Can’t Read You, to be more lead balloon than Led Zeppelin, fighting off competition from the popular-if-unconvincing Busted. The industry’s exhaustion of manufactured acts was demonstrated for the second year running as Fame Academy winner, David Sneddon received the accolade for Worst British Album for his flop-horror debut, Seven Years – Ten Weeks. Fellow reality-TV star Gareth Gates has to share his solitary award this year with The Kumars at Number 42 for their charity record Spirit In The Sky, which was voted Worst British Single. Last year the Bradford-born crooner collected a brace. Named in honour of the British supermodel Naomi Campbell, who not-so-memorably reached number 40 in the UK charts with Love and Tears in September 1994, the Naomi Awards reward all that is truly terrible about the previous year's music. The awards are voted for by artists, producers, managers, publicists, record company execs, music journalists and the wider media. This year the acclaimed award for Outstandingly Bad Contribution to Music is picked up by Peter Andre. Speculation is rife that the Australian heart-throb has fallen foul of the curse of the silicon siren, ‘Jungle Jordan’. Both he and Gates (who this year receives his third Naomi) have been involved with the maggot-eating glamour girl. The terrifying Transylvanian twins The Cheeky Girls mirrored their ‘success’ last year, winning Worst International Group and Worst International Album for the second year running. The full list of the Naomi Awards 2004 winners: Worst British Group: Atomic Kitten Worst British Male: Abs Worst British Female: Kym Marsh Worst British Single: Gareth Gates - Spirit in the Sky Worst British Album: David Sneddon - Seven Years-Ten Weeks Worst International Male: R Kelly Worst International Female: Mariah Carey Worst International Group: Cheeky Girls Worst International Album: Cheeky Girls - Party Time Worst British Attempt at Rock: Daniel Bedingfield, (I Can’t Read You) Least Convincing 'Urban' Act: Blazin' Squad Outstandingly Bad Contribution to Music: Peter Andre Anonymity was granted to all panel members so that true opinions of current music could be expressed. Source: Music Choice (All rights reserved) Heroes comment: We already saw it all and heard it all, but this one is worst than all the others as it comes from the British Music Industry. I can only think to and say one word: SHAME!!! Posted on February the 19th. |
| For the ones who don't know what is a batik,
here's the definition:
batik - Noun:1a. A method of dyeing a fabric by which the parts of the fabric not intended to be dyed are covered with removable wax. b. A design that is created by this method. 2. Fabric dyed by this method. Etymology: Malay batek, of Javanese origin, from Proto-Austronesian *beCík, tattoo (from the fact that the original process of piercing the waxed cloth prior to soaking was similar to tattooing). Belgian fans, you can find batik clothes and textils in the "Galerie Agora" near the "Grand-Place" in Brussels.    
Posted on February the 19th. |
| Concert, fans and batik on pop diva’s mind
By Renee Choong Kuala Lumpur: When Mariah Carey hits town tonight, top on her shopping list would be Malaysian batik. Her manager Michael Richardson said the American pop diva had heard a lot about this local craft and wanted to get some batik. However, it is not likely that the multi-award artiste would be donning any batik wear when she takes the stage at the Merdeka Stadium here tomorrow for her one-night performance. “No, I don’t think so,” said Richardson, speaking yesterday from Bangkok, where Carey had just completed a sell-out concert. Richardson said as soon as the Malaysia Airlines flight carrying her touches down at the KL International Airport, she would be whisked away to her hotel. After a good night's rest, she would set out on a batik shopping spree. The 33-year-old singer, who conquered the pop world with her stunning seven-octave vocals, is on a world tour to promote her latest album Charmbracelet. After her concert here – the first time she will be performing in Malaysia – she is scheduled to be in Beirut and Dubai. Richardson said Carey had been all fired up for Asia, after her successful shows in Jakarta and Bangkok. The talented star is expected to bring along a 50-member entourage that includes her personal make-up artists, hair stylists, wardrobe assistants and technical crew. The singer is expected to deliver Through the Rain, My All, Can’t Take That Away, Without You, Hero and Always Be My Baby and other chart-topping hits, at the 90-minute concert. She is expected to sing one of her earlier hits – I'll Be There – in a duet with singer Trey Lorenz. The diva has sold more than 150 million albums over the years and continues to amaze her devoted fans. Charmbracelet, her eighth album, has already sold millions since its debut. Her accolades include two Grammy awards, eight American Music Awards and Billboard’s Artiste of the Decade award. Last Saturday, she added another feather to her cap by receiving the MTV Asia Lifetime Achievement Award in Singapore. Source: The Star (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 19th. |
| Mariah Carey at KLIA!
Mariah is finally coming to KL. Read more to be her welcome wagon at KLIA! Proudly presented by TM Net and organized by Galaxy Production, An Intimate Evening With MARIAH CAREY Charmbracelet World Tour 2004 Live in Malaysia will finally kick off on Friday, 20 February 2004, at 8:00p.m. at Stadium Merdeka. Fresh from her acceptance of the MTV Asia Lifetime Achievement Award at Singapore last Saturday, Mariah Carey will arrive in KLIA from Bangkok on Thursday, 7:55p.m. on MH 9425, and leave immediately the next day after the show. Mariah’s entourage, amongst others, include singer Trey Lorenz who duet with her on the platinum cover hit of Jackson 5’s ‘ I’ll Be There ’ and the two will deliver the song to Malaysians at the concert. In most of the performances in the Charmbracelet Tour, Mariah usually comes out from the audience in the middle of the show; hence those who bought the tickets on the arena should be on the lookout for some unexpected surprise. The standard performance duration for any international Artiste is less than 90 minutes, but with an array of #1 hits, Mariah Carey herself has expressed that her performance duration will depend on the response of the crowd at the Merdeka Stadium. As a tip, the more love she gets, the longer the encore! For the convenience of last minute ticket purchasers - to avoid the Friday traffic jams and hassle, the Stadium Merdeka ticket counter will begin its operation from Wednesday, 18 February 2004, onwards, 12:00p.m. (noon) to 8:00p.m. daily. Only limited tickets are available. Don’t miss the one and only show by Mariah Carey, the second top selling international Artiste after Michael Jackson and the first biggest selling female singer of all time to hit our shores. For more information, kindly log on to the concert website at www.galaxy.com.my or contact the Galaxy Hotline: 03 2282 2020. The entrance gate to the free seating tickets will open at 6:00p.m. while other gates follow accordingly. The concert-goers are also advised to use the services of Jalan Hang Tuah LRT and Stadium Merdeka Monorail in order to avoid parking and traffic jam problems before and after the concert. Due to security reasons and show requirements, the public is advised that strictly no cameras, whether manual or digital, to be allowed into the concert venue. The Organizer shall exercise the right to confiscate any films or demand to delete the pictures on-the-spot in the event of discovering cameras. We apologize of any convenience caused. Release courtesy of Galaxy Production Source: Blue Hyppo (All rights reserved) Thanks to zeshun at FOMM. Posted on February the 19th. |
| Absolutely Charmed
Joe Lee With a dainty shuffle, an occasional flick of her mane, a subtly seductive teasing flutter of her eyes, Mariah Carey’s date in Jakarta was a charmer, promising to take Malaysians by storm tomorrow at the Merdeka Stadium. True to her promise made in Singapore just last weekend, she didn’t let any silly dress code regulations compromise her showmanship. And boy, did she show a lot last Sunday! While concerts of such scale are hardly conducive to developing erotic fission, her tour does not stint on spectacle – dancers tried to outdo each other through their tight choreography, back-up singers strived to out-warble each other and Mariah stuck to her choice of costumes in the very bits and pieces (literally) that we’ve come to know and love her for. Forget everything you’ve ever heard about her in the past couple of years. Forget the fact that she suffered a breakdown in 2001. Forget the fact that her semi-autobiographical movie, Glitter, was universally panned, and forget the fact that she holds the unenviable distinction of being paid off to leave her previous recording outfit after just the first album of a five-record deal. While her reputation may have taken a scorching of late, (one reviewer pointed out in reference to her that while baubles are fine, you just don’t want to lose an hour and a half looking at one), onstage, Mariah was a real gem. Ticket prices reflected that well enough with many paying up to Rp1.7 million (about RM810) and Rp 1.35 million (RM645), with the cheapest at Rp500,000 (RM230). But the 5,000 in attendance proved that they were not going to allow that to stand between them and watching and listening to Mariah live for the first time in Jakarta. At most concerts, it’s easy to match the audience to the act, just by how the crowd looks. But the 33-year-old superstar has the sort of gigantic and widespread popularity that renders her fans demographically diverse yet culturally homogeneous. The concert in the Jakarta Convention Centre (JCC) in Central Jakarta was attended by a majority of the local fashionistas, with local supermodels and designers, several celebrities, as well as enthusiastic members of the audience playing dress-up in the Mariah themes of either dressy/classy or flirty/flaunty. But they hardly typified the crowd, which really could have been a random population sample scooped up from a local mall and transferred en masse to the venue. Some audience members looked like folks you’d expect to see at the symphony rather than for someone who’s done duets with a Medusa-haired hip-hopper called Ol’ Dirty Bastard while others were decades younger and ethnically diverse. It was obvious they were there for the same reason. Which was to soak in Mariah’s brand of love songs which expressed hope, and not untethered fantasy, unlike more regular pop fluff. This is one of the few misunderstood aspects of Mariah’s career. And, oh, she’s not trying to look like a sexpot, she’s merely having fun playing dress-up. And boy did she have fun, trotting out in six different costumes, none of which were the supposed locally designed outfits to safeguard local sensitivity. If that wasn’t enough visual stimulation for everyone, a half-dozen dancers pranced about through many of the songs, as videos beamed in canned guest appearances by rappers such as Busta Rhymes and impressionist art on two gigantic video walls. There was a playfulness and relative spontaneity to the show that was refreshing, at least in terms of the sort of top-heavy spectacles we usually get from top acts. There were no pyrotechnics, no motorised runways, no lip syncing. Instead, there were lots of easygoing ad-libbing and interaction between the musicians with the crowd cheering over a dozen chart-topping numbers. Mariah occasionally showed off her peculiar vocal signature, those little passages of notes somewhere in the range of, er, Q over high Z, about half an octave down from a dog whistle, unrelated to the songs in either melody or meaning, but was technically amazing to say the least. The diva sounded like her hit- making self of the ’90s as she wrapped herself around one self-motivating ballad after the other, with her vocals in top-notch form throughout the one and a half hours performance. Moments where she faltered were far and few between. She had the crowd grooving right from the start, kicking off with funky, foot-tapping Heartbreaker. If there were any reservations about how her dress code would have been affected by the stern warnings, the opener dispelled any fears that fans wouldn’t be able to enjoy Mariah’s trademark bust-baring outfits when she appeared in a very revealing glittery, silver two-piece comprising a short hula skirt (with a high side slit) and a bikini top. The hits came fast and furiously with boppy Dreamlover following, getting the crowd on its feet in no time. The grandiose ballad Through the Rain followed next and set the mood especially for couples (or those simply pining to be with their significant other). Her phrasing was fluid and soulful throughout, and on My All, her lower register was warmly expressive. And when she uttered repeatedly the lyrics of ‘Feel your body... feel your body’, her body broke into orgasmic spasms much to the delight of her fans. Can’t Take That Away (Mariah’s Theme), moved her to fall to her knees as she sang the song’s very personal lyrics after a quick costume change to a more reserved gold halter top dress ensemble. A teddy bear was thrown onstage as if almost on cue, and she put it between her breasts (which threatened to jump out throughout the concert and join the fun), to the absolute excitement of the audience. Then it was back to the poppy groove of Always Be My Baby before another quick change saw her coming onstage in denim cut-offs and a Harley Davidson top to gyrate with the dancers in a raunchy set, turning up the heat on an already steamy evening, as she belted out the slinky, seductive, I Know What You Want. Yes, I said evening because the concert was held at 4pm, an ungodly hour, as concerts go. Local dailies reported promoter Adrie Subono saying that the hour was such as they had to clear the venue by 6pm because President Megawati Soekarno-putri was to attend a wedding ceremony held just next door. Anyway, as I Know What You Want died out (which Mariah showed up for two thirds into the song after her costume change), Mariah went backstage for ANOTHER costume change and she appeared shortly in a signature little black dress for Without You. Mariah’s banter seemed mostly staged, but she seemed genuinely sincere as she showered the crowd with ‘thank yous’ and ‘I love you toos.’ She would have shocked look on her face when the audience roared in approval as she sang and flash her million-dollar smile and waved continually to her adoring following. Breaking into an impromptu song, Mariah musically introduced her lineup consisting of four musicians (on piano, keyboards, drums and bass) and her three backing singers. The sweltering evening heat (or it could have been a more cheeky motivation) got the audience roaring when Mariah went “It’s getting hot in here” which had some fans responding aptly in true fashion to the Nelly tune, ‘So take off all your clothes’! Mariah’s three back-up singers were phenomenal, especially the charismatic and talented Trey Lorenz. Just as he did 11 years before on MTV Unplugged, Trey joined Mariah during a stunning rendition of I’ll Be There. After they were done, Mariah disappeared for another costume change as Trey took over with A Friend Of Mine in a free-for-all that even included the band’s pianist vocally chipping in. She then appeared in pink satin running shorts and a turquoise top emblazoned with the phrase ‘Automatic Princess’ and launched into the inspirational Make It Happen for the crowd to jump to its feet, singing along. It was then on to a final costume change to a short, blue and pink print dress for Butterfly before she bowed out and reappeared for an encore of Hero. Belting out what may have been another of her personal anthems through its lyrics of positivity and self-affirmation, it seemed the song’s theme hit home to no one more so than the singer herself. The ‘An Intimate Evening With Mariah Carey: The Charmbracelet Tour in Jakarta’ was kindly sponsored by TMnet. Buzz would also like to thank Universal Malaysia for facilitating arrangements and Universal Music Indonesia for their kind hospitality. Source: Malay Mail (All rights reserved) Heroes comment: Thank you Joe for writing this great article .
Posted on February the 19th. |
| Pics of the Mariah posters at Virgin Beirut
Here are pics of the concert promotional posters at the Virgin Megastore:   
Pic of Mariah's hotel Mariah is arriving to Beirut on Monday the 23rd.. She will stay at the Movenpick resort overlooking the mediteranean: 
Beirut Concert Tickets Sold Online It may be a little late but if anyone is still planning to come here you can buy tickets online at Virgin Megastore Ticketing. Source: stopfalling at FOMM. Posted on February the 19th. |
| What Would U Do update
I phoned to the French radio "Ado FM" in France and unfortunately due to the lack of support from the French fans for the track, the airplay (20 times a week), I was able to obtain on this French radio is now droping very fast. Too bad  .
Also, don't forget to check the Heroes of Mariah What Would U Do Promo page, a Belgian DJ will put the track on a Belgian mixtape .
Posted on February the 19th. |
Mariah performing in Bangkok
  
Pic 1 and 2: Recording artist Mariah Carey performs 'Heartbreaker,' during a concert in Bangkok, February 17, 2004. Adrees Latif Pic 3: Singer Mariah Carey performs during a concert in Bangkok, Tuesay, Feb.17, 2004. (Wason Wanichakorn) Source: Yahoo! News (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 17th. |
US pop singer Mariah Carey performs during
a concert in Bangkok, 17 February 2004
  
Pic1: US pop singer Mariah Carey performs during a concert in Bangkok, 17 February 2004. Carey is on an Asian tour that has so far seen her perform in Indonesia in addition to Thailand. Pornchai Kittiwongsakul Pic 2 and 3: US pop singer Mariah Carey performs with her dancers during a concert in Bangkok, 17 February 2004. Carey is on an Asian tour that has so far seen her perform in Indonesia in addition to Thailand. Pornchai Kittiwongsakul Source: Getty Images (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 17th. |
| According to Roger Friedman, Doug Morris has
been instructed by his French owners at Vivendi to cut, cut, cut excessive
salaries and budgets. Or else.
To read the entire article click here. Posted on February the 17th. |
| Jamelia goes for a gong as a Superstar is
born again
Julia Horton It’s a name that probably rings more than a few bells. Four years ago she had two hit records and was suddenly being hailed as the "saviour" of British R&B. The "ragga queen of pop" was rewarded with a Mobo award for her album and heaped with countless other accolades. It was a lot for a 19-year-old to handle. And then she fell pregnant. It wasn’t quite the difficult second production that her record label had in mind, and Jamelia - who was signed to Parlophone at the tender age of 15 after wowing them with her powerful voice and poise - decided to take time out. But now she’s back with another hit single Superstar and once again the accolades are piling up. Her interest in children stems from when she was a teenager. She reveals that she was planning to be a child psychologist before she was snapped up by Parlophone. Her signing to the record label came seven years after she "discovered" her singing talent, aged eight, in her back garden when she was singing along to a neighbour’s Mariah Carey tape. She says: "I was just singing and my neighbour came over said: ‘I didn’t know you had a Mariah Carey tape too’, and I said: ‘We don’t, that was me.’ Source: Scotsman (All rights reserved) (extract) Heroes note: To read the entire article, click here. Posted on February the 17th. |
| Bangkok Setlist
01. Looking In Intro - 02. Heartbreaker/Heartbreaker (Remix) - 03. Dreamlover - 04. Through The Rain - 05. My All - 06. Can't Take That Away - 07. Honey - 08. I Know What You Want - 09. Without You - 10. My Saving Grace - 11. Introducing The Band - 12. I'll Be There - 13. Friend Of Mine - 14. Fantasy - 15. Always Be My Baby - 16. Make It Happen - 17. Vision Of Love - 18. Hero - 19. Butterfly Outro Dress: 01-05 Glitter dress - 06 Gold long dress - 07 Subtle Invitation dress - 08 Harley Davidson top with pants - 09-12 Black dress very short like the one she wore in My All video - 14-16 Pink Automatic Princess top with jean - 17-19 Pink dress Source: CrybabyDoll at FOMM. Posted on February the 17th. |
Mariah overwhelmed by warm welcome
Singer Mariah Carey arrived in Bangkok yesterday for her first Thai concert, at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani tonight.. The curly-blond singer greeted fans at the airport dressed in a spaghetti-strap, black evening gown. When in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur, she was reportedly asked to cover herself to comply with the cultural restrictions. ``I want to say thank you so much to Thai fans for supporting me. It`s very nice to be here,`` she said. Eight young girls performed a traditional Thai dance before the superstar, who said she was overwhelmed by the reception. ``It`s my first time here. I`m so excited. It's such a warm welcome.` During her past 14 years in show business, Mariah has gained many accolades, including two Grammy Awards, eight American Music Awards, Billboard`s ``Artist of the Decade`` Award and the World Music Award for ``World's Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium``. On Saturday, the superstar received the MTV Lifetime Achievement award in Singapore. ``It`s been an honour and I would like to thank for all the votes,`` she said. Possessing a spectacular seven-octave range, Mariah, whose one-night concert here has already been sold out, has proven she is equally at home with sweeping ballads and pop, often incorporating elements of dance and hip-hop into the mix. Her international hits include Vision of Love, I`ll Be There, Hero, One Sweet Day, and Without You. She composes many of her own songs. In 2001, Mariah signed up with Virgin Records, which released Glitter, the soundtrack album to the film of the same name, with Mariah in her first lead acting role. She also featured in the films The Bachelor (1999) and Wisegirls (2002). Her new project is to work on a theme song for the new James Bond movie to be released next year. Source: Bangkok Post (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 17th. |
| Surprise, surprise
She came, she smiled sweetly, delivered some polite thank-yous, and then with another flash of her perfect dentistry, she was gone, without even a sweet song for the audience to remember her by. Stunning pop diva Mariah Carey, elegantly dressed in an eye-catching fuchsia ball gown, raised the roof off the Singapore Indoor Stadium when she made an unexpected surprise guest appearance to accept a special Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to her by cheeky Brit boy band Blue, who could not resist giving her a peck on the cheek and getting down on their knees to strike “we-are-not-worthy” poses, at the recent MTV Asia Awards 2004 held on Valentine’s Day. Although Carey, who flew in from Busan, South Korea prior to the show, did not hang around long enough to deliver a tune for her adoring public (the singer left for Jakarta soon after receiving her award where she performed at a concert the day after), her fleeting appearance at the pan-regional awards show – the largest in Asia – was greeted with shrill screams and rapturous applause from the 7000-strong crowd nevertheless. It’s just a shame that she couldn’t bring herself to thank her Asian fans properly by singing a song or two as it would have truly made the night for the majority of the young revellers at the show. While the event may have seemed a little too long for some of the audience, there’s no denying that some of the fantastic performances on the night, especially that of the Black Eye Peas, made it a night to remember. If Carey had decided to reward us with song, it really would have been truly magical. As it was, this year’s show was pretty decent entertainment. Roll on the next year. Source: The Star (All rights reserved) (extract) Heroes comment: You know, it was a truly magical night, as Mariah was there, the day before she needed to give a concert in another country .
Posted on February the 17th. |
Mariah in Bangkok
  
Pic 1: U.S singer Mariah Carey receives bouquets of flowers upon her arrival at Bangkok international airport in Bangkok, Thailand on Monday, Feb. 16, 2004. Carey is here to perform a concert Feb 17. (Sakchai Lalit) Pic 2: U.S. singer Mariah Carey waves upon arrival at Bangkok international airport in Bangkok, Thailand on Monday, Feb.16, 2004. Carey is here to perform a concert Feb 17. (Sakchai Lalit) Pic 3: American multi-platinum selling pop diva Mariah Carey waves after arriving at Bangkok's International Airport, February 16, 2004. Carey is scheduled to perform to a sold-out concert on February 17. Stringer Source: Yahoo! News (All rights reserved) Heroes comment: We can really see Mariah's joy .
Posted on February the 16th. |
| Carey fans flock to the airport
Published on Feb 17, 2004 Hundreds of fans flocked to Don Muang airport yesterday afternoon to welcome American superstar Mariah Carey, who will perform in Bangkok tonight. Carey was accompanied by a 36-person entourage. She flew in from Indonesia on a Thai Airways flight and was enthusiastically greeted by fans waiting at the airport. The singer, clad in black strapless dress and black-rimmed sunglasses, waved to fans as she entered the arrivals’ hall. Two bodyguards had to work hard clear a path through the crowd to get Carey to her waiting limo. But the singer remained unfazed and smiling throughout the ordeal. “I am very excited to be here in Bangkok,” she said. “I hope everybody will enjoy the show. It’s a great honour to be in Bangkok.” The singer, who has had a series of number-one hits over the past decade, including “Hero” and “Through the Rain”, cancelled a planned press conference at the airport because a huge turnout of reporters was expected. Fans yelled out “I love you, Mariah” and “you are so beautiful”. Carey is expected to feature songs from her recent album “Charm Bracelet” at the concert. The album has so far sold more than a million copies. Source: The Nation (All rights reserved) Heroes comment: Of course, they probably mean the sales for Asia. Posted on February the 16th. |
US pop diva Mariah Carey arrives at Bangkok
International airport in Bangkok
 
Pic 1: US pop diva Mariah Carey arrives at Bangkok International airport in Bangkok, 16 February 2004. Mariah is on Asia tour and will live concert in Thailand on 17 February. STR Pic 2: US pop diva Mariah Carey waves for photo during arrives at Bangkok International airport in Bangkok, 16 February 2004. Mariah is on Asia tour and will live concert in Thailand on 17 February. STR Source: Getty Images (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 16th. |
| Pop divas bare their beauty secrets
Morgan Goldberg Mariah’s Improved Bottomline With her Charmbracelet tour just behind her, the five foot nine singer has been wowing the world with her newly chiselled figure and more sophisticated style. Her personal trainer, who’s been with Mariah for a while now, Patricia Gay, tells us: “She’s lost weight and now looks younger and stronger.” How She Lost Weight Along with eating a healthier diet (full of chicken, vegetables, fish and fruit), Carey, 33, hits the pool several times a week for an hour of underwater leg lifts, arm circles and squats. “It tones up her arms, legs and butt,” says Gay. As for those amazing abs, well “Mariah does Pilates twice a week to strengthen her stomach,” adds Gay. Source: Hindustan Times (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 16th. |
| Cdn recording industry begins legal fight
to stop music uploaders
Toronto -- Court proceedings to sue those who share their music collections with millions around the world got underway in a Toronto courtroom Monday. The Canadian Recording Industry Association asked a Federal Court for permission to smoke out music pirates from the protection of Internet Service Providers. Mirroring action taken last year by the recording industry in the United States, CRIA argued the country's five biggest Internet service providers should name people who upload a large number of music files. "Our message is for all Canadians. You've got to go off the illegal sites and stop uploading music. Everyone recognizes this sort of distribution is illegal under Canadian law," Richard Pfohl, the lawyer representing the music industry, including the Canadian branches of BMG, EMI, Warner, Virgin and Universal, said outside court. "People have to realize there are consequences when you break the law in Canada." After legal arguments by all the parties, Justice Konrad von Finckenstein adjourned the proceedings until March 12. He asked each ISP to file more submissions about the technical requirements of connecting individuals by their numeric Internet protocol (commonly known as IP) address and how disclosing home addresses would affect privacy legislation. Last week the music industry filed motions against 29 John and Jane Does who it alleges are high-volume music traders, storing thousands of MP3 files on their hard drives. On Monday, CRIA started to work through the courts to learn the identities of those people, currently identifiable only through IP numbers and user handles like Jordana(at)KaZaA who, according to court documents, allegedly uploaded songs by Jay Z, Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez. The Canadian industry claims it has lost more than $425 million in retail sales of music since 1999 resulting in staff layoffs of about 20 per cent. Source: Canoe (All rights reserved) (extract) Heroes note: To read the entire article, click here. Posted on February the 16th. |
| Song based on couple’s story to compete in
Eurovision
The surprise and joy of winning this year’s Song for Europe was still at its highest yesterday morning. Cynthia Busuttil caught up with an ecstatic Julie Zahra, part of the duo Julie and Ludwig who won the contest with their song On again... off again. The song that will see Malta compete in this year’s Eurovision is based on the true story of a relationship – that of the singers themselves. The female part of the duo – Julie Zahra – could not contain the happiness in her voice when contacted early yesterday afternoon. “It’s amazing... such a tremendous feeling,” she told this paper when asked for her first reaction when the winner was announced. She added “happy and excited” to the list of feelings that engulfed her when she and her boyfriend Ludwig were proclaimed winners with the song On again... off again. The song is based on the couple’s relationship, which has gone through its on and off phases. But Julie said that the song finishes with “on again”, which is how the relationship is currently: on. Many people say that Julie resembles renowned singer Mariah Carey. Asked whether she will play up this resemblance in a bid to do better in the Eurovision Song Contest, the young singer said “No”. Although she claimed to be flattered that people compared her to the international singer, she said that she didn’t like the way Mariah Carey dressed, and was therefore not ready to try and be like her. Source: The Malta Independent Daily (All rights reserved) (extract) Posted on February the 16th. |
| Misty Moon Lyrics
I See Fields Of Golden Flowers, Shine In The Evening Sun, Above Are Misty Mountains, It's So Beautiful As The Wind Caress My Eyes, Gazing Gently At The Sky, The Moon Inside A Halo, It's So Beautiful There's A Dark And Lovely Forest,
( Humming ) When I Think Of All The Beauty,
|
| You can now hear a longer sound file and see
the commercial of "Misty Moon" on Shino's
site.
Posted on February the 16th. |
| Mariah Appears On Next Sokenbicha Commercials
I'm sure by now most Mariah fans are aware of Mariah's new deal with Coca-Cola Japan where she sings a remake of the Japanese hit Misty Moon, but what you may not know is the aspects of her deal.Mariah has signed a 25 million deal with the bevarege Company which will see her sing in 3 commercials and she will also appear in print ads in Magazines for Japan over the course of the next 2 years. She will also shoot a commercial next month in Singapore for the product. The product has been very popular in Japan since it was intorduced to the Japanese Market in 2002 but sales have declined slightly. As part of Mariah's deal, if sales of the product improve while her TV and magazines ads are in rotation, then she'll recieve a part of the profits. Source for the article in Japanese: Hits Daily Double (All rights reserved) Translation: Ayako Source: Love Love Jack Posted on February the 16th. |
| A moment with Mariah
Faridul Anwar Farinordin From the hundreds of journalists, Faridul Anwar Farinordin was handpicked to spend five precious minutes with pop diva Mariah Carey at the recent MTV Asia Awards 2004. Pop princess Siti Nurhaliza was on her way to the media room at the Singapore Indoor Stadium during the recent MTV Asia Awards 2004 when she was told to wait. The reason? American diva Mariah Carey was still in the room being photographed by Pressmen. A few seconds later, Mariah, accompanied by big, burly bodyguards, walked past Siti on her way to the dressing room. The pop diva acknowledged Siti by nodding her head and smiled; after all, Siti, who won the Favourite Malaysian Artiste award for the third consecutive year, had given a rousing performance with British pop idol Gareth Gates earlier. Awed and clearly excited, Siti quickly gestured to Mariah that she wanted to take a picture with the star, who is one of her idols, but was disappointed when Mariah only offered an emphatic smile. Well, Siti, if it's any consolation, Mariah didn't even meet the Press, all of whom clearly wished she'd make an appearance. Mariah, who arrived from Busan, Korea, for a short appearance at the annual award show to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, only gave exclusive interviews to two publications — the New Straits Times and Associated Press — who were handpicked by her bodyguards in the media room. That's right, yours truly had a one-on-one — never mind that it was only for five minutes — with the singer, who will be performing at Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur (her first Malaysian concert) on Friday. The show is part of her "An Intimate Evening With Mariah Carey Charmbracelet World Tour 2004". In the short interview (cameras were not allowed), the singer said her upcoming show will be a mix of "interesting theatrical elements". "It's gonna be a surprise and a great show. This time, Bianca (her brunette alter ego who was featured in her music videos and past concerts) won't be there. I thank all my fans for their continuous support and look forward to seeing them soon," she said. On the minor controversy surrounding her concert, she said: "As an artiste, I understand the cultural sensitivities of a country. I didn't mean to offend anybody. And I thank my Malaysian fans who continue to give me full support." That was it. I was then escorted back to the media room. Source: New Strait Times (All rights reserved) (extract) Posted on February the 16th. |
| Concert costly and brief but Mariah still
charms
Hera Diani 
The poor had the last laugh on Sunday as pop diva Mariah Carey wrapped up her concert here in only one hour, leaving dozens of fans who had paid up to Rp 1.7 million (US$212) for tickets -- almost three times the capital's minimum wage -- disappointed. Other ticket prices were between Rp 500,000 and Rp 1.35 million. The brief performance at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Central Jakarta, also included Carey's frequent exits backstage for outfit changes, leaving dancers and backup singers to take over. Once, she disappeared for a full song sang by backup singer Trey Lorenz. However, as part of a world tour to promote her latest album Charmbracelet here, Carey showed she still could deliver the goods with her flawless five-octave range. And of course, a set of provocative outfits. Clad in tiny, glittery silver hula skirt and bikini top, she kicked off her performance with upbeat Heartbreaker, taken from her 1999 Rainbow album. Two screens on each side of the stage showed a series of impressionist-style paintings to illustrate her song Dream Lover. She then walked around stage, giving instructions, then, realizing the existence of the audience turned and asked "How're you feeling?" with a huge grin. The some 5,000 audience cheered and applauded as she belted out hits like Through the Rain, My All, Can't Take That Away and Always Be My Baby. One highlight was a duet with Lorenz on Jackson Five's I'll Be There, with the crowd singing along. The 33-year-old supreme songbird frequently took a pose, waving her hands in true Miss Universe style, and sat on the floor. In Fantasy, by now on her fifth or sixth outfit, she shook her hips and danced around a folded chair. The concert was completed with the 1993 number one single Hero. The concert, however, showed that Carey still has a long way to go to reclaim her diva status after a turbulent period in the last few years. Carey hit big in the 1990's pop scene after debut album in 1990 Vision of Love which spawned four No. 1 hits, sold over six million copies in the United States and won two Grammys. In 2001, however, she was dropped by her label Virgin as album Glitter failed to meet expectations, although it still registered platinum sales. The horrible movie of the same name, in which Carey starred in was also a flop, followed by news of a mental breakdown. Her eighth album, Charmbracelet, is Carey's first under her own brand, MonarC, which she formed with Island record company. Despite bad reviews, the album has been a reasonable success for Carey, and a chance to put her career back on track. Released in the United States on December 2002, the album sold 241,000 copies in its debut week. With the diva status still to be reclaimed, Carey is still a diva at heart, and acted like one. Aside from a long list of requests for local promoter Java Musikindo, she also refused to hold a conference for the local media here. She touched down at Halim Perdanakusuma airport here on Sunday at 1:20 p.m., after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from MTV Asia Awards. Her concert was held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, relatively early for a music concert, which are usually held in the evening. According to promoter Adrie Subono, they had to clear the venue by 6 p.m. because President Megawati Soekarnoputri was to attend a wedding ceremony held in the JCC area. Well, look who's the diva here. Source: The Jakarta Post (All rights reserved) Heroes comment: "According to promoter Adrie Subono, they had to clear the venue by 6 p.m. because President Megawati Soekarnoputri was to attend a wedding ceremony held in the JCC area. Well, look who's the diva here."
Posted on February the 16th. |
| Mariah Carey's concert
The voice of a diva 
Fantastic. There's only this word to describe Mariah Nuñes, born in Huntington (New York) on March the 27th. 1970. The pop diva best known as Mariah Carey performed at the Plennary Hall, Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on Sunday (15/2) in front of 5.000 satisfied spectators. How not to be satisfied, even if the spectators had to go in their pockets to buy the tickets which costs Rp 500.000 (the festival), Rp 1.000.000 (the stand), and Rp 1.350.000 (the stand left-right). The spectators really had for their money with Mariah's golden voice which reach five octaves. Mariah's beautiful body and voice were a gift for the spectators, wearing a lot of beautiful clothes, she appeared with five dancers, three backup singers and four musicians. This concert was very awaited by her fans and the country was very enthusiastic about it. The concert was promoted by A Mild Live and Java Musikindo. A lot of local celebrities attended the concert, among them: Slamet Rajardjo Djarot, the singer Kristina, pop dive Kris Dayanti, the singer Flora Point, former Minister For Industry And Trade and Kabulog Rahadi Ramelan and Meneg Bumn the Sukardi Admiral. The concert started at 16.00, the highest moment was during Through The Rain. Mariah changed her outfit six times and sang 12 songs. Pic: The pretty American singer Mariah Carey mesmerised her fans at the Plennary Hall, JCC, Jakarta. Source for the article in Malay and pic: Suara Merdeka (All rights reserved) Translation: Gilles - © Heroes of Mariah Summary: Gilles - © Heroes of Mariah Posted on February the 15th. |
Mariah in Jakarta
  
Pic 1: Singer Mariah Carey performs during a concert in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Feb.15, 2004. (Diaz) Pic 2 and 3: American pop diva Mariah Carey sings during her 'Charmbracelet World Tour 2004' concert, in Jakarta February 15, 2004. Dadang Tri Source: Yahoo! News (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 15th. |
Mariah Carey Live in Jakarta, Indonesia
   
Pic 1 and 2: Jakarta, Indonesia - February 15: American pop diva Mariah Carey performs in concert at the Jakarta Hilton Convention Centre on Sunday, February 15, 2004, in Jakarta, Indonesia. Carey was in Jakarta after attending the 2004 MTV Asia Awards in Singapore on Saturday. (Photo by: Dimas Ardian) Pic 3: Jakarta, Indonesia - February 15: American pop diva Mariah Carey talks to her audience in concert at the Jakarta Hilton Convention Centre on Sunday, February 15, 2004, in Jakarta, Indonesia. Carey was in Jakarta after attending the 2004 MTV Asia Awards in Singapore on Saturday. (Photo by: Dimas Ardian) Pic 4: Jakarta, Indonesia - February 15: Two Indonesian muslim girls stand in front of a poster of American pop diva Mariah Carey at the Jakarta Hilton Convention Centre on Sunday, February 15, 2004, in Jakarta, Indonesia. Carey was in Jakarta after attending the 2004 MTV Asia Awards in Singapore on Saturday. (Photo by: Dimas Ardian) Source: Getty Images (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 15th. |
| Jakarta Setlist
Looking In Intro - Heartbreaker Remix/Heartbreaker - Dreamlover - Through The Rain - My All - Can't Take That Away - Always Be My Baby - I Know What You Want - Without You - Band Introduction - I'll Be There - Friend Of Mine - Fantasy - Make It Happen - Hero - Butterfly Outro Source: Indra82ij at FOMM. Posted on February the 15th. |
| Catty Cowell
Simon Cowell's always good for a few column inches on a slow news day. Reliable as ever, he's been slagging off pop stars left right and centre recently, so here are a few of his choice pronouncements, culled from the Sunday tabs. Britney Spears and Enrique Iglesias. Honey voiced pop gods? Nope. According to Si they "can't sing a note". Madonna, queen of pop? Nu-uh. Si reckons she "is over". So maybe he leans more towards Mariah Carey? You might think that, but you'd be wrong. She "has a great voice but must lose the attitude". Yet modern pop stars aren't the only ones to feel his wrath. Wrinkly folk-rock icon Bob Dylan has unwittingly shambled into Si's crosshairs. Mr Cowell reckons Bob is "too ugly, too boring, too whiny and too serious". That may be, Si, but we reckon he's probably he's sold more records on his own than all of your acts put together and doubled. So ner. Jealous, much? Source: BBC Top of the Pops (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 15th. |
| Damizza talks about Mariah in an interview
In a radio interview, Damizza mentions Mariah quite a few times. He says that Mariah is one of his favorite peeps to work with and one of his best friends. He says that they wrote Crybaby in his basement, they wrote If We in NY on a boat trip and he goes on to say many more cool things about Mariah. Also he says he's working on some new Mariah tracks, he said she asked for 2 or 3 tracks for her new album. Click here to hear the interview. Source for the info: FOMM. Posted on February the 15th. |
 |
American pop diva Mariah Carey surprise guest
at MTV Asia awards
Singapore - American pop diva Mariah Carey stole the show at the annual MTV Asia Awards where she made a surprise appearance to accept a Lifetime Achievement award in front of 7,000 fans. The 33-year-old star flew in from Busan, South Korea, to collect the special award at the show on Saturday night. Pic: American pop music diva Mariah Carey poses with her trophy at the MTV Asia award at the Indoor Stadium in Singapore. Carey received a special Lifetime Achievement Award(Roslan Rahman) Source: Yahoo! News (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 15th. |
| Mariah thanks MTV Asia and Asian fans
"How you feelin'! Thank you so much! Thank you so much everybody at MTV Asia. Thank you so much to all the fans out there everywhere in Asia. I love you and I can't thank you enough!" Source for the transcript: Bitchy Bianca at FOMM. Posted on February the 15th. |
Mariah at the 2004 MTV Asia VMA Awards in
Singapore
   
   
  
Pic 1: Mariah Carey poses with her Lifetime Achievement Award, at the MTV Asia Awards in Singapore, February 14, 2004. The Award show, in its third year, honors regional and international stars. Thomas White Pic 2: Mariah Carey celebrates after winning the Lifetime Achievement award at the MTV Asia Awards, in Singapore, February 14, 2004. The Awards show, in its third year, honor regional and international stars. David Loh Pic 3: Mariah Carey poses for photographers after she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the MTV Asia Awards, Saturday Feb. 14, 2004, in Singapore. (Wong Maye-e) Pic 9 and 10: Mariah Carey and Blue Source: Yahoo! News - MTV Asia (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 14th. |
| Mariah's surprise appearance at the 2004 MTV
Asia VMA Awards in Singapore
Here's an extract of an article posted on Yahoo! News: American multi-platinum megastar Mariah Carey made a surprise appearance and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award. Carey said she was honored by her Asian fans — though added that the region's continuing bird flu outbreak had made her think twice about coming. "But the show must go on," she said. Ten Asian countries and territories have been hit by the flu — but not Singapore. Source for the article: Yahoo! News (All rights reserved) (extract) Posted on February the 14th. |
| Mariah Carey makes surprise appearance
By Suzanne Sng and Foong Woei Wan and Sherwin Loh Mariah Carey, who flew in from Busan, South Korea, was the surprise guest at the MTV Asia Awards last night. She took home a Lifetime Achievement Award, but left for Jakarta soon after, where she will be giving a concert today. Source: The Strait Times (All rights reserved) (extract) Heroes note: In Asia, it's already February the 15th. Posted on February the 14th. |
Tomorrow, Valentine's Day 
here's my message for Mariah.
Mariah, my dear little sweetheart, I love you more than yesterday and less than tomorrow. I dive in your eyes and I drink your smile. © Gilles (All rights reserved) guys, don't steal my little text, I already gave it to Mariah  .
Posted on February the 13th. |
Tomorrow, Valentine's Day 
but...
‘Valentine’s Day’ Under Fire In Malaysia By Kazi Mahmood 
Kuala Lumpur - Expected celebrations of Valentine’s Day came under criticism from Malaysian officials, with some scholars warning Muslims not to celebrate the particular ‘lover’s day’, as Malaysia showed it was still a pristine nation when it criticized the organizers of a Mariah Carey concert due this month, according to news reports Friday, February 13. Harrusani Zakaria, the Mufti of a remote state near the border with Thailand and controlled by the ruling National Front (NF) coalition government in Kuala Lumpur, said the act of celebrating the day was against Islamic teachings, particularly if it was related to commemorating, as stated in ancient Rome history, the death of a priest, reports the Bernama news agency Friday. “We Muslims do not need such a culture or practice, which is clearly against the teachings of our religion, Furthermore, the teachings of Islam is complete, perfect and credible,” he added. Harussani was commenting on the attitude of many Muslims youths in the country, which is still inclined to celebrate Valentine’s Day although many views had been given by the ulama (scholars) on the matter, said the Utusan Malay daily Friday. Flower shops were busy preparing for bouquets for the Valentine’s which falls on 14th February, with unusually large orders pouring in and shop owners reaping huge benefits. Harrusani also urged Muslims not to copy a foreign culture that was against the religion, especially if it would draw them into vice activities. “Why do we need to practice this when Islam encourages its followers to care about one another at all times and not just fixed on certain days? He went even further to say that those who celebrate Valentine’s Day could be considered apostates. He said that based on a hadith (saying of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), which states that “one who follows the acts of another, would belong to the other group,” Muslims should refrain from participating in this celebration of Christian origin. Youth ‘Confused’ Youths interviewed in Kuala Lumpur told IOL that they were confused with the warning of the Mufti and the almost ‘official’ declaration of Saturday as Valentine’s Day in Malaysia. “The television, the newspapers and almost every body at the top are saying this is a great day for lovers, a day to woo the loved ones or to get new girl friends,” said Shamsyul, who is a student in a college in Kuala Lumpur. At his college, the young girls and boys were busy discussing which flowers they wish to receive on that day, the girls urging the boys not to limit their expenses when it comes to satisfying their lovers. “We are Muslims yet we are also bombarded everyday since the beginning of this week by the Valentine’s Day celebration, just have a look at the shops and watch the local TV networks and you will understand,” Mariana, a student at the Informatics school said to IOL. She handed a flower to her friend, sitting by her side, saying that this flower seems to be ‘illegal’ since Valentine’s Day is said to be a non-Muslim celebration. “The Ulama never comes forward to explain to us what is the meaning of these celebrations and the authorities allows such advertisement of Valentine’s Day as if its ok for the Muslims to celebrate, so what you expect me to do?” lambasted a young man who was angered when IOL asked him why he celebrated the day. He added that the authorities seemed to have found a “new reason to become very Islamic all of a sudden by condemning Mariah Carey for her upcoming show.” A concert to be given by Mariah Carey - the U.S. singer - due to organize a tour of South East Asia this month, has also been criticized by government officials in Kuala Lumpur. Organizers of the concert came under fire after it was learnt they would hold the show “An intimate Evening with Mariah Carey Charm bracelet Tour World 2004" on the eve of the Muharram, which is the Muslim New Year and is called the Maal Hijrah. Carey has been warned that she should not perform in sexy attire on stage in Malaysia and that the holding of the concert February 22 was not appropriate. “I am going to her show, I watch her always on TV and I love her songs,” said Munira, another student at a local institution in Kuala Lumpur. She said the authorities allowed the “Linkin Park” to hold a concert during the Organization of Islamic conference (OIC) summit and now they are shocked by the date of the Mariah Carey show, “Just postpone the date, why make a fuss of it?” She charged. On Friday, the United Malays National Organization (Umno) Youth said it was not happy as the new date of the Carey concert is still too close to the Maal Hijrah celebrations. Umno Youth Religious Affairs Secretariat Chief Shamsul Najmi Shamsuddin said that since ‘Awal Muharram’ was a significant event in Islam, the proximity of the concert was a cause for concern. "We appreciate the organizers' initiative to change the earlier date of the concert but the new date is still too close," he said in a statement carried by Bernama Thursday. After protests from Islamic groups, the organizer of the concert at the Merdeka Stadium, decided to bring forward the date to Feb 20. In Indonesia, too, the Carey concert came under fire from officials who said the singer was not allowed to perform on stage in skimpy sexy clothes and advised her to use less ‘daring’ clothing. Pic: Hindu activists also protest against Valentine's Day celebrations in Bombay Source: Islam Online (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 13th. |
Tomorrow, Valentine's Day 
here's a beautiful and tender love story.
The Appointment It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am, when an elderly gentleman, in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation. I asked him if he had a doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I then inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer Disease. As we talked, and I finished dressing his wound, I asked if she would be worried if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him. "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?" He smiled as he patted my hand and said. "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is." I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life." True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be. Good friends are like stars...You don't always see them, but you always know they're there. Thanks to Honey and Kate, love ya girls. Posted on February the 13th. |
Tomorrow, Valentine's Day 
here are some advices to have a good Valentine's Day.
To win her heart on Valentine’s Day, go to the mattresses Listen up, men! By the time you read this, it may already be too late. For those of you who are somehow unaware, Saturday is Valentine’s Day. That’s right, Valentine’s the one day of the year when you have to be nicer, sweeter and more romantic than every other guy out there who’s interested in your woman. No, it’s not because she’ll get upset and leave you for someone else, though admittedly, that can happen (Sorry James, but you’re really better off. Trust us. And yes, we knew all along. Sorry.). Neither is it because you love her, or because you don’t but you’re nonetheless interested in spending some quality naked time together though those are indeed worthy ideas. No, you need to remember this day for one reason, and one reason only: because it’s your duty. To paraphrase that guy in The Godfather, “To win a woman’s heart, you gotta go to the mattresses.” And no, that doesn’t mean buy her a nice bed. Face it, men: For most of the year, women don’t ask that much of us, really. In fact, they let us get away with all sorts of stuff: our fascination with Haifa Wehbe, our fascination with Mariah Carey, our fascination with Haifa and Mariah together at a slumber party wearing nothing but … uh, oops, maybe I went too far. And what do they ask in return? Not much. After all, they love us though modern science still hasn’t figured out why for the way we are. We may not look like Brad Pitt, Mel Gibson or a young Omar Sharif heck, even an old Omar Sharif but women dig us despite our fascination with flannel shirts, our overextended beer bellies, our garlic breath, bad dancing, stubbly faces and zaatar between our teeth. Really. So make sure on Saturday that you tell her the same. Now there are those who moan and complain and say Feb. 14 is nothing but a big rip-off, an artificial, arbitrary day when florists triple their prices, chocolatiers quadruple theirs and Hallmark makes sure all their cards contain enough sugary sentiment to put a diabetic into cardiac arrest. And while there is some truth in that, most people who protest too much call them realists, pessimists or single miss the big picture. Sure, there are 364 other days of the year to express your feelings. But how many of us do that? How many of us wake up our beloved first thing in the morning just to say, “Honey, I care about you.” Moreover, how many of us really mean it? (Especially when her hair is in curlers and she’s got that green gunk all over her face.) Now, some of you may be asking yourselves: Oh great and wise humor columnist, whatever shall I do to impress the love of my life/week/day? What words, actions or flavors of chocolate/latex shall entice her to stay mine/be mine/give me her phone number? Well, it goes something like this (and if it works, remember where you heard it): 1. Be sincere. Even if you’ve had a bad day, lost your job or some other guy is wearing the same flannel shirt as you, dig down deep and find that little bit of sincerity that you keep tucked away for special occasions (maybe next to the spare can of Pringles on the back shelf) and say, “Honey, you mean the world to me.” And be sure to mean it. (Leave the Pringles till later.) 2. Give her something from your heart, not your wallet. Flowers are nice, and so is chocolate, but most women want something else, too. No, not a mushy Hallmark card, but rather, a nice romantic note inside the mushy card, preferably in your own handwriting, and even more preferably in your own words. But be warned: This must be from the heart. “Babe, you’re swell, and I like you better than cold beer on a hot day,” just won’t cut it. 3. Take a chance. If she doesn’t know you exist, tell her. Use your real name. Anonymous flowers are great, but if she calls up the wrong guy because she thinks it was him, not you, then you’re sunk. That’s it. Three simple rules to make sure you have more fun on Valentine’s than a drunken Cupid at a spinsters’ convention. Of course, if all else fails and you find yourself alone at home, bored and miserable, you can always do the one sure-fire thing that’s bound to make your Saturday night a little bit better: Pick up the phone, call your dad, buy a couple bottles of scotch and watch The Godfather trilogy on DVD. Hurry to reserve your copies, now. I’ve already got mine. And bring Pringles. Source for the article: Kleo Mitsis for The Daily Star (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 13th. |
Tomorrow, Valentine's Day 
but sometimes for some people, it's a sad day.
Barbie and Ken 'Split' After 43 Years By Samantha Critchell New York - Just like J.Lo and Ben, the romance is over for Barbie and Ken. After 43 years as one of the world's prettiest pairs, the perfect plastic couple is breaking up. The couple's "business manager," Russell Arons, vice president of marketing at Mattel, said that Barbie and Ken "feel it's time to spend some quality time — apart." "Like other celebrity couples, their Hollywood romance has come to an end," said Arons, who quickly added that the duo "will remain friends." Arons denied that there was any truth to rumors that the breakup was linked to the Cali (as in California) Girl Barbie, arriving in stores now. To better reflect her single status, Cali Barbie will wear board shorts and a bikini top, metal hoop earrings, and have a deeper tan. This new style already has attracted a new admirer, Blaine the Australian boogie boarder. Barbie — the most popular fashion doll in the world, according to toy maker Mattel — met Ken on the set of a TV commercial in 1961, and they have been inseparable ever since. Arons hinted Wednesday that the separation may be partially because of Ken's reluctance to get married. All those bridal Barbie dolls in toy chests around the globe are really just examples of Barbie's wishful thinking, she explained. Another possible factor is Barbie's career. The doll who was "born" Barbie Millicent Roberts in 1959 has been everything from a rock star to a military medic, and she's currently marketed in more than 150 countries. According to Mattel, every second, three Barbie dolls are sold somewhere in the world. So where does that leave Ken? Said Arons: "He will head for other waves." Source: Yahoo! News (All rights reserved) Heroes comment: Awwwwww, they looked so good together. 
Posted on February the 13th. |
| Mariah is actually in Korea for her concert
in Busan.
Posted on February the 13th. |
| A chance to catch Mariah in Dubai
MIX FM is not content with giving 120 listeners the opportunity to catch songbird Mariah Carey in her Charmbracelet World Tour 2004 in Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, on Feb 20. Now, Mariah Mania will give you the chance to pick up more concert tickets and maybe even fly to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, with a partner, to enjoy still more of Carey's never ending chain of charms at her concert there on Feb 16. You will also be given RM1,000 pocket money and the opportunity to meet the singer backstage after the concert in Dubai. All you need to do is call through to 03-95433322 after the cue to call, weekdays from now till Feb 20, and answer correctly as many Mariah Trivia questions as you can within 30 seconds. Source: The Star (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 13th. |
| Japan needs our help
I received this info from Shino who's running the Japanese site Love Love Jack. Mariah remaked "Oborodukiyo" (a famous Japanese song) which means "Misty Moon". This song is used for the commercials of a Japanese tea brand. The commercials are broadcast on Japanese TV and unfortunately the song is not released on cd. So, Shino thought it would be great to collect many requests from worldwide fans, so she can send them to Universal Music Japan. Please send your name, e-mail address, and message to her at lovelovejack2@hotmail.com Until February the 21st. Please spread the word. You can hear a short wave file of "Misty Moon" on Shino's site. Source for the info: Shino from Love Love Jack by e-mail. Posted on February the 12th. |
| New Mariah Song: "Misty Moon"
We found out on the 11th that Mariah Carey has covered a Japanese song for the first time. The original English version of the song "Oborozukiyo" from the Taisho period(1912-1926) has been recorded as a new commercial song for the blend tea "Soukenbicha". Mariah who sang the peaceful spring view by a calm and elegant way said "The song has turned out very well" with confidence. The commercial will start airing from the 18th and there is no plans of a CD release right now so it will be a limited song for the commercial. A "blend" between Mariah Carey, a diva that represents America, and Japan's traditional song came true. Under "Soukenbicha"'s this year's campaign slogan, "SO BEAUTIFUL Soukenbicha", a collaboration between Mariah and the song had been planned and Mariah's side agreed. The song Mariah covered "Oborozukiyo" was produced in Taisho period(1912-1926). A masterpiece of a lyric poem which represents Japan's peaceful spring's pastoral landscape. This time, the song was reborn as the English title "MISTY MOON". Mariah recorded the song in New York from the end of last year to the beginning of this year. To concentrate on the work, just Mariah herself, the pianist, and the sound engineer stayed in the studio the whole time. Since the song is also the first song of Mariah's to be announced in 2004, Mariah worked harder than always. She presented the song which the English lyrics were put to the melody that is familiar to the Japanese with her beautiful voice that is described as the 7 octave diva. She said "I sang with all my heart so it will spread a beautiful and elegant world that is suitable to the lovely Japan's blend tea". It was her first time to cover a Japanese song but the recording went smoothly. "It has been a wonderful opportunity. The song's melody is beautiful too and I think it turned out well". Mariah who has done 4 concert tours in Japan before said "Speaking of Japan's spring, I heard that it is a beautiful season with Sakura. I would be happy if I get to go to Japan in spring" after singing the song and her interest to Japan seemed to have increased. Right now she is still in the middle of her world tour and there is no plans of her visit to Japan but gave the fans a message, "I hope you like the song. Lets meet again soon". Right now the song is only used for the commercial. It seems like there will be a rush of requests of the song to be released and for Mariah's visit to Japan. Source: Hochi/translated by Ayako - Mariah Daily Posted on February the 12th. |
| New Date For Mariah Carey Concert Too Close
To Maal Hijeriah
Kuala Lumpur, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- Although the organisers have decided to change the date of the Mariah Carey concert, Umno Youth is still not happy as the new date is too close to the Maal Hijeriah celebrations. Umno Youth Religious Affairs Secretariat Chief Shamsul Najmi Shamsuddin said that since Awal Muharram was a significant event in Islam, the proximity of the concert was a cause for concern. "We appreciate the organisers' initiative to change the earlier date of the concert but the new date is still too close," he said in a statement Thursday. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Zainal Abidin had opposed the organising of the concert involving the international entertainer on Feb 22, which conincided with Maal Hijeriah After protests from Islamic groups, the organiser of the "An Intimate Evening With Mariah Carey Charmbracelet Tour World 2004" at the Merdeka Stadium, decided to bring forward the date to Feb 20. Source: Bernama (All rights reserved) Heroes comment: The date is now changed and they are still not happy .
I'm so sad for the Malaysian fans, all the excitement before the concert
is spoiled .
Posted on February the 12th. |
| It's official
‘L.A.’ Reid to chairman of the Island Def Jam Music Group To read the official Press Release, click here. Posted on February the 11th. |
| Reid Named Chairman of Island Def Jam
By Alex Veiga Los Angeles - Antonio "L.A." Reid, ousted from the top job at Arista Records barely a month ago, was named chairman of Island Def Jam Music Group on Tuesday, where he will oversee the label's stable of acts, including Jay-Z, Bon Jovi and Melissa Etheridge. Reid's three-year deal with the Universal Music Group-owned label will pay him just under $10 million, according to a source familiar with the contract. He also has a one-year option on the contract. Reid, who over his career as a music producer and label head has racked up hits with artists such as Whitney Houston, Avril Lavigne and, most recently, hip-hop duo OutKast, could earn more with contract incentives linked to his ability to generate hits, the source said. The appointment is effective Thursday, Universal officials said. "We couldn't be happier to be working with an executive who has the range of talents that Antonio brings to the company," Doug Morris, UMG's chairman and chief executive, said in a statement. Reid replaces Lyor Cohen, who started Def Jam 21 years ago and left Island Def Jam last month to head Warner Music Group. In a statement, Reid called the job "an amazing opportunity." Reid first gained prominence in the early 1980s as a founding member of the R&B group The Deele, which featured then unknown Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. The pair built a successful production and songwriting partnership with hits for artists such as Houston, and later for the group's own label, LaFace Records, whose artists included Toni Braxton, TLC and Usher. Reid became president and CEO of Arista in May 2000 after the company's founder and then CEO, Clive Davis, who left because of parent company BMG's mandatory retirement policy. Davis was named chairman and chief executive of BMG North America last week. During his time at Arista, Reid oversaw the rise of new artists like Lavigne, Pink and OutKast, who made a point of thanking Reid on stage at the Grammy Awards when they won album of the year. But Arista also had some lowlights under Reid. The follow-up album from Pink, "Try This," has sold poorly since its release in the fall; her last album, "M!ssundaztood," sold more than 5 million copies. Reid also re-signed Whitney Houston to a $100 million contract in 2001, despite rumors of drug use and erratic behavior about the singer. Houston's subsequent album, "Just Whitney," was the poorest-selling release of her career. Source: Yahoo! News (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 11th. |
| Who Joe Millionaire (Evan Mariott) really
is
As you all know, Joe Millionaire (Evan Mariott) was chosen by ??? and paid a fortune to appear a few seconds in the Bringin' On The Heartbreak video. The following has been reported by 2 fans in the US: Joe Millionaire was on KISS FM Chicago and the DJ was playing clips from her voice messages and they were totally dissing Mariah, then Joe Millionaire was talking about the BOTH video and saying stuff like "you have to wonder what someone's state of mind is when they want to do a video with a bunch of people screaming their name and asking for their autograph"..... (fan comment: HELLO! they were FANS! and she stayed like 2 hours to sign everyone's stuff.....) and near the end Joe Millionaire said he used to whack off to Mariah's videos.... (fan comment: oh dear). Joe Millionaire also said that he was chatting with Mariah.. and after the shoot Mariah told him to go by her trailer.. i think she was gonna give him an address of a restaurant or whatever.. then Mariah made him wait for like 30mins outside and when they finally let him in she acted like she did not know him.. and then he said that he called her "Queen Mariah" and that they were all shocked that he just did that.. then he walked away... (fan comment: sheesh whatever). Source: CoCoLambMC and reigne at FOMM. Heroes comment: Usually I don't post this kind of trash, but, I want you all to know who Joe Millionaire (Evan Mariott) really is. I checked what's "whack off" means exactly to be sure that I didn't misunderstood and... 
"whack off - Slang (vulgar) to masturbate" .
Ok, Joe or Evan or whatever the name you use, if you talk this way on radio,
why didn't you used this kind of vocabulary on TV in "Joe Millionaire"?
Posted on February the 11th. |
| Mariah concert tickets on sale
Fans of Grammy-award winning singer Mariah Carey can now reserve and purchase their tickets in Bahrain for her debut concert in the Gulf on February 26. The concert, presented by Bahrain-based company Mirage Promotions, is set to be held at the Dubai Media City as part of the artist's Charmbracelet Tour. Mariah is the best-selling female performer of all time, with 15 number one singles. She was won many accolades throughout her career including two Grammy Awards, eight American Music Awards, Billboard's Artist of the Decade Award and the World Music Award for World's Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium to name a few. Along the way she became the only artist to top the charts in each year of the 1990s and, with Heartbreaker, she pushed ahead of the Beatles as the artist with the most cumulative weeks spent atop Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart. Concert tickets are available at 195 dirhams (BD19.500), 145 dirhams (BD14.500) and 255 dirhams (BD25.500). For more information, Bahrain fans can contact Mirage Promotions on 17715277 or fax 17715377 or email mirage@batelco.com.bh Source: Gulf Daily News (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 11th. |
| Carey ‘yes’ to Feb 20 date
By Renee Choong PETALING JAYA: American pop diva Mariah Carey has consented to her concert in Kuala Lumpur to be held on Feb 20, saying that it will fit in with her world tour in the region. Carey will kick off her concert in the region in Jakarta on Feb 15 followed by Bangkok before arriving in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 19. According to concert organiser Galaxy Production's spokesman Eric Chen, Carey told him that “this will make my plans fit in nicely with the itinerary.” Carey agreed to the new date after her concert in Beijing was cancelled. “When Mariah's concert in Beijing which was slated for Feb 20 was cancelled, we acted on it to take over the date and she agreed,” said Chen yesterday. He also said the new date would be good news to her fans. “We received a lot of calls at our ticketing office two weeks ago asking for the date to be moved to Friday so that outstation fans have ample time to travel back to their hometowns.” “An Intimate Evening with Mariah Carey – Charmbracelet World Tour” kicked off last June. Chen said ticket-holders who could not accommodate the new date must get a full refund by Sunday. For more information, call the ticketing hotline at 03-2282 2020 or visit the website www. galaxy.com.my. Source: The Star (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 11th. |
| Change of date - Mariah Carey Concert in Malaysia
After more than 2 weeks talking to the artiste and the related Government departments, Galaxy would like to announce the change of date for An Intimate Evening with Mariah Carey Charmbracelet 2004 World Tour Live In Malaysia. The concert date which was initially scheduled on the 22 February is now brought forward to 20th February 2004, Friday. The date was changed to accommodate overwhelming requests from the public for an earlier date. The new date was chosen because Mariah Carey concert date in Beijing has been postponed. We would like stress that the relevant permits and licenses had been issued to us, therefore, please do not take this change of date as cancellation and the concert shall take place on the new date. Those who had purchased tickets and could not make it for the concert on the new date will get full refund. RM68 and RM228 tickets had been sold out. And the remaining tickets – RM388, RM268, RM178 and RM138 are selling fast. Since the concert is now brought forward 2 days, we expect the tickets to be grab up even faster. For more information, please visit our website www.galaxy.com.my or call 03- 2282 2020. Source: Galaxy Production by e-mail. Heroes comment: Thanks to Galaxy Production for sending me their Press Release .
Posted on February the 10th. |
Change Of Concert Date in Malaysia
An Intimate Evening With Mariah Carey Charmbracelet 2004 World Tour Live in Malaysia Change Of Concert Date After more than 2 weeks talking to the Artiste and the related government departments, Galaxy would like to announce the change of date for An Intimate Evening With Mariah Carey Charmbracelet 2004 World Tour Live in Malaysia, from Saturday, 22nd to Friday 20th February 2004 The main reasons for the date change are as follows: - - We received overwhelming response from the public and all races requesting that they would like the concert to be held on Friday so that most of them could leave KL immediately for the long weekend holiday. - Mariah Carey’s concert date in Beijing, which was supposed to be scheduled before Kuala Lumpur, has been postponed. We would like to stress that the relevant permits and licenses have been issued to us, hence, kindly DO NOT take this change of date as cancellation and the concert shall take place on the new date. In fact, we are joining effort with the Government to promote the concert overseas. Therefore, with this change of date, we look forward to be working even more closely with the Government. Those who have purchased the concert tickets must keep the original tickets and present it at the concert entrances of the Stadium Merdeka, and we will make a full refund for those who could not make it to the concert on Friday, 20th February 2004, RM68 and RM228 tickets had all been sold out and the remaining tickets are selling very fast. Since the concert is now brought forward 2 days in line with the public requests, we expect the tickets to be grabbed up even faster. Source: Galaxy Productions (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 10th. |
| Carey to perform on Feb 20
Kuala Lumpur: The Mariah Carey concert, initially scheduled for Feb 22, has been brought forward to Feb 20. Apart from the change in the date, everything else on Carey’s Charmbracelet World Tour 2004 Live In Malaysia remains the same, according to a statement by organisers Galaxy Production. Deputy Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Datuk Fu Ah Kiow said yesterday the date change came about because of requests from fans. “They wanted the concert to be held on Friday so that they could enjoy the weekend.” The organisers, in a press release, said those who had bought tickets to the concert must present them at Stadium Merdeka. “We will make a full refund for those who cannot make it on Feb 20,” the statement said. Tickets to Carey’s concert have been set at RM68, RM138, RM178, RM228, RM268 and RM338, excluding the RM1 processing fee per ticket. The concert begins at 8pm. For details, call the ticketing hotline at 03-2282-2020, or browse www.galaxy.com.my. Source: The Star (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 10th. |
| No other news today, as I'm still in full
promotion for What Would U Do in Europe.
Posted on February the 9th. |
| Abdul Hamid Slams Mariah Carey-Maal Hijrah
Clash
Putrajaya -- Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Zainal Abidin Monday slammed the decision by organisers of Mariah Carey's concert to hold it on the night of the Muslim new year. "It shouldn't happen, they should have respect as Muslims are marking the Hijrah new year (at the same time)," he said of the Feb 22 date for the concert titled "An Intimate Evening With Mariah Carey Charmbracelet World Tour 2004" at the Merdeka Stadium. The first day of the Islamic calendar, in the month of Muharram, falls on that date to mark the day the prophet Muhammad travelled from Mecca to Medina. "The organisers should take into account that Muslims will be marking the (Maal Hijrah) as soon as dusk falls for the Maghrib prayers," he said after attending the National Islamic Affairs Council meeting at the Prime Minister's Office here. There have been many objections to the date of the concert, including a reader who wrote in to a local newspaper a complaint entitled "To choose Awal Muharram or Mariah Carey". Abdul Hamid said the sensitivity of the people concerning certain dates and events should be taken into account to ensure society lived in peace and harmony. Source: Bernama (All rights reserved) Heroes comment: How could music promoter Adrie Subono forget the Hijrah new year, as him and his son are Muslim? If you want to read more about how Adrie Subono escaped injury during the JW Marriott bombing last August, go see the article I posted on January the 10th. 2004. Posted on February the 9th. |
| Maal Hijrah-Mariah Carey Clash Brings More
Backlash
Kuala Lumpur -- Mariah Carey's concert "An Intimate Evening with Mariah Carey Charmbracelet World Tour 2004", which will be held at the Merdeka Stadium on Feb 22, has received more backlash. An organisation called Teras Pengupayaan Melayu Monday said it regretted the concert being held, despite objections, as the date coincided with the Islamic new year or the Maal Hijrah, which was the day the prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina. Its president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said proceeding with the concert on that date not only sidelined the sensitivities of the Muslims but was also disrespectful of Malaysia's Islamic State status. The concert should be cancelled and the organiser's excuse that the scedule for the diva was made known for a year should not be accepted, he said in a statement, here Monday. "We are disappointed that the concert involves cooperation from the Culture, Arts and Tourism Ministry, as the ministry should not proceed with the concert just to encourage tourism," he said. Source: Bernama (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 9th. |
| Please check the beautiful site of the Beitedine
Festival, take a look at all the pages, and imagine one moment Mariah
performing in this wonderful palace.
Posted on February the 8th. |
 |
Beirut show flyer
OK this is the flyer.. and the same pic is used for the posters. Mariah is practically on radio every 5mins.. with ads and songs.. they started the countdown on Radio One as well.. 16 days to go. Source: stopfalling at FOMM. Posted on February the 8th. |
| Catty Cullum
He may be a laid back jazz bloke with album sales to spare, but Jamie Cullum isn't as mellow as all that. In fact his chart success seems to be bringing out his inner catty pop star. Hurrah! He recently met Westlife. Lovely lads. But according to The People Jamie apparently said: "I wasn't impressed at all. I thought they were all ignorant. They didn't speak and looked like builders." Miiaaow! But that's not all. He then had a pop at Mariah Carey's party throwing talents, saying that parties are: "so fake. Everyone who talks to you is always looking over your shoulder. I went to Mariah Carey's Halloween party and it was really boring." So Jamie Cullum, smooth jazz man riding above the music biz hoi-poloi, or sharp clawed catty popstar underneath it all. You, dear reader, can decide. Source: BBC Top of the Pops (All rights reserved) Heroes comment: Huh, ok Jamie, now Mariah knows what persons must not be invited at her private parties. Posted on February the 8th. |
| Man sentenced for selling bootlegged performances
A man who pleaded guilty to selling bootleg CDs and videos on the Internet has been sentenced to six months of home detention. Eric D. Miller, 32, of Periwinkle Avenue in Middletown, was also ordered Friday to pay fines and restitution of more than $1,500 for peddling illegally taped concerts by artists including Mariah Carey, Aerosmith and Britney Spears. Miller pleaded guilty in June to charges of selling bootlegged performances on VHS tapes and CDs through two Web sites that he operated, the U.S. Justice Department said. Investigators said that from May 7, 2002, to May 14, 2003, Miller sold videotaped concerts for $18.99 each and CDs for $14.99 each. An undercover FBI agent bought a total of 25 videotapes and three CDs from the Web sites during that time. When the purchases were sent to the agent in Washington, D.C., he found they were copies of live musical performances made without the artists' permission. Prosecutors said this is the first case in the nation's capital involving a charge of trafficking in live musical performances. Attempts to contact Miller last night were unsuccessful. Police in November raided Horsham's Memory Lane Records and seized what they described as $25,000 worth of counterfeit cassette tapes and compact discs. They arrested Roy Kaysen of Skippack, owner of the Easton Road store, and took about 85 percent of his inventory - 1,245 CDs and 785 cassette tapes. Source: The Intelligencer (All rights reserved) Heroes comment: Warning to people who do the same, Europe will follow. Posted on February the 8th. |
 |
Mariah in Mexican press
Mariah is on front page of the February the 7th. issue of Palabra. Source for the pic: Palabra (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 7th. |
| Tidbits from Mariah's performance at the Extravaganza
in Guadalajara (Mexico)
- Three clothes changes. - Four musicians. - Four dancers (two women and two men) were part of the show. - Three backup singers (two women and a man). - Eleven songs performed. - Two airplanes of Jorge Vergara were used to bring her and her staff from New York and Los Angeles. - Mariah spent a night in a presidential suite in the city. Source: Informador (All rights reserved) Translation: Gilles - © Heroes of Mariah Summary: Gilles - © Heroes of Mariah Posted on February the 7th. |
| L.A. Reid signs at Universal
By Phyllis Furman L.A. Reid will have a lot of celebrating to do at the Grammys tomorrow night - and it's not just because his former record label is flooded with nominations. The music honcho who was just ousted from Arista has made a quick comeback, signing a contract that will make him the new chairman of Universal Music Group's Island Def Jam, sources told the Daily News. Reid, the power behind OutKast, Pink, Avril Lavigne, and TLC, will replace rap kingpin Lyor Cohen, who was tapped by Edgar Bronfman Jr. to run the U.S. operations of Warner Music Group. But Reid won't be bagging a big pay day from Universal. His five year deal will pay him far less than the $50 million Universal offered Cohen to stay on board, insiders said. "It's a modest contract," that will be based on incentives tied to the performance of the label, a source said. Of course, "modest" in the music biz still means millions of dollars. Count on Universal boss Doug Morris to keep Reid on a tight leash. While Reid came up with big hits for Arista - and 31 Grammy nominations - his heavy spending saddled the BMG-owned label with $100 million in losses last year, a difficult year for the music industry overall. "Doug will be very active" in reigning Reid in, a source said. With Reid on board, Universal is now trying to lock in another key Island Def Jam exec - Island Records chief Julie Greenwald. She's being offered an expanded role at the company, sources said. But it remains unclear whether Greenwald will stay or leave for another gig, possibly working for her ex-boss Cohen at Warner Music. One of Cohen's inner circle has already ditched Island Def Jam. Def Jam president Kevin Liles, one of the music industry's most prominent urban music maestros, is said to be talking to Cohen as well as to rival music giants Sony, BMG and EMI. If Greenwald walks as well, Reid will have lost the A-team that backed Cohen in building Island Def Jam - the home of Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Bon Jovi and Ja Rule - into one of the country's most powerful labels. But Cohen could lose out, too, if he can't lure them to Warner Music. Source: New York Daily News (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 7th. |
| Mariah in Guadalajara (Mexico) on February
the 6th. video clip
Click here to see a little video of Mariah in Guadalajara. Source for the link: Aladerri by e-mail. Posted on February the 7th. |
| Mariah in Guadalajara (Mexico) on February
the 6th.
Mariah was in Guadalajara were she made a little Charmbracelet concert of 1h10 at a music event. More infos about that will be posted soon, as I really don't have time to translate now and Aladerri kindly offer to help me with that .
  
   
   
Credit for the pictures: Enrique Ortiz and Gilberto Hernández for mural.com (All rights reserved) Source for the pictures: Aladerri by e-mail. Posted on February the 7th. |
|
Mariah won 4 awards in the 04' GV Music & Fashion Awards 
Best Album - Female Winner: “Charmbracelet,” Mariah Carey the nominees: Stripped, Christina Aguilera, The Spirit Room, Michelle Branch, Charmbracelet, Mariah Carey,This Is Me... Now, Jennifer Lopez, and Kelly Clarkson, Kelly Clarkson Best Song Performance - Female Winner: "Through The Rain," Mariah Carey the nominees:"Miss Independent," Kelly Clarkson, "I’m With You," Avril Lavigne "Beautiful," Christina Aguilera, "Through The Rain," Mariah Carey and “I Drove All Night,” Celine Dion Best Deep Cut (Unreleased Album Track) Winner: "My Saving Grace," Mariah Carey the nominees:"Walk Away," Christina Aguilera, “Conditons Of My Heart,” Justin Guarini, “Never Again,” Justin Timberlake, “Leave The Lights On,” Jewel and “My Saving Grace,” Mariah Carey Best Collaboration Winner: "I Know What You Want," Busta Rhymes & Mariah Carey the nominees: "I Know What You Want," Busta Rhymes with Mariah Carey, "Magic Stick," Lil Kim/50 Cent, "Beautiful," Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell, "Bonnie & Clyde '03," Jay-Z with Beyonce, "21 Questions," 50 Cent with Nate Dogg and "Into You," Fabolous featuring Tamia/Ashanti Source: groovevolt (All rights reserved) Also posted on MariahCarey.com Posted on February the 6th. |
| Island Def Jam and Roc-A-Fella Embark on First
Added Value Campaign for Digital Downloads With Kanye West's Debut The
College Dropout
Teaming Up with Napster and Buymusic.com to Reward Consumers with Added Value New York -- The Island Def Jam Music Group and Roc-A-Fella are teaming up with two innovative digital music retailers, Napster and Buymusic.com, to offer consumers the same added value for digital downloads that labels typically offer CD purchasers through traditional retail. This initiative begins on February 10 with the release of The College Dropout from acclaimed producer/rapper Kanye West. The College Dropout is the first album for which added value content will be offered by digital retailers. Other album downloads with value added content will soon follow from Island Def Jam and other Universal Music Group labels. Upon purchasing The College Dropout album from Napster and Buymusic.com, the consumer will receive an email from these participating retailers with a unique code and a link to Kanye's site, (via http://www.kanyewest.com) where the content resides. The bonus material is footage of Kanye's in-school performances and recording sessions, along with appearances by Pharell Williams of the Neptunes, Mos Def, and Damon Dash. This video content is available for streaming and can be accessed indefinitely for purchasers of the full album. Also included is a live version of West's track "Jesus Walks" from a recent show at SOB's and his video for the single "Through The Wire." When digital album buyers click on the link and input the unique code provided by the retailer, fans receive unlimited access to this unique content. Roc-A-Fella plans to add additional content periodically so fans can continue to return to the site and access exclusive Kanye features. This initiative continues Island Def Jam's and Roc-A-Fella's inventive and aggressive approach to appealing to the online music consumer. By teaming up with Napster and Buymusic.com, fans receive the same music experience, whether they buy the physical CD in a retail store or the digital album online. "We are committed to rewarding fans who purchase music legitimately, regardless of their preferred format," said Larry Mattera, Sr. Vice President, New Media, The Island Def Jam Music Group. "This is a natural extension of what we are already doing in the physical world. We look forward to other digital retailers joining these two innovative ones as we plan to roll out similar offerings in the future." "Here at Roc-A-Fella and in all my businesses we constantly strive to break new ground. Providing added value to consumers who purchase The College Dropout through legitimate digital music services like Napster and Buymusic is a great way to reward fans who support our artists and music," said Damon Dash, CEO, Roc-A-Fella Records. The Island Def Jam Music Group is home to a multi-cultural and diverse family of artists and has fast become one of the most successful labels in the industry. It is comprised of Island Records, Def Jam Recordings and Def Soul, and is in partnerships with American Recordings, Lost Highway Records, Roc-A-Fella Records, Murder Inc, Bloodline Records, Java Records, Roadrunner Records and MonarC Music. The roster boasts an array of talented artists including Jay-Z, Bon Jovi, Mariah Carey, Ludacris, Ashanti, Ryan Adams, Nickelback, Musiq, Slipknot, Method Man, Hoobastank, Ja Rule, Sum 41, Slayer, Kelly Price, Saliva and DMX. Source: PR Newswire (All rights reserved) Heroes comment: Unfortunately, only US residents can buy on Napster and Buymusic.com, so these bonus materials will only be available for US fans. In my opinion, it's not fair for all the fans (of every artist) around the world, to only give bonus materials to the US buyers. Let's not forget that the major sales are made outside the US. Let's hope that if MonarC takes part in this new way, they will find a way to give bonus materials to all the buyers worldwide .
Posted on February the 6th. |
| Lucky Lebanese fan
Thanks to Honey B. Fly, a Lebanese member won a pair of premium tickets for Mariah's Beirut concert. Source for the info: stopfalling at FOMM Posted on February the 6th. |
| The Heroes of Mariah contest is now closed,
the winners will be announced soon .
Posted on February the 6th. |
| Notes from all over
By Jeannette Walls with Ashley Pearson 
Feuding divas Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey ran into each other at a party given at the home of their manager, Benny Medina. But bad news for catfight fans: our source says the claws didn’t come out. “J.Lo seemed subdued,” says the source. “She and Ben had just split.” Source: MSNBC (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 5th. |
| Don't forget to check the Mariah's Play Heroes
of Mariah special page, by clicking on the banner at the top of the page
or by clicking here.
Posted on February the 5th. |
| Mariah Looking For Her Leading Man
Mariah Carey is scouting Britain for a leading man to appear opposite her in the superstar's London stage debut. The diva is playing Elsie Marina, the part made famous by Marilyn Monroe in the 1957 movie, in a West End production of The Prince And The Showgirl. And instead of casting a big name Brit to play Sir Laurence Olivier's role as Charles, The Prince Regent, Carey is looking for an unknown. Carey has agreed to work for the union minimum wage during her run in the show. Source: Soundbuzz (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 5th. |
| Randy's gutty performance
After a stomach op, 'Idol's' Jackson is 100 pounds lighter By Donna Petrozzello Nearly 30 million people are seeing something different on "American Idol" this season - a lot less of Randy Jackson. Say, 100 pounds less. Jackson, who picks apart wanna-be pop stars with Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell on the red-hot series, lost the weight through stomach surgery. "I've tried a lot of diets, almost all of them, and this is the only thing that's been good for me," Jackson told the Daily News. "I feel better, but it's very risky, so I don't encourage people to go get the surgery. It's a really personal decision." Before the operation, which closed off 95% of his stomach, Jackson had ballooned to 329 pounds and was facing serious risks from diabetes and other complications. Doctors said he needed to shed weight - or die. His stomach now holds little more than a few peanuts at a time, and his waistline is 36 inches, down from 48. Among its other effects, the weight loss has changed his relationship with his wife of eight years, Erika: She can now give him a hug. Health issues aside, Jackson said the weight was never a factor in his success or failure. And he sure was successful. Before landing the "American Idol" gig, he was a musician and record producer, working with Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Beyoncé Knowles, Mariah Carey and the Super Bowl diva of the moment, Janet Jackson, among others. "But the weight never held me back in life," Jackson said. "Sometimes when you're heavy, you have less of a personality, but that was never the case with me. I always thought I was hot. Now I'm just hotter." He and his fellow "Idol" judges couldn't be hotter - in the Nielsen department. Last week, the show hit a ratings high, and there's little indication that viewers will lose their fascination with watching bad singers try to win over the judges. America likes to watch people embarrass themselves. Jackson can sympathize. He knows well what it's like to want to do something, but not live up to the dream. "I wanted to be a surgeon; I just don't have the skill," he said. "I wanted to be a painter, but my handwriting is horrible and my drawing is even worse. You've got to have skill for these things." Lately, he's been hoping to turn some of the singers without talent in a different direction. "That old saying that we all grew up with - you can do whatever you want as long as you put your mind to it - that is not true," Jackson said. He offers some insight into his life, his career and the music business in the new book, "What's Up Dawg?" Fellow judge Cowell also has a book out, "I Don't Mean to Be Rude, But … Backstage Gossip from 'American Idol' and the Secrets that Can Make You a Star." As a potential role model and someone in a position to change people's lives, Jackson doesn't take lightly his gig as advice-giver - especially on "American Idol." "I think we're giving these kids all quality advice," Jackson said. "God gives everyone a gift, but some of us just don't get the gift of singing." Source: New York Daily News (All rights reserved) Heroes comment: I'll sing a song for you Randy, you know very well this one  .
"You're bringin' on the heartbrea~~~ea~eak (dum~dudum~) bringin' on the
hearta~~~~~~~~che"
Posted on February the 4th. |
| Mariah Carey is on a manhunt!
Pop singer Mariah Carey is currently busy in Britain looking for a leading man to be cast opposite her in her London stage debut. The 'Emotions' star is playing Elsie Marina, the role made immortal by screen diva Marilyn Monroe in the 1957 movie, in a West End production of 'The Prince And The Showgirl'. According to rate the music, Carey is looking for a fresh face instead of a big name Brit to play Sir Laurence Olivier's role of Charles. Meanwhile, Carey has agreed to work for the union minimum wage during her run in the show. Source: Yahoo! News (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 4th. |
| Don't forget guys, the contest closes tomorrow
at midnight.
Posted on February the 3rd. |
| Ringtones vs cd singles
In the news on a Belgian TV channel, the ringtones manager for Universal Belgium said that the sale of ringtones for mobile phones brings more money than the sale of cd singles, he also said the sale of ringtones reachs 10% of the global music market. Note: No wonder, a ringtone costs 1 Euro ($1.25US) and a 2 track cd single in a cardboard sleeve costs 5 Euros ($6.27US) and a 4 tracks maxi cd single costs 8 Euros ($10.00US).
And Belgians still buy cd singles. Imagine if the cd singles were
at the price of a ringtone, we could buy so much more.
Posted on February the 3rd. |
Islamists vs. Mariah Carey
The Arab music world has recently been swept away by a new trend of provocative and gorgeous female singers that appear in seductive video clips and live performances. This controversial and brow-raising trend has been developing at a whirling pace. The earth-shattering success of Lebanese female singers in the Arab world and abroad is perhaps one of the most stunning developments in today's Arab music world. The striking combination of hit songs, moving voices, seductive video clips and heavenly bodies all contribute to the artists' significant achievements. Just to name a few performers gaining immense popularity in the Arab world are the beautiful and sexy Nancy Ajram, Alissa, and Haifa Wahbi, who have all become stars on the international level as well. Recently, it was reported that even the number of plastic surgeries among Arab women has increased significantly due to their burning desire to resemble the dazzling Arab female entertainers. In light of the above, it is quite awkward, and perhaps, odd, to fully understand why Islamists strongly came out against an American pop diva from performing in Malaysia this month. The official reasons behind their stance were the singer's provocative style and her promotion of moral degradation, but when Arab female singers behave exactly the same way – why make such an issue out of it? On the contrary, they should have probably kept quiet about it all – because it seems their opposition might have only strengthened the pop diva's career and public relations campaign... Mariah Carey is perhaps one of the world's most known vocal artists due to her divine voice and touching hit songs. Carey, 33, first rose to stardom in the 1990s and has had more number-one songs than any other artist, with the exception of Elvis Presley and The Beatles, according to her label Columbia Records. American music star Carey is scheduled to perform in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at a 50,000-seater stadium as part of her Charmbracelet World tour 2004. The concert is to be held on February 22, despite the country's strict dress code and demonstrations against her performance. However, Malaysia's Muslim opposition party has called for Mariah Carey to be barred from performing in the country. Leader of the Pan- Malaysian Islamic Party's youth wing, Ahmad Sabki Yusof, wrote a letter to the government saying the singer promoted un-Islamic principles. "Everyone knows Mariah Carey presents herself in a sexy, unacceptable and almost vulgar manner," he was cited as saying by the BBC. Carey has received official permission to perform, but has been firmly warned her clothing should not offend people. However, Ahmad Sabki said she was "not an appropriate role model for young Malaysians". "Allowing such concerts promotes and condones values that are totally contrary to our way of life and our culture," he made clear. "We don't want immoral values for our children, whether Muslim or not." Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant countries. Its multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural society encompasses a majority Muslim population and an economically-powerful Chinese community. Sabki, in addition, said the concert fell on the date marking the start of the New Year in the Muslim calendar. The letter of protest has been delivered to the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, urging it to rescind permission for the attractive young artist to perform. Meanwhile, the country's Deputy Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Datuk Fu Ah Kiow said Carey's concert in Malaysia would attract her foreign fans from neighboring countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. Expressing the ministry's full support for the upcoming concert, Fu said the presence of international artists like Linkin Park and Carey in Malaysia had brought both business opportunities and challenges to the local music industry. When asked whether Carey, who is known for wearing sexy outfits on stage, will be allowed to dress in a sexy manner for her concert in Kuala Lumpur, Fu said, "All foreign artists - men and women, are expected to dress up accordingly for their performance in this country". Carey, in the meantime, has reportedly already assured the government she would comply with dress regulations. "Once a concert organizer obtains the permit to organize a show here, the government will advise the company on the 'dos and don'ts'. "Basically, the Malaysian government expects the international stars who wish to perform in this country to comply with the laws of Malaysia," Fu said. Even though Western entertainment is truly popular in Malaysia, officials have long been concerned about its effect on its people. Authorities have banned or edited some Hollywood movies due to "excessive violence", swearing or sex scenes, including Austin Powers and Daredevil. Music stars have also had to adhere to strict rules in order to perform, with Linkin Park only being allowed on stage if they agreed not to go bare-chested or scream to loud. Eric Chan, the personal assistant to the managing director of Galaxy Production, the party who is responsible for bringing Mariah to Malaysia, assured Carey's fans that the American singer will not be canceling her well-awaited tour to the country. "The concert date is confirmed. The only thing that will change is my costumes," Carey had said. "Whatever they don't like me to do, I won't do it, but the date stays," she said of her concert, "An Intimate Evening with Mariah Carey", which is part of her Charmbracelet World Tour that will also eventually take her to Beirut and Dubai. The beautiful singer is trying to re-launch her career after going through a very public nervous breakdown in 2002. Carey, who has earned two Grammy Awards and eight American Music Awards, has topped charts with hits such as "Hero", "Dreamlover" "All I want for Christmas is you"' and "When you believe" from the film The Prince of Egypt. On February 24, Mariah will be performing in Beirut, Lebanon – the diva's first appearance in the Arab world. The biggest-selling female artist in history with 90 million records sold worldwide will be performing at a sea-front exhibition and leisure center as part of Carey's Charmbracelet world tour and will be followed by a performance in Dubai on February 26. "Mariah Carey is one of the most talented, successful and best loved artists around the world. She is a true Diva who can move from glossy ballads to hip-hop-inspired dance-pop hits with great ease and so appeals to audiences of all ages and nationalities" said Thomas Ovesen, Mirage Promotions Dubai General Manager. "Mariah Carey's live concert in Dubai is set to be the season's biggest and most highly anticipated live entertainment event," he added. Since she began her career, Mariah has become the best-selling female performer of all time, with an amazing 15 #1 singles. Along the way, she became the only artist to top the charts in each year of the 1990s, and, with "Heartbreaker," she pushed ahead of The Beatles as the artist with the most cumulative weeks spent atop Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles chart. Possessing a spectacular seven-octave range, Mariah has proven that she is equally stunning with sweeping ballads and pop, often incorporating elements of dance and hip-hop into the mix. She also composes all of her own material. Born in Long Island, NY, as the daughter of a former opera singer and vocal coach -and named after the song "They Call the Wind Mariah" from the popular Lerner and Loewe musical Paint Your Wagon, Mariah started singing at the age of four, and was writing her own songs by the time she was attending Middle School. Sharpening up her songwriting skills and lending her vocals to some local acts, she first garnered industry attention when singing backup for Brenda K. Starr, who gave Mariah’s demo tape to Sony Music Entertainment chief Tommy Mottola at a party. As legend has it, Mottola played the demo on his ride home and ordered his driver to immediately return to the party so that he could meet the young singer. Soon afterwards, Mottola signed Mariah to a Columbia Records contract. Mariah’s self-titled Columbia debut, released in 1990, spawned an extraordinary four #1 singles - "Vision of Love," "Love Takes Time," "Someday" and "I Don't Wanna Cry," and led to Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Vocalist. The following year’s album, Emotions, was another smash, with the title track scoring her fifth consecutive #1 single and two other titles "Can’t Let Go" and "Make It Happen" reaching the Top Five. Her next release, 1992’s MTV Unplugged EP, scored another #1 with her cover of the Jackson 5’s "I’ll Be There." Music Box (1993) became her biggest seller to date, with "Dreamlover" and "Hero" again topping the charts, and was followed by 1994’s Merry Christmas, which contained another hit with "All I Want for Christmas is You." Daydream (1995) contained "Fantasy," which debuted at #1 making Mariah the second artist in history, and the first female performer, to accomplish that achievement. The follow-up single, "One Sweet Day" (recorded with Boyz II Men), followed suit and stayed at the top of the charts for a record 16 weeks. Butterfly (1997) scored hits with "Honey" and breath-taking "My All." The following year witnessed the release of greatest hits collection #1’s, which included a new song, "When You Believe", a duet with Whitney Houston which paired the two most successful female recording artists in pop history. Rainbow, with its chart-topping tune "Heartbreaker," followed in 1999. In 2001, Mariah signed with Virgin Records, which released Glitter, the soundtrack album to the film of the same name, with Mariah in her first lead acting role. Although Mariah Carey, with her unique voice and attractive figure is surely a "heartbreaker", it seems the "fundamental" trends, expressed by such people as Malaysia's Sabki, are quite anachronistic and old-fashioned, when taking into account the growing presence of sexy and seductive-styled young female Arab singers in the music world. As Arab tradition faces new challenges in an emerging global village, this "double-standard" ought to be widely addressed and cleared up in order to provide a clear outline and framework for the young Arab generation. Source: Al Bawaba (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 3rd. |
| Jasmine's Juice
“The vibe was crunk all week – although I think Usher was stalking me!” So last week Dame Dash flies into the UK with all the latest recruits to his Roc Familia. He kindly sent me over a huge box of Rocawear clothing for my birthday this month and I gotta say – he’s killin it! My two-piece shorts, mini-skirt and cheerleader sets are off the sheezy! Also in my goodie bag was a sexy, black summer dress, two more summer pedal pusher sets and a biker jacket in baby blue! With underwear sets by Charlotte Ronson I don’t need to do a Topshop trip for a while! So I’m looking real forward to being hostess the way he was with me over Xmas and then at the last minute I get the call from Usher to fly to LA for the making of his video for the track Yeah. Dayam! I can’t complain – LA was off the hook! I flew out on Virgin – the only airline to do the LA trip where with 60 movies and a vast CD library to choose from it’s a party all the way! I stayed at the Mondrian Hotel on Sunset Blvd where my fellow hotel guests over breakfast were Angelina Jolie, Kelly Rowland, Hype Williams, Rachel Hunter and many other blingers. The two-day video shoot was exhausting but fun. Usher is hotter than ever when it comes to performing. It’s your average R’n’B video in the club with sexy half-naked girls booty-shaking around Usher and it was directed by Little X – who informs me he’s now grown-up so we should call him ‘Mr X’. ATL hotshots Lil Jon and Ludacris are featured on the single and so the vibe on set was crunk all week. When anyone hears there’s a video shoot going down in the city, artists swing by to show their love (and try to get a cameo). On day one 3LW, Jermaine Dupri (looking very different and not so visually challenged as before – I’m sure he’s had some work done) and DMX rolled by. DMX, who usually avoids all European interviews, decided to hold a full-on press conference in the middle of the shoot! On day two there was Chingy, actor Mike Epps, Puffy’s butler Bentley Fondsworth playing a violin, and Ja Rule. Good thing Ja and DMX attended on different days, or the fireworks coulda been real explosive! Also on set was Usher’s little brother James, who is 19 and wrote the intro to one of the tracks on his big bro’s new album Confessions. Usher revealed that the album contains many real-life stories about his past year, one being an episode where his “girl’s friend hit on him and messed up his relationship”. Whoa! So which one of Chilli from TLC’s mates was that then? After a really long tiring day I hooked up with Mariah at her LA residence so we could go to her manager Benny Medina’s birthday party. After years of managing Diddy and J-Lo, Benny’s house in Beverly Hills is ridiculous! The party was very un-hip-hop. The tunes were mostly Kylie and George Michael, a few transvestites were running around and guests I spotted were Paris Hilton, Nicole Ritchie (Lionel Ritchie’s daughter), American pop idol runner up Justin, Brandy and her lil brother Ray J who was hitting on Mariah all night even though he’s young enough to be our son! And butthead J-Lo who was looking quite drab and low key on the dance floor (probably ‘cause her publicist had just announced she and Ben were definitely over). People fawned all over Mariah throughout the night while we giggled at their conversation skills. Then Usher and crew arrived (I think they were stalking me!) During one real mad moment Usher dragged me on to the empty dance floor for an Earth, Wind and Fire track. Source: The Voice (All rights reserved) Heroes comment: Oh dear, Jasmine, you crack me up .
Posted on February the 3rd. |
 |
Competition
Mariah Carey Tickets to see the glittery pop princess Ends on Monday, February 23, 2004 The best selling female performer of the ’90s, Mariah Carey will be in town on February 26, showing off her legendary six-octave range with her glossy ballads and more recently adopted hip-hop approach. If you dream of seeing the big-haired pop poppet in action at DMC, get your tickets from the Time Out ticketline (800 4669). Alternatively, prove you’re a true fan and win one of three pairs by letting us know: You have to be logged in to TimeOutDubai.com before you can enter this Competition. Source: Times Out Dubai (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 2nd. |
| Don't forget to vote for Mariah for the DanceStar
USA 2004 American Dance Music Awards.
VOTE NOW! Posted on February the 2nd. |
| Peep show at the SuperBowl
What will certain artists do more to have free publicity . If you want
to read what happened, click here.
If you want to see what happened, click here.
Posted on February the 2nd. |
| Listen to What Would U Do with Butch Cassidy
I just received the confirmation that I could post the link to the forum where you can hear the track. Remember, the track is for evaluation only, so, don't forget to buy it when it will be on sale. You can also leave a feedback on this forum if you want. To hear the track, click here. Posted on February the 1st. |
| What Would U Do with Butch Cassidy - review
I spent a long time listening to What Would U Do with Shade Sheist and What Would U Do with Butch Cassidy. It's very difficult to make a choice. Which version is the best? What Would U Do with Butch Cassidy has the same tempo and Butch's part (which replace Shade's part) has new lyrics. Shade's part was more catchy, however Butch Cassidy brings another mood to the track. In my opinion, during his part, Butch is not in the tempo of the song like Shade was in his part. Also, in this new version, there are some additional background vocals by Mariah. Like I said, it's very difficult to choose, if I want to be neutral and judge the entire track, I chose What Would U Do with Shade Sheist, if I only pay attention on Mariah's part and her background vocals, I chose What Would U Do with Butch Cassidy. Posted on February the 1st. |
KDU’s SoulSisterz sing for AIDS
The quartet, comprising Suhana Abdul Kadir, Shazra Dixon, Grace Niles and Tricia D’Cruz, chose Christina Aguilera’s I Turn To You and Mariah Carey’s Can’t Take That Away – poignant songs which represent love, courage, dignity and hope for those in times of sorrow and grief. The songbirds, all in their 20s, made their college even prouderwhen they came away with the Best Presentation Style award and hearty compliments from the organisers for being the most co-operative and supportive team. The group’s debut performance was at a similar event during the AIDS Awareness Night in Bali Leisure Centre, Petaling Jaya, three years ago. But what started off as a one-time performance soon became a regular affair as the group was invited to sing at many other functions held by the AIDS Council. “The SoulSisterz was never about money and we are willing to take up any performances as long as it’s for charity,” said Suhana, who, has in previous years volunteered in several AIDS campaigns both locally and abroad. “A carrier of AIDS faces judgement before anything else – they are discriminated, mocked at and the pitiable thing is, young innocent children are being judged, too. “In fact, every healthy person should be obligated to care for, understand and give hope and encouragement to these people,” she added. Organised by HELP Institute, the event brought together staff and students from various colleges to participate and demonstrate a keen initiative to help curb the common mindset that “AIDS only affects certain people.” Under the banner Stigma and Discrimination or Prevention, participants were asked to express themselves in creative ways through singing, acting and dancing. According to the latest statistics, more and more youths are infected with and dying of AIDS. The Malaysian AIDS Council is striving to send out countless reminders and reports on the disease and its effects, with expectations that the public will unite to care for each other, and more importantly, to cherish one’s life. Pic: Talented songbirds: (from left) Three of the four SoulSisterz: Suhana Abdul Kadir, Grace Niles and Tricia D'Cruz pose with their Best Presentation Style award. Source: The Star (All rights reserved) Posted on February the 1st. |
Copyrights and all rights are reserved to the owner of the rights.
Site owner: Gilles Ollevier
Heroes of Mariah 2000
E-mail: staff@heroesofmariah.com
