Billboard Box Score: Mariah's Show in Oakland
Posted by Lynn on Thursday, 18-Mar-2010, 3:52PM EDT
Billboard has published the box score for Mariah's concert at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California in its 3/27/10 issue.
Date: Friday, February 26, 2010 Venue: Oracle Arena in Oakland, California Gross: $702,953 Attendance/Capacity of Building: 7,532 / 7,788 Sellout %: 96.7% Ticket Price Range: $238.75, $57
Source: Billboard | NSwain
Full Audio: Angels Advocate in Oakland, CA
Posted by Lynn on Saturday, 27-Feb-2010, 3:15PM EST
The full audio of Mariah's Angels Advocate concert at the Oracle Arena Amphitheatre in Oakland, California on Friday, February 26 is below! You can either download each song individually, or the whole show at once. Many thanks to Chino for recording the show for us!
Mariah Carey knows how to make a lasting first impression. Her entrance to the stage on Friday night at the Oracle Arena in Oakland was a diva-licious act of pure grandeur. It began as the house lights dimmed and the spotlights spelled out the star's first name against three-story-tall stage curtains. Then the curtains parted, revealing a bare stage floor and a full band situated on an elevated platform in back.
At that moment, the 39-year-old star began to descend into view, riding a swing as she was lowered from the rafters to the stage. The near-capacity crowd erupted at the site of the singer, who wore a sparkling gold formal gown that just screamed "red carpet." The dress would only stay intact for a few minutes, before the lower portion was ripped away to allow Carey the legroom to properly work "Shake It Off."
The main difference between this entrance and the ones that Carey has made at previous Bay Area concerts – such as during her October 2006 date at the same venue – was that it was only one highlight of the set. Overall, Friday's concert was the most completely satisfying performance that Carey has delivered for local fans in several years.
What went right? It all boils down to having a stage show that plays to a performer's strengths, and that's exactly what we found with this "Angels Advocate Tour" stop. For one thing, the set list was focused on the big ballads – Carey's greatest strength – which allowed the star to properly showcase her amazing five-octave vocal range.
Equally important, the stage show was smartly choreographed with a tight focus on giving fans what they really wanted – as much Mariah as possible. Too often, these kind of big pop spectacles feature so many frills – from multiple video components to crowded dance routines – that the real star of the show is often lost in the mix. That didn't happen at Carey's concert.
There were some dance bits and other theatrical elements, but they rarely seemed to crowd Carey. Plus, placing the band members on the elevated platform was a stroke of genius, one that allowed the singer to work the entire length of the stage and truly interact with a large portion of the audience.
Continuing through the sexy bedroom romp "Touch My Body" and the gospel-tinged "Fly Like a Bird," Carey showed an uncommon degree of restraint in her vocal work. Gone are the days when the singer would simply try to bowl her fans over with pure power and melismatic tricks. Somewhere along the line, she's learned the art of setting-up a big moment, which requires an understanding of pacing. The result at Oracle was that when she hit one of those unbelievably high notes, or sailed off on some other type of vocal acrobatics, it truly meant something to listeners.
Between numbers, and when she wasn't changing outfits (all of which were designed to show ample cleavage), Carey exhibited much personality and was successful in connecting with the near-capacity crowd. She alternated between the diva role, such as when her hair and make-up crew came out to freshen her up onstage, and that of the goofy celeb known for saying things that make the tabloids. The silliest she got was in talking about the making of the video for "Obsessed," the first single from Carey's last album, 2009's "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel."
"We are playing Barbies in the video," she said. "And that was a dream come true for me."
In all, Carey was funny, but didn't provide the kind of YouTube moment that some have come to expect from the star.
"I'm not making any speeches tonight," remarked Carey, in reference to the rambling speech she gave earlier this year at the Palm Springs International Film Festival after winning Breakthrough Actress for her role in the Oscar-nominated "Precious." "So, I guess we should be cool."
Carey was beyond cool – she was downright well-mannered. She said she was watching her language, and substituting words, out of consideration for the younger fans in attendance. That same logic was the reason for a playful "white lie" that Carey told the audience, as she downed a glass of champagne in two gulps.
"That's some nice apple juice that my auntie gave me," she explained to the kids.
The "apple juice" didn't affect her vocals – certainly not in a bad way. The singer – who Billboard Magazine proclaimed as the best-selling artist of the '90s – poured herself into the sweetly nostalgic "Always be My Baby" and the burning ballad "The Impossible." She closed the concert with a tremendous version of "Hero," which – out of the more than 40 Hot 100-charting singles of her career – may well be her true signature song.
The show's end was as impressive as its start, at least for this critic. For the first time ever, I wanted more Mariah as she departed the stage. Usually, that feeling only happens when she enters it.
Fan Photos/Reviews/Videos: Mariah at Oracle, Oakland
Posted by Lynn on Saturday, 27-Feb-2010, 11:32AM EST
FAN PHOTOS [Thanks to Michael, Edmond, Jojo, Bernardo, Fellipe & Laura!]
Lariah Enriquez (Tour Correspondent): "It was my 1st concert and Mariah Carey concert. It was AWESOME I'M SO SPEECHLESS! 100000000000000 STARS! I would totally go to another concert of hers. She sang so well live!"
Sophia Perez (Tour Correspondent): "I can't believe the the show is over already. Like other fans have said, it went by really fast and I wish there was more time. I enjoyed myself the whole time. Mariah is always dedicated to her fans and entertaining us. Her vocals were at their very best. The sound was real high, even when she would speak so you knew everything was live. All fan favorite songs were mixed in. She never neglected the audience and did a great job at making the setting comfortable for everybody. I loved the stage and costumes because it added to the intimate surroundings and not too over the top. The night was an overall gratifying festive experience, and I will make sure to go to the next show because I'm sad this one is over. Glad to be a part of it."
Chino Mayrina: "This was the fourth Mariah concert I've been to, and I was still as excited as I was when I saw her for the first time during her first L.A. stop for the Charmbracelet Tour. Mariah didn't keep us waiting for that long after the opening act, and I even saw her silhouette–the big hair and ruffles were unmistakable–for a few seconds behind the curtain as they were situating her on the swing. The first bars of the intro took off, the curtain lifted, Mariah began to descend, and everyone, including myself, lost it. With the first high note, she had everyone hooked. Her voice was not in the best shape, but she sang, and that's all that mattered. She seemed really comfortable with herself, unlike in TV performances where she has seemed stiff and unaccustomed to performing. The stage also looked a lot more elegant and well-made than it does in pictures. Everything just worked–the lighting (which was excellent), the dancers, and the placement of the band and singers. Mariah could move around but was not left to maneuver through large, empty spaces. Many of the people in front of me looked like they have been fans since the beginning, not only because they were older, but because they seemed to appreciate all the nuances of Mariah's performance, both during and in between songs; it was as if they were there to support an old friend and enjoy the inside jokes once more. When Mariah agreed to sing H.A.T.E.U., per the request of a fan who screamed out 'H-A-T-E-U,' and actually sang it at the end, she proved that she is indeed like a true friend to her fans. When she sang 'Hero,' all of the audience sang along; no matter how much she and some fans claim to be tired of the song, all the people there, including Mariah, sounded like they meant every word they sang. Mariah really did look like an imperfect angel when she descended in her sequined champagne tutu-gown as a spotlight radiated an aura behind her. I still felt the same profound connection I first felt when I heard 'Through the Rain' on the radio in 2002. I was a sappy, sentimental, cliched, and lonely 14-year-old gay boy–much like the song itself!–but even now, as last night's performance proved, I still think Mariah speaks to the underdog in everyone but also makes sure everyone has fun in the process. Even with all the Mimi and MCC personae, she will always be Mariah Carey, a true talent, a true artist, and also a human being."
Curtis Hill: "I've been a Mariah fan since the early '90s and not just a casual fan. I have to say that this was by FAR my favorite concert. I even was much further away than the three other tours I've been to, but it didn't matter. I must say, I was floored at her voice. Yes, some parts are lipped...we all know that, but you could tell from her speaking voice just how rested she was. This is definitely the BEST her voice has sounded on Tour since the Butterfly Tour, even better than Charmbracelet Tour vocals. I also feel SO lucky that we got the longest show and that she came on before 9pm. It wasn't even close to sold out, so I was worried she may rush through it, but she didn't. She was hilarious with the fans. One thing that stood out to me was when she was talking to a fan in the audience who had a sign about needing gas money because they had gone to so many shows, and she said, 'Oh no! I don't need a guilt trip from you. I already get those from my family.' LOL! Mariah is a legend and a diva, and we love her for that. Always."
Andy Kif: "Even though I've been a huge fan for well over a decade, I have never actually been to a Mariah concert before. Tonight I finally got to see her for the first time, and the show was as amazing as I imagined it would be. The biggest surprise for me was when she decided to perform 'H.A.T.E.U.' at our request; this was my favorite song from Memoirs! In addition to her breathtaking vocals, I liked her talking moments too especially when she said 'why you so obsessed with apple juice' at one point. She has a great sense of humor. There were many other great parts, but I'll keep this review brief. Given the opportunity, I would certainly love to attend again, and hopefully by then I'll have a closer seat."
Matt Mene: "It was amzing! My first ever tour of Mariah Carey and it was amazing. Didn't have really good seats but I still loved it. The people around me weren't standing up so I decided to stand up myself! haha. All in all it was good. She did a lot of good songs from Memoirs and she did HATE U! My favorite song. Amazing concert. Stunning. She will always be the best."
Bernardo Huitron: "I've been a mariah fan since I can remember and seeing her last night was honestly a dream come true.. I mean u hear her voice every day n to finally hear the voice live is very surreal, there's no words to describe the feeling. She is even more beautiful in person than on tv n pictures. From the new material to the throw backs was a treat =] I believe she sang more songs on this show than any other on the tour! Favorite part had to be when she was drinking her angel champaign n said "its ok its not like I have to give a speech" haha lol! hilarious!"
Richard Hillman: "I think we got her best show of this tour. 6 songs from Imperfect Angel album. H.A.T.E.U. was a gift from above since it was taken off the tour set list. She was beautiful. The crowd was there, never sat down. What a great night!"
Jordon Miller: "The concert was so good! She sang really well. Loved the dresses. She was very funny all concert and she was so nice and very happy to be at the concert. I sang every song she sang. I had the best time ever! Wish it was longer."
Daniel: "Oakland show was off the hook! First off, Mariah saw my 'Candy Bling' shirt and she said, 'Candy Bling! I wish I could.' And when Trey got on stage he gave me and a couple of other lambs a shout out because we had all gone out to dinner the night before! The Oakland show was a dream!"
Fellipe Silva: "Whew, what a night! Just got back from seeing Mariah live for the first time ever. Being a fan for 11 years now, it was such a special moment. I think I cried when the 'Daydream Interlude' started playing, but I was so excited I don't remember quite well. Oakland was a great audience. The place was packed and remained on its feet the whole night. As a reward, Oakland got a special gift. We got an extra song on the setlist: H.A.T.E.U! She added it after some nice lambs requested in the front row. She joked 'I'm not known for keeping promises, but as I promised, here's H.A.T.E.U for u guys.' Loved it! She also mentioned how the song should have been the second single, and how the record label interfered. Her vocals were great especially in the ballads like Fly Like a Bird and and My All. I was glad to be able to witness her not lip synching songs, as so many people insist she does. She does use backing tracks (Angels Cry, Obsessed) but she's never dubbing/miming, she's always live singing on top/adlibing. Also, I was quite surprised with the concert production. Pictures don't do it justice. The stage, lighting, dancers and her wardrobe look much nicer in person."
Syreeta Williams Huerta: "Last night's concert was amazing oh goodness! This is my first concert seeing her and I felt so blessed to be there! She was so good last night! She hit all the notes and she was funny, all her jokes were funny! I enjoyed myself!"
Michael Fink: "It was fantastic! Her voice was on point the whole night! She changed up some of the songs to show off the skills a few times, which was great to hear. Really did show that it was LIVE and not lip-syncing. She also did a great mix of old and new. The song choices were great to show off her range and talent. The stage show wasn't over the top and kept her as the main focus. The crowd loved it! I loved it! I would even see this show again in another city, if I had the funds. Well worth the money!"
Edmond Lee: "I can say it was the best night of my life ever! I have never experienced seeing Mariah this close. Although I always wanted front row ticket for this tour, I guess 9 rows from the stage wasn't too bad either because it enabled me to see her in person in a very clear environment and take a decent amount of good pictures of Mariah without the interruption of those security guards since I was in the middle of the crowd. Also I had shot some great videos as well for my own personal collection. After the show, I immediately went outside to the entrance to back stage and tried my luck to get a hold of Mariah. Although I wasn't that lucky, I was still somehow able to meet the backup singers Trey Lorenz and Sherry Tatum-Frederick and took a picture with both of them. Trey had signed my custom made E=MC2 hat as well, which made my night very fantastic! This would be the night that I will never ever forget!"
Laura Rodriguez: "Mariah was Ncredible tonight! I loved every song, and I especially love that she sang 'H.A.T.E.U.' after a few of my Lambs crew requested it, at first she blamed it on the band, that she could probably not sing it but then what shocked us was that she did it as an encore! She was singing it she started to point over at us and we all cheered and screamed 'Thank you' for singing the song we requested. And then finally as MC was telling the crowd the story behind 'Hero' my lil section keeps yelling out 'Honey B. Fly Baby' at one point she looked over, smiled and said: 'Aww I love ya' then we all just let her finish and she rocked the hell outta 'Hero.' I made 2 poster signs for MC one that read 'I Want My MIMI Doll' which she then referenced the UOMF video and asked me if I liked it, I screamed 'Hell yeah. You're Such A Barbie!' and the other read 'MC I'm Going Broke 'Cause I Luv Ya!' MC then said it was nice of me and that I gave her a guilt trip LOL. and she thanked me! (video here). Apart from MC reading my signs I honestly felt like throughout the whole show MC literally would constantly come over to my section to see what real Lambs had to say, it truly felt surreal, I kept thinking damn this feels like a dream, but then I'd look up and I kept seeing a beautiful talented 'Angel' who assured me that it wasn't a dream, her voice reminded me that she is 'Angel' living on earth. I was in Lamb heaven for sure. And apparently myself, Tracy & Dan keep appearing on the big screen because we were singing every song. It is funny because we didn't’t even know we were coming out of the big screen we were just like living in the moment, and what I find kinda cool is that after the show a little girl recognized me from the “Big TV” as she put it and asked me to take a picture with her. I was like aww! that was so cute. After the show a few of us stayed to try to meet MC but she must have sneaked away from us because she never exited from the door where many Lambs were standing outside of. Mariah never came out, but the night was not a total lost, some of us got to take pictures with Trey, Sherry, Darryl, & RydazNRtist so we were pumped at least about that. Overall tonight was so great! I had more than enough 'Mariah Moments' to hold me over until her next tour!"
FAN VIDEOS
Mariah Performs "H.A.T.E.U." and "Hero" (Thanks to Michael!)
"Butterfly Intro" and "We Belong Together" (Thanks to Edmond!)
Source: MariahDailyJournal
Live Updates: Angels Advocate in Oakland, California
Posted by Jonny on Friday, 26-Feb-2010, 11:00PM EST
Mariah performs at the Oracle Arena Amphitheatre in Oakland, California tonight. This is the second to last show of the Angels Advocate Tour! Our tour correspondents Rosana, Sophia and Lariah are there to provide us with live updates as they happen!
Setlist: 01. Butterfly Intro/Daydream Interlude 02. Shake It Off 03. Touch My Body 04. Don't Forget About Us 05. Fly Like A Bird 06. Make It Happen 07. Angels Cry 08. Always Be My Baby 09. It's Like That 10. The Impossible 11. Love Hangover/Heartbreaker 12. Honey 13. It's A Wrap 14. My All 15. Obsessed 16. Up Out My Face 17. We Belong Together 18. H.A.T.E.U. 19. Hero
Tidbits: • 8:00pm- Opening act RydaznRtist takes the stage. • 8:17pm- RydaznRtist are done with their set. Michael Jackson songs playing as the crowd waits for Mariah. • 8:42pm- The arena is pretty much full. The crowd is getting pumped up every time an MJ song ends! • 8:51pm- Mariah descends upon the stage on her swing. • 8:54pm- "Shake It Off" • 9:01pm- Takes a sip of water and says "It starts here!" Next song is "Don't Forget About Us." • 9:07pm- Says she has a cold again because "not everyone uses hand sanitizer!" • 9:12pm- Leaves the stage as "Make It Happen" begins. • 9:17pm- Mariah back on stage. She is reading signs and sings a snippet of "All I Want For Christmas Is You." • 9:19pm- Dedicates "Angels Cry" to the victims in Haiti. • 9:24pm- Mariah is having a hair and make-up touchup. David brings her a dirty champagne glass and she asks the crowd to take a picture. She takes two sips and say "Uno, dos, done!" • 9:30pm- "It's Like That" • 9:34pm- The crowd wants to hear "H.A.T.E.U." and she says "Maybe later!" • 9:37pm- Mariah is singing "The Impossible." • 9:42pm- Mariah introduces Trey and he sings "Rock With You" as she goes backstage to change wardrobe. • 9:47pm- Back on stage for "Love Hangover/Heartbreaker" • 9:58pm- Talks about relationships leading into "It's A Wrap" • 10:04pm- Says she was going to do "H.A.T.E.U." but the band said "wait!" Does "My All" instead. • 10:12pm- Trey is introducing the band and back-up singers. • 10:14pm- Back on stage singing "Obsessed" • 10:24pm- "We Belong Together" • 10:30pm- Mariah sings "H.A.T.E.U." per earlier audience request. [MDJ: Mariah has done six songs from Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel tonight, the most she's done on a single night for this tour.] • 10:35pm- "Hero" • 10:40pm- Show is over.
Many thanks to Rosana, Sophia and Lariah for their detailed updates!
If you were at tonight's show, we would love to receive your brief reviews; and pictures, audio and video recordings to share with everyone. Please send to contact@mariahjournal.com.
Mariah will be performing her final show of the Angels Advocate Tour at the Colosseum at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada tomorrow night, February 27th. Please join us at 9:00pm PST (12:00 am EST). Our MDJ Tour Correspondents for the night will be Cory, Hugo and Armando.
Source: MariahDailyJournal
THE ANGELS ADVOCATE TOUR
Welcome to MariahDailyJournal's "The Angels Advocate Tour" section! Get all your information, photos, and reviews here. We welcome your show experiences, reviews, audio & video files, posters and photos from the shows to share with everyone! Please e-mail us at contact@mariahjournal.com.
