Denise Truscello / Courtesy of Park MGM

MUSIC

Mariah Carey Shines in New Vegas Residency

On April 12, Mariah Carey kicked off her Las Vegas residency. Titled "The Celebration of Mimi," the artist performed at the Dolby Live inside the Park MGM Hotel.
Tinseltown / Shutterstock

On April 12, Mariah Carey kicked off her Las Vegas residency. Titled “The Celebration of Mimi,” the artist performed at the Dolby Live inside the Park MGM Hotel.

In the singer’s bestselling memoir, she described her life as a rollercoaster. During the second night of her residency, she used the same word to describe her musical career, according to Billboard. However, in this case, “The Celebration of Mimi” is a ride fans don’t want to end. 

This residency honors the upcoming twentieth anniversary of Carey’s critically acclaimed album The Emancipation of Mimi. The set list, 90 minutes in total, features tracks from the 2005 album and the rest of her iconic songs throughout the decades. 

She opens with “Vision of Love,” her Billboard Number 1 debut single from 1990. From there, she takes audiences on a nostalgic journey through all her greatest hits in chronological order of release. Some other hits from the catalog include “Emotion,” “Hero,” “Always Be My Baby,” and “Dreamlover” as a tribute to Aretha Franklin.

According to People, Carey also uses impressive special effects to accompany her setlist. During “Can’t Let Go,” a large blue waterfall flowed behind her. The water eventually turned to smoke that billowed out underneath her. 

Along with the music, “The Celebration of Mimi” includes seven costume changes and three different hairstyles. Each one represents an homage to old eras of her career. “The production is slick energetic and sexy. Mariah’s look represents her now, but with nods to the different eras and iconic glamorous looks she is known for,” Carey’s makeup artist Kristopher Buckle discussed with People

Carey’s residency runs for 16 dates. The first leg occurs in April, starting on the 12 and continuing until the 27. Then, the second leg will pick up in late July and run through early August until the 10. Sponsored by Live Nation, $1 from every ticket will be donated to Fresh Air Fund’s Camp Mariah, a summer program that allows campers to explore their artistic talents.

You can purchase tickets to “The Celebration of Mimi” here.