Why Mariah’s the queen of festive kitsch
HEARTENED by the longevity of her 1994 hit All I Want For Christmas Is You, Mariah Carey does festive like nobody else.
Ever since she played her first Christmas concert at New York’s Beacon Theatre three years ago, her holiday shows have been a fixture in the States. And this week, for the first time, she brought her slick seasonal spectacle to the UK.
The evening began with a sugar plum fairy and finished with a very merry take on that 1994 song — just crowned Britain’s favourite festive single. In between, we had fake snow, dancing elves, sleighbells and a gospel choir.
At 85 minutes, the show was short by arena standards. But, boy, did it pack a theatrical punch, with a stage festooned with gift-wrapped boxes and a huge tree. Playing on her reputation as a pop diva, the 47-year-old told gags at her own expense. ‘I’m not saying my Christmas is more festive than yours,’ she joked. ‘But I do have real reindeer.’ At least, I think she was joking.
Joy To The World, Oh Santa! and other Christmas offerings were magnificent. But it was when she deviated from the festive theme that Carey made the strongest emotional connection.
Disco track Emotions raised the energy levels and Hero was sung as a sea of mobile phones was held aloft. It was schmaltzy. It was sentimental. It was all we have come to expect from Mariah.