Despite the absence of snow in Detroit, Mariah Carey, in her signature diva style, conjured a snowy spectacle, transforming the stage into a winter wonderland that harmonized seamlessly with the festive atmosphere. This fascinating transformation set the perfect tone as we launched into the Christmas month on Friday, December 1st, at the Little Caesars Arena. The audience was a vibrant display of holiday spirit, adorned in Christmas attire, featuring festive sweaters, quirky sequined numbers, and, of course, an array of reindeer ears and twinkling accessories. The energy in the arena resonated with the unmistakable joy of the season.
A sea of 13,000 fans filled the venue, and Mariah Carey poured her heart into 93 minutes of classic Christmas hits, delightful surprise renditions, and, of course, she brought her full Diva charm into play, leaving the crowd eagerly anticipating her next mesmerizing outfit change. Mariah made a dazzling entrance in a Golden Angel costume, gracefully floating on clouds and enchanting the audience with her heavenly presence. Throughout the evening, the songstress remained true to her style of perfection, gracing the stage in a series of sequined gowns, each one more exquisite than the last.
The concert showcased a captivating black church choir adorned in vibrant red church gowns, immersing the audience in the very essence, soul, and significance of the Christmas holiday. Their rendition of “Joy to the World” and a gospel twist on the singer’s 90’s classic “My All” pleasantly surprised the audience, blending the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth with infectious beats that kept everyone on their feet. Mariah Carey’s holiday classics became a divine journey, transporting attendees to a musical church experience and infusing the night with the true spirit of the festive season.
Naturally, Mariah Carey didn’t limit herself to just Christmas hits. The setlist was a diverse blend, encompassing not only her iconic holiday tunes but also a mix of her greatest pop and R&B hits. The repertoire included cherished classics like “Always Be My Baby,” a fusion featuring “Honey,” and selections from her critically acclaimed “Emancipation of Mimi” album. The performance didn’t stop there; Mariah seamlessly transitioned into the viral TikTok trend, showcasing her 2009 hit “It’s a Wrap,” which gained global popularity this past year, reaching its pinnacle in the summer. Accompanied by the viral dance routine performed by artists adorned in glittery winter attire, the audience was not only entertained but also encouraged to join in the fun by participating with help from her dancers.
As Mariah Carey reached the pinnacle of the concert, she serenaded the audience with “Hero,” a song that brought everyone together in a harmonious chorus of voices and some to tears. The stage was bathed in lights as the soulful Black choir joined Mariah again for the beginning of the grand finale, creating a truly magical moment.
Just when the audience thought the night was over, a handsome man walked up to escort Mariah off the stage. However, the question lingered—was she truly done? Just then with a heartwarming video showcasing Mariah Carey and her children enjoying the holiday season over the years, portraying the pop sensation as a cool festive mom who revels in the joy of Christmas, began to play. This melted our hearts. The festive atmosphere continued as kids dressed in Christmas attire came sliding down slides, adding an extra layer of delight to the night. That’s when we knew it was indeed TIIIMMMEEE.
Wrapping up the night, she demanded the spotlight in a sequined Nutcracker leotard, delivering a powerful rendition of “All I Want for Christmas.” This moment encapsulated the very essence of Diva holiday energy and served as the grand finale that had everyone erupting in holiday glory. It was the captivating performance everyone had eagerly awaited, and Mariah Carey did not disappoint, leaving the audience in sheer awe.
Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas One And All! Concert in Detroit was a spectacular celebration of the holiday season, filled with dazzling performances, heartfelt moments, and a festive atmosphere that left the audience with memories to cherish. The diva’s commitment to starting and ending on time, along with her dedication to creating a winter wonderland for her fans, made this holiday concert a truly magical experience for all in attendance.
The Merry Christmas One and All tour, presented by Live Nation, started in November with performances in Los Angeles, New York, Toronto and more. Tickets went on sale last month via Ticketmaster and Live Nation and they’re selling out fast.