July 7, 2009 Mariah Carey: “I was literally choked up when I saw him there in front of me.”

Mariah-Carey-Memorial

Mariah Carey took to her twitter to address her fans about her performance at Michael Jackson’s memorial today.

“Trying to sing today was basically impossible for me. I could barely keep myself from crying. I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to pull it together and really do it right,but I was literally choked up when I saw him there in front of me. One thing I know is, we will never really have to say goodbye to MJ. His legacy lives on through his music and the millions of people. He inspired with his timeless music. He will be forever in our hearts.”
– @MariahCarey via Twitter

People need to realize that Mariah’s performance was a tribute to the greatest performer of all time, Michael Jackson. The performers and speakers you saw today were there paying their respects, grieving, and saying their final goodbyes to Michael. It doesn’t matter how she sounded, she was singing from the heart! She was on that stage giving it her all and trying not to let her emotions get the best of her and for that I think she deserves some respect.

I definitely understand Mimi and her millions of lambs do too. Mimi just know that you have been talked worse about by better. People are so hard on Mariah and hold her to such a high standard, but the standard to which she is often held is herself at her best. Obviously the emotionally overwhelmed Mariah we saw today was not her at her best but she still was strong enough to get up there and sing. Everyone handles their pain and emotions differently. I don’t see how people seem to overlook that even though she started off a bit rough towards the beginning, she really pulled through and brought it home in the end. This was about Michael, and for those of you who can’t see the bigger picture I truly feel sorry for you. Like I said on Twitter, I’m so sick of people constantly looking for someone to drag through the mud to make themselves feel better.

Filed Under: Mariah Carey

47 Comments

  • Deirdre B Pride

    July 7, 2009 at 11:05 pm

    I saw it as being a natural heartfelt tribute. I never had a problem with her performance. I tweeted that fact while others were mean down right judgemental and mean. She did a fine job.

  • July 7, 2009 at 11:12 pm

    I totally agree. she was in mourning. she may not be as good as she use to be but she’s been there and done that. the new girls are trying to sell and break the records she has set.

    for the record!

  • Katie

    July 7, 2009 at 11:15 pm

    she sounds better than anyone even on her worst day. :)

  • Roly

    July 7, 2009 at 11:15 pm

    AMEN… this is so on the money… personally, i don’t think any of the “performances” should be critiques… this was in remembrance… and everyone pays respect/tribute in their own way… it’s ironic that even on a day filled w/ the showing of love for someone… that so much hatred could be directed at someone, u kno…

    keep ur head up MC!

  • adstarr

    July 7, 2009 at 11:16 pm

    I agree. Even though she wasnt at her best, you can tell it was too much for her. She pulled through and handled it like a professional. You have to show her some respect for that.

  • Mariahfan4eva

    July 7, 2009 at 11:16 pm

    OMGG yesss MC and all teh other celebs were grieving! MC did and AMAZINGG job under the circumstances she was in! I LOVE her and I feel her pain! RIP Michael Jackson he will FOREVER be missed! Hes Home now!

  • July 7, 2009 at 11:16 pm

    That was the most raw i’ve seen her perform, it was from the heart! all the haters need to FALL BACK!!! cuz u aint up there are you?? sittin around with no life tryna bring Mimi down…and besides its for MJ! God Bless his soul :(

  • Claudia Jordan

    July 7, 2009 at 11:21 pm

    AMEN! She was there to pay tribute-why is she being judged on her “performance”? She sounded fine to me. And Most of us can barely speak while we are crying or sad-she managed to keep it together and belt out a song in front of the casket of the man we are all missing. I had to keep turning my head everytime the camera was on the casket! Good job Mariah…. and fall back evil criticizers! do you guys EVER take a day off?? Greez…..

  • shonte m

    July 7, 2009 at 11:43 pm

    I knew MC was emotional. I was like her voice is off a little. But I know what it is to lose someone you love and try to sing at their going home services. It’s a difficult thing. God bless you.

  • Popsamillion

    July 7, 2009 at 11:46 pm

    What is so Ironic about this whole thing is that I noticed Mariah’s performance, I acknowledged it to not be her best, but I also understould that it was in honor of Michael and his legacy. The fact that any of the performers held it together was miraculous. How many of us could actually stand there and sing a tributory song to a friend and idol without emotion. These people, though seasoned performers, are people. Human beings, just like everyone else. What would you feel like if you sang at your brothers funeral and imediately after got a negative critique. Mimi did what she did, honored a man who influenced her life. Why can’t we honor the sentiment behind it. She is just Mimi…

  • Spicy Goddess

    July 7, 2009 at 11:47 pm

    I’m glad MiMi was there…. she and Trey did well.

  • The boss

    July 7, 2009 at 11:59 pm

    Your post excuse on Mariah’s horrible performance is laughable; why are people in here trying to pretend that Mariah hasn’t been sounding like CRAP live for years! B Scott I’m sadden that you are taking up for Mariah’s “Vocal decline” and blaming it on her emotions; but just days ago you let people dog Ms. Houston out on her latest song for her vocal change… Whitney’s vocal decline is MILES better than what I’ve been hearing live from Mariah lately..so If you’re gonna keep it REAL ( like you claim you do) please be real about Mariah and her “new uncontrollable” voice while you’re talking badly about Whitney’s ..some people on here said “Whitney don’t have it anymore and needs to retire” shiiitt Mariah needs to be standing right in front of her than!!!! Lol

  • Kirk

    July 8, 2009 at 12:09 am

    Stop making excuses for her BScott. I understand your love for MC because I share the same respect for her, but let’s face it that performance was crap. Her voice is not what it use to be. Everything is for a time, including Mariah’s voice. She may have been emotionally overwhelmed but you should know that’s when she sounds her best. This isn’t the case.

  • hazelamb

    July 8, 2009 at 12:12 am

    hey thank u for this blog about mariah. i truly appreciate u & respect u as a blogger for fully understanding MC’s performance. i cannot believe those people who completely misjudged her. mariah has NOTHING to prove she’s been in the business for so long, more than any other female singers out there, successfully. i hope, as a fan/lamb of her since she pretty much started, that people will understand & know how truly amazing she is. thanks again!

  • babylove

    July 8, 2009 at 12:20 am

    B, sugar baby love, u know i ride wit u! U know I do and I love Mariah too, I really do but her voice has been weird the last few times that she has sung live. It has changed but i understand u having her back like u do but still on the REALA THAN REAL, that was real bad and that is by any standard. I just don’t think she got it no mo’. I need to hear her hit it like she use to and make me a believer and why was old boy hitting that high note. Mariah was supposed to tear that part up!

  • July 8, 2009 at 12:37 am

    Exactly B. Scott. I thought she did Great.. I would have been a crying mess… She had the courage that most ppl in that situation could never do themselves….M.C is the Biz Forget the Haters cuz they are always going to hate. Thats their Job.. No need to explain yourself M.C your true fans no the deal….Love Ya M.C u did Great! muah! muah!

  • JJ

    July 8, 2009 at 12:40 am

    Thanks B Scott.
    I thought Mariah looked and sounded beautiful. She has done this song with ease so many times, so I know it is not a case where she can’t deliver the goods.

    Haters to da left. You have no business being in this post.

  • July 8, 2009 at 2:10 am

    She sounded great!! I always loved Mariah! And she obviously gets emotional when she is singing!! I do when I sing!! And this had to be hard on her because she was close to Michael. I’ll always be a fan of Mariah. I just can’t believe how so many can diss her like that. I mean I don’t think I could be as strong as what Mariah did if I were singing. I would be balling my eyes out. You could tell Mariah was trying so hard not to cry. And for people to pick out her faults is just plain wrong. She sung it more beautiful than she ever did I thought. It was full of emotion. I mean a lot of people bring me down so for that many people to bring her down like that that was just horrible.

  • BabyBoyE3

    July 8, 2009 at 2:59 am

    I think people need to leave Mariah alone… you could tell she was trying her hardest to not be overcome by the emotions of the experience…. and I have to give many kudos and love to her for being able to go through such a difficult task of honoring a star that is even larger than herself, and that she has known personally for many years, and admired! Give her a break…. it wasn’t that bad, and it came from the heart!

  • July 8, 2009 at 3:38 am

    mariah sounded a mess, but like you said that wasn’t the point. it’s a tribute and none of the performers should be critiqued.

  • Ebz

    July 8, 2009 at 5:15 am

    While I understand your point B. Scott, I find you to be extremely biased when it comes to Mariah. I understand that she has had a tremendous impact on your life, but as others have said she hasn’t been singing well as of late. Her pitch and tone has been off in situations where she has not been under emotional distress. It seems that no matter what she does, she can do no wrong in your eyes. I do agree with you- people should focus on her intentions when looking at this tribute. However, I just have a feeling that had this been any other artist, you would not be standing up for them live you have done Mariah. (i.e Whitney Houston). Usher was emotional as well, but she did an awesome job.

  • chloe

    July 8, 2009 at 6:43 am

    who agrees it was actually nice to see mariah with feelings and emotion not sad one you know but just to know she actually feels!

  • Ame

    July 8, 2009 at 7:06 am

    Thanks BScott for these words. I feel the same about this performance and I’m glad Mariah said something about it as well.

    ^ I see some Whitney Houston’s stans here… Just stop it. BScott is always supportive no matter what artist he’s writing about… Also, you cannot compare the emotions of two distinct artists/people (Mariah and Usher or anyone else), because we all have different ways of coping with such situations.

  • Word

    July 8, 2009 at 7:16 am

    Babylove…Trey always sings that part.

    Anyway, my opinion on this whole thing is…
    It wasn’t that bad. It wasn’t GREAT by no means but it was a decent performance and an emotional tribute. I was expecting something to disturb my spirit as bad as people made it out to be…but when I just watched it…I didn’t think too much of it. It didn’t leave me saying “WOW that was amazing” or “WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?” It just was. My thing with Mariah is it is so obvious that she STILL has stage fright. When she feels comfortable and in her element she doesn’t weasel out of singing full, strong notes. But when she isn’t really certain she ALWAYS breaks up the notes and does that repeating “You-you-you-you-you” shit. Believe it or not when that woman steps on a stage…there is more pressure than you can imagine. She has to live up to people expectations which are EXTREMELY high, she has to perform well for the fans & the haters, & she has to sing all those ridiculous notes most people wouldn’t even dream of. Plus just the fear of performing and all the stress that comes with that. People aren’t just born performers…that’s why yo ass is sittin at home on your couch watching other people do the do.

    I feel like if Rihanna got up and gave this performance not many people would say shit because no one really expects much from her or any of these other artist out now-a-days. If you want to see a good Mariah performance you are gonna have to support her and buy that new album.

    Mariah is a legend & the bitch can sing, everybody knows that.
    The voice is still there I think…just a little bruised and hiding in a shell.
    I’m hoping 2009 will be the year she hits you with that Boom Boom Pow a la The Emancipation cuz lord knows Whitney was not doing it for me…

  • AreWeTheereYet?

    July 8, 2009 at 9:29 am

    I agree with EBZ….She was a hot mess. LOL. I laugh at it, not her, because you have to realize that we are never going to be 100% perfect in life regardless of the situation. Everyone should chill. B.Scott is doing what LAMBS have done for years….defend their MIMI. I used to do the same with Janet. Rather than explain why she sounded like that, she shouldve moved on and let it go. it didnt need an explanation.

  • ace

    July 8, 2009 at 9:35 am

    Ummm… NOW Im one of Mariah biggest supporters, so as a fan I watch many of her performances especially the ones of late, and this isnt the first time shes sounded a mess. I understand the emotional stand point she attempting to claim, but come on now; there were a lot of other singers there who performed who knew the man personally throughout the years and sounded awesome, chocked up, but awesome. Mariah has no excuse, if she’s gonna use this as a crutch then lets strip her of her DIVA status, because a true Diva is always on her game, no matter the circumstances. I adore Mariah but she’s not singing like she used to and hasnt been for a very long time. I just hope this performance makes her say to herself ‘what the hell have I done to my voice’ And what the hell was she doing with that hand, swatting flies because it damn sure didnt make her sound better. Trey Lorenz completely stole that performance, and the look on his face when she was up there sounding a mess was CLASSIC! Maybe the rumors of the smoking, drinking, and other could be true, because her voice sure does reflect it. BScott I know you adore this woman but I look at you as one who can see the truth even through the bullshit, and this was horrible you must admit it. She needs to get it together if she expects to retain her status as a vocal stature in the music game, Whitneys on her way back, and even on a bad day, so far, she STILL outsings MiMi….

  • ace

    July 8, 2009 at 9:39 am

    And another thing… People arent critiquing the performances (plural) it was just that hers was hard to watch, and listen to. Like I said she is one of the artist I looked to for inspiration however she hasnt been sounding too good. Where is MARIAH because MiMi is out to destroy her career with these bad vocals and whorish clothes …

  • Laury

    July 8, 2009 at 9:54 am

    Okay, I understand that you’re a big MC fan, B.Scott. Even though I can’t stand Mariah, I can recognize her talent. However, why is it so hard to admit that her voice isn’t what it used to be? Voices change as we get older. There’s no need to protect her and defend her. She just has to learn to make the most of the voice she has now without trying to scream and hit high notes only dogs and whales can hear. I understand that singing in front of Michael’s casket was a very emotional moment for her, and maybe we shouldn’t criticize her performance. Because that memorial wasn’t about who was gonna pull off the most stellar performance. People were there to honor MJ’s memory. But the fact remains: Mariah sounded like crap. Period. Usher was very emotional too, yet he sounded amazing. So did Jermaine Jackson. And Jennifer Hudson. So please B, stop making excuses for Mariah.

  • Roabsalom

    July 8, 2009 at 11:18 am

    Ebz…nailed it on the head…Something is going on with her voice???? She still has an amazing voice but the power, clarity, and ease of hitting those ballad notes is gone. Maybe she damaged her vocal cords…it happens, she works so hard..a break and vocal therapy maybe in order…I hope she gets it together because I have to be honest ..that performace as well as others was NOT MARIAH WORTHY.

  • July 8, 2009 at 11:32 am

    I understand where Mariah is coming from. I am a true, TRUE lamb loved her since she did the National Anthem at The Detroit Pistons game. I understand her emotions period I get it. However this is out of love B, out of love for Mariah, Mariah has been slipping on her live performances for a minute. The Inauguration comes to mind. We get it you have a nice body, We get it you wear the long low cut gowns with high heels, but what we want more than anything is Mariah the singer, Mariah the late thirty diva belting out the jams. Singing stuff that is appropriate, that’s why we loved The Emancipation of MiMi all the songs were good. I know all about her being eternally 12, but she’s not.

    When I went to her website and saw her in her underwear-wet, I immediately thought of the Rainbow CD cover where is the progression? I am hoping, praying, wishing that Mariah put her focus into her voice and her performances than her appearance. Songs like Obsessed are for the chicks that can’t really sing, not for the powerhouse, one of my favorite singers Mariah “hot tamale” Carey.

  • TheMan

    July 8, 2009 at 11:40 am

    The Boss, you better SAY THAT, about 80% of the hundred post on the Whitney post was dogging her saying what happened to her voice, she cant sing like she use to, saying her time has past, then mariah comes with yet another bad performance and there are so many excuses for her? if she gets a pass this time, what happened at Obama’s Inauguration when she completely butchered “hero.” I’m not trying to just rag on Mariah, but dont diss whitney and praise mariah, when vocally Whitney’s new single is better than every vocal performance on mariah’s last cd.

  • tdubbs

    July 8, 2009 at 11:55 am

    i agree with EBZ usher was very choked up but he sounded awwwwsome

  • deela

    July 8, 2009 at 12:48 pm

    I think everyone including Mimi did a great job. I know if i was asked to sing i would be a mess and just crying into the mic. So they all did a great job. It’s not easy to sing and hold back tears.

  • Lae

    July 8, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    I am so tired of people making exuses for this woman!!! OMg!!! I love music, been singing most of my life, and my family is in the music industry as well.. What i saw Mariah do yesterday was simply not good!! Im sorry! Choked up, crying, sad, emotional, all those feelings are understandable but like someone said below me, i believe (Laury) said it, but Usher did an AMAZING job!!! and his own brother Jermaine did a wonderful job with “Smile”!!! and he was definitely choked up!!! HE sounded great… so! I really dont think that we should make exuses and use that she was choked up, (even though she used that exuse). I believe a singer, is a singer, and she has been in the industry for years!! And her voice, is not the same when she has no track behind her or no vocals behind her.. When Mariah sings with just Mariah’s voice.. she is not good! And yesterday proved that… Im sorry.. I love the old Mariah, but yesterday was very sad, and Im glad that my focus was on MJ rather than her performance. It was about MJ yesterday, not Mariah… but she could have done a MUCH MUCH MUCH better job.. Jennifer Hudson make Mariah look pretty bad…!!

  • betty

    July 8, 2009 at 2:23 pm

    The memorial service for Michael Jackson was very lovingly presented. For those that fine fault, and make judgemental comments can only give what have been feed into their spirit. Make this world a better place.

  • Nunya

    July 8, 2009 at 3:08 pm

    as i said on other boards, CHOKED UP MY AZZ.
    mariah sounded horrible and theres no excuse for that. mariah have been sounding horrible live for quite some time now.
    i guess Usher,Stevie Wonder and Jennifer Hudson werent choked up? please mariah is giving excuses and some of yall are buying that mess. Wait i guess Jermaine Jackson wasnt in mourning and that was his brother, he sang wonderful. mariah carey need to do something, she is known for her vocals and theyre slowing fading away. Im not even goign to mention the outfit she wore which was totally inappropriate. mariah need to stop trying to over do it and just sing.

  • Lee

    July 8, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    OMFG..absolutely sad and ridiculous. I love Mariah Carey..she is one of the most successful artists around and while her voice naturally isn’t the same as in the past, she still has the ability to blow several other artists out of the water with her voice. The woman has toured around the world working her butt off, naturally her voice isn’t going to be unscathed. But at least she has a reason that has nothing to do with drug abuse, so don’t haTe on B. Scott for not standing up for Whitney..that’s bs. Mariah has worked hard, and honestly you could tell that she was quite emotional standing there in front of a casket with MJ’s body in it. Usher got emotional and totally broke down at then end of his perf, yes he sounded great, but that doesn’t even matter..people grieve in different ways and some people loose their voices totally when crying or getting choked up while others don’t loose it at all. It’s different from person to person, but all of that is just stupid to even talk about because that’s so not the point. Mariah and others shouldn’t have to even feel the need to defend themselves during a freakn memorial. I thought her performance was just fine considering the situation of the matter. True, her performances before the memorial haven’t been that great, but she still has skill and power there that many artists of today don’t have. So..considering the fact that she still CAN sing because she has some performances that are still incredible, and not to mention she still writes and produces incredible things..she’s not washed up or done. I think she still did awesome yesterday especially on the high parts towards the end considering she was emotional…I would love to be able to sound partially as good as her…but point being..she shouldn’t have had to defend herself for yesterday..that’s just sooooo sooo sad. I feel so bad for her…it’s just awful. But she has supportive fans who will back her and her music continues to speak for itself. This moment was about her paying her respects to an icon, not blowing everyone away. It’s sad that people have to be so stupid and disrespectful and start bringing up past performances and vocal problems. LOL And it’s utterly sad when people are in here mad and upset because they say b. scott didnt back Whitney. Why bring her into this?? She hasn’t sang live in a minute besides her pre-grammy perf. and that wasn’t very great, but O lawd it’s a crime to say that because apparantly she’s back and sounds amazing…according to her die-hard fans. I mean I like her too, but im not gonna bs the facts. Sooo, they choose to stand up for someone who killed their voice via drugs, but won’t give Mariah the time of day who’s voice…isn’t dead, just a bit worn, because she’s worked her butt off….ToTal BS.

  • jayy

    July 8, 2009 at 4:58 pm

    I don’t get it!!!! People are saying she did so bad. She really didn’t, atleast I don’t think she did. Her high notes were UNBELIEVABLE and call me crazy, but I enjoyed it.

  • Sarkazm

    July 9, 2009 at 12:17 am

    I’m lost…..we all know what Mariah is capable of and her stellar achievements…but how can anyone defend they way she has sounded recently? She lost what she had….point blank. I love Mariah…and on CD she is THE BIZ…but live…somthin’ is wrong….my mama sounded better than that at my sister’s funeral, and she boohooed the entire way thru…..and who told her to say, “y y y you?” Like that was hot?

  • Marky

    July 9, 2009 at 9:03 am

    Whitney Houston should apologize for her recent studio voice, LMFAO!

  • July 9, 2009 at 11:34 am

    One thing that I’ve learned from reading B. Scott’s wonderful blog is that when he loves someone he really loves them. We all know B. Scott loves Mariah Carey and as some have pointed out he does lean towards the side of biased when it comes to her. Realizing that we can all make our own opinions of how the show was. I thought Mariah was not on her best as some have stated she hasn’t been singing live well for some time.

  • lauren

    July 9, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    i’m sorry but who gives a shit how she sounded. no it wasn’t her best but i was just happy to see her AND trey lorenze (SUPER excited to see tray lorenze) do “i’ll be there”. it was a sweet tribute to michael and the jackson 5 to perform that song together again.

  • Chad

    July 9, 2009 at 3:50 pm

    I don’t know what some of these people are smoking. Yes her voice cracked but it still was not a bad performance overall. Sure I will agree her voice does not seem to be the same as it used to, but it is still good.

    Also the people trying to bring Whitney into it. I’m a huge Whitney fan but her recent release is a complete hot mess. She struggled on the smallest of notes, was scratchy, and everything else.

  • TheMan

    July 9, 2009 at 4:22 pm

    Chad, i’ll be there is even a hard vocal and mariah struggles to hold any note, thats why she makes songs like Obsessed so she doesnt have to sing

  • suga

    July 9, 2009 at 7:40 pm

    People please, can we just call it like it is??? ALL of the artist’s up there were choked up…especially Stevie and Usher – not to mention Jennifer, who I’m sure was feeling the pain of losing her family all over again, and yet they were all EXCELLENT! Mariah was a mess. Period. I didn’t see any tears in her eyes before, during nor after the performance. They should have asked Patti to sing, she would have showed her how to sing “in shock”.

  • Lila

    July 9, 2009 at 11:31 pm

    I can’t even imagine that she is being criticized. The entire service was blessed and beautiful. I would not have been able to speak, let alone sing. Mariah sings better on her worst day than pretty much all of the current Pop tarts.

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