Spontaneity marks
By John Berger
Carey performance
Star-Bulletin
'WE'RE not working with too much clothing here," Mariah Carey said, climbing down to mingle with the audience at Aloha Stadium Saturday night. Carey had been performing for over two hours when she came out for the encore in yet another revealing outfit. It looked like a two-piece swimsuit with a fringed shawl tied sarong-like around her hips. Escorted closely by security personnel she sang amid the crowd for almost 10 minutes before returning to the stage to close the show.
It was a glorious performance. Carey sang beautifully, danced with fluid sensual grace, and was refreshingly spontaneous. She stopped several times to talk with the crowd and invited fans on stage. There's a big difference between scripted patter and genuine conversation. Carey seemed genuine each time.
The song list was just about perfect. The best of her current "Butterfly" album was balanced by a judicious collection of previous hits. There might have been even more if she had been content with fewer costume changes, but sheer gowns and micro-minis slit to the waist are an important part of her image. She gave quite a fashion show.
Trey Lorenz joined Carey on stage for "I'll Be There" and sang solo during one of the costume changes. The Hickam Gospel Choir distinguished itself backing her on "Make It Happen."
Carey mentioned that her 1993 hit, "Hero," has acquired new meaning for her since her separation from her husband, Sony Music Entertainment president Tommy Mottola. And, she refuted rumors that she had said something negative about Hawaii: "Do not believe a word of it. I love Hawaii," she said. The tumultuous applause showed that Hawaii loves her too.
John Berger has covered local entertainment since 1972.
