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About Steven Berning from USA: Fan since 1997, seen her live three times, lamb for live! =)

The Revival Of Mariah Carey (113,740) by Steven Berning from USA Wow, you put work into that list and at least nine people gave it a thumbs up. (Thursday 30 April 2026; 07:13) this is a reply to message 113,735

The Revival Of Mariah Carey (113,735) by Bill from the UK Thanks all. Due to public demand here is the current list of excuses for why Mariah can't or won't sing live anymore. These have been collected over the years from either Mariah herself or from Yaas Queens on this very board. Remember, this is all in jest and we love everyone, but these have all genuinely been said out loud and seriously since 1997 to date. 1. Ear monitor malfunction 2. No humidifiers 3. Too cold 4. Too hot 5. Stage fright 6. Corset too tight 7. Heels too high 8. Preserving her voice 9. Scared of Michael Jackson's casket 10. Didn't want to upstage the Queen of Soul 11. Wanted to respect her peers 12. Bronchitis 13. Stressful divorce/break up 14. Arm in a sling 15. Pregnant 16. Not pregnant 17. Nodules 18. Too many splashes 19. Medicated 20. Backing singers missed their cue 21. Backing singers singing her part now baby 22. Foiled by Dick Clarke Productions 23. Late for the sound check 24. Not enough sleep 25. Too much sleep 26. Bipolar 27. Food poisoning 28. Mic wasn't turned up 29. Shit happens 30. Avoiding wrinkles 31. Nothing to prove 32. Prioritising her children 33. Too early in the morning 34. Too late at night 35. Broken hip 36. Alzheimer's 37. Fibromyalgia 38. Botched vocal surgery 39. Inadequate breath support 40. Preparing for Christmas shows (Wednesday 29 April 2026; 09:44)

Be nice or leave (113,649) by Steven Berning from USA Fairweather friend. (Saturday 18 April 2026; 08:29) this is a reply to message 113,640

Be nice or leave (113,640) by Edward from USA Easy, Mary, you completely missed the point. It's not about her staying the same or not evolving. The issue is that she stopped being relatable, which is a completely different thing. And Mariah wasn't some puppet back then. The words that came out of her mouth were hers, the eloquence, the intelligence, that was all her. Tommy was just part of the equation. He didn't write or produce those songs for her; she did. Randy is right: her diva persona ended up eclipsing her genius. Where's the relatability now? Her performing "Make It Happen" up through TEOM felt authentic. If she tried to deliver that same message today, people would probably roll their eyes. There's a clear disconnect between her music and her persona, and that's what makes her feel unrelatable. You can even see it in how public perception has shifted, before 2005, being her fan was something people proudly wore on their sleeve. Now, most fans feel like they have to keep it to themselves, myself included. If I had a dime for every time people rolled their eyes when I said I was a fan, I'd be rich. (Friday 17 April 2026; 15:52)

Tiffany's (113,648) by Steven Berning from USA I thought Mariah looked regale and sounded delightful. (Saturday 18 April 2026; 08:24)

Edward (113,381) by Steven Berning from USA Another day where another pompous, self entitled "fan" tells Mariah everything she is doing wrong. Not insulting at all dahhhling. (Friday 13 March 2026; 07:37) this is a reply to message 113,380

Edward (113,380) by Edward from USA Hi Bobby A, I'm good, thanks for asking. I hope you're doing well too. I actually meant to reply to one of your posts the other day but never got around to it. One thing I can tell is that the problem with Mariah is Mariah herself. If she doesn't start presenting herself in a more relatable way, she's basically done in the music business, aside from Christmas of course. The issue isn't really the music. As I was telling Randy, the bigger problem is the image she keeps projecting. The tired old "diva" persona has become repetitive and it feels out of touch with reality. What the new generation see in her is an overproduced, heavily styled diva image that feels distant and unrelatable. The gowns, the restrictive corsets, the layers of makeup, the constant entourage, it creates a wall between her and the audience. At some point she needs to drop the armor and just be more real and accessible. People today connect with authenticity much more than with the old-school diva mystique. If she showed more of the real person instead of the image, a younger audience might actually connect with her. (Thursday 12 March 2026; 21:35)

The problem with Type: Dangerous (109,818) by Steven Berning from USA Wow, that is a jenky high horse you are sitting on. And, nine people gave it a thumbs up, followers. (Saturday 19 July 2025; 08:53) this is a reply to message 109,774

The problem with Type: Dangerous (109,774) by Brad from USA There is simply nothing uniquely Mariah about this "song". Her name and voice are a "brand" at this point and there is a listener expectation of something unique to her sound or abilities with every song. Most of her songs deliver that. Type: Dangerous does not. Any person could sing this "song", as it never results in a moment that is identifiably Mariah. It's bland, generic and in some places crass. Does anyone really want to hear a 56 year old Mariah calling people "hatin ass hoes"? Apparently not. Not to mention ya don't do that as a mother when you have a teenage daughter. Bad move, Mariah. We all know she can do better while still being "on trend". This song is just garbage. And it reflects poorly on her judgment that she didn't realize it before putting it out. Let's hope for better from MC16. (Wednesday 16 July 2025; 23:11)

Just like the leeches on her payroll (108,828) by Steven Berning from USA The yaasss queen. Aren't you tired of that? Don't you want new and exciting ways to insult people? (Friday 23 May 2025; 05:15) this is a reply to message 108,819

Just like the leeches on her payroll (108,819) by Edward from USA I appreciate the effort, but as a longtime fan, I can't help feeling heartbroken. Mariah deserves so much more respect, more care, more truth. It pains me to see people blindly cheering her on without regard for her artistry or legacy. I'm talking about the ass kissers, the "yass queens" who clap for anything without thinking twice. This verse is for you, as if Mariah were singing directly to you: "So many I considered Closest to me Turned on a dime and sold me Out dutifully Although that knife was chipping Away at me They turned their eyes away and Went home to sleep" In the end, that's exactly what you "yass queens" will do. When the damage is done and her legacy lies in ruins, you'll simply turn your pretty eyes away, just like the others, and go home to sleep. (Thursday 22 May 2025; 17:38)

Moderator (108,396) by Steven Berning from USA This board needs a moderator. (Friday 21 March 2025; 20:59)

Article: Mariah shows off physique in sparkling "swimwear" (105,090) by Steven Berning from USA I can't believe you actually wrote that. Gross. (Thursday 25 January 2024; 16:37) this is a reply to message 105,069

Article: Mariah shows off physique in sparkling "swimwear" (105,069) by Edward from USA It's the extreme woke TikTok mentality of these times my friend. And it's getting worse by the minute, so buckle up. (Wednesday 24 January 2024; 16:45)

Sweet, Sweet Fantasy Tour (104,975) by Steven Berning from USA For real. Argue just to argue. (Wednesday 17 January 2024; 07:44) this is a reply to message 104,973

Sweet, Sweet Fantasy Tour (104,973) by Bobby A from United States You are like Alexis on Dynasty. You hate to be wrong or not agreed with. Have you ever had a Dex Dexter in your life to sweep you off your feet? (Wednesday 17 January 2024; 01:13)

Something's going on behind the scenes (103,510) by Steven Berning from USA Andrew is so spot-on here. Follow blindly, is the irony missing on you? (Saturday 16 September 2023; 05:49) this is a reply to message 103,506

Something's going on behind the scenes (103,506) by Brandon from USA My comment was out of concern for Mariah and nothing else. As a dedicated lamb from the beginning, I can be concerned and question things as I see them. You choose to follow blindly and that's ok for you. I want the best for MC and if something doesn't look right, I will speak on it. With that being said, I hope everything is ok and that we get to see more of her healthy soon. (Saturday 16 September 2023; 02:53)

Emotionally stiff (103,045) by Steven Berning from USA Preach. Snaps. (Friday 21 July 2023; 07:48) this is a reply to message 103,042

Emotionally stiff (103,042) by Andrew from the UK I would like to associate myself with your sentiments somewhat. However, people are of course entitled to express opinion but lies must be challenged If I were, for example, to claim that Aqua's Barbie Girl is a direct copy of Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell - that is flatly denying obervable reality. Any suggestion that "It's their opinion and they're entitled to it" is rather problematic because it assumes that a lie can be justified under the umbrella of individulism and self-expression. In any case, it's just planily stupid - and it very much is, so I am declaring it - to say that everything else on Daydream is a copy of Fantasy and One Sweet Day. Now if someone wants to state such a thing and provide, then, evidence to support the hypothesis, that's an argument, that's good, that can be debated in an attempt to discover truth. I recall a few years ago asking to no response what people meant on this board by declaring "everything Mariah realsed since 2005 is a copy of We Belong Together." I asked, if they meant, the harmonies, the theme, the style, the phrasing, the melody, the... whatever. I still don't know. I can't hear We Belong Together in Touch My Body which was refreshingly different for Mariah. I can't hear it in Obsessed. Nor can anyone who isn't deaf of very hard of hearing or just stupid for stupid's sake hear Fanasy or One Sweet Day in Looking In. The claim is false, there is nothing to support it as it stands and any attempt to dress it up as an opinion is at best unhelpful and at worst just stupid. Lies ust be challenged. Flatly denying observable reality is lying. Now somebody may not like the rest of the album, and that's fine. I would support them in shouting it from the rooftops, were they so inclined. But some eivdence to support my rather excellent argument: it's a positively stupid claim given that, as I understand it to have been, Underneath The Stars was the first song written and recorded for Daydream. So unless Tommy Mottola had a time machine (which I am namng the Time-y Mottola), as Judy Sheindlin put it: "Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining." Peace out. (Friday 21 July 2023; 01:35)

Mariah's a songwriter? (102,944) by Steven Berning from USA What is wrong with you? (Friday 30 June 2023; 08:08) this is a reply to message 102,927

Mariah's a songwriter? (102,927) by Randy from USA I had no idea. I just thought she stood on stage in a black gown and sang Hero one dimensionally. I thought because she's a terrible piano player and doesn't play guitar that there was no way she could write songs. I've seen every interview she's ever done and she's never mentioned it. I was under the impression that MC and Mimi wrote most of her songs. I thought Casio wrote All I Want For Christmas is You. I thought Gloria Estefan wrote Hero. I thought Eminem wrote Clown. I thought those scribbling noises on Faded were mice scurrying across the floor. I thought she was just drawing stick figures in her journal during the Can't Take That Away video. I thought that section of her writing Never Too Far in Glitter was just acting part of the script. My Butterfly can now fly over the Rainbow abandonedly. I agree Kelly, Mariah is not recognized as a songwriter. (Friday 23 June 2023; 21:24)

MB30 (102,891) by Steven Berning from USA Anyways. (Thursday 15 June 2023; 16:02) this is a reply to message 102,889

MB30 (102,889) by Bill from the UK No tour footage, no tour audio, a lukewarm "deluxe" digital album with only 3 new additions, an expensive cassette re-issue, an overly expensive non-audiophile vinyl pressing with no new material, and re-hashed merchandise. So yes. Botched. (Thursday 15 June 2023; 11:38)

MB30 (102,888) by Steven Berning from USA The Butterfly anniversary was botched? Wow. (Thursday 15 June 2023; 10:07) this is a reply to message 102,881

MB30 (102,881) by Bill from the UK Apparently Mariah is dropping some surprises for Music Box's 30th anniversary (August 31st). Could it be we finally, finally get the Music Box Tour footage on DVD/Blu-ray quality and/or audio? The scrapped AYNAF video? More outtakes not included on The Rarities? I hope it doesn't get botched like the Butterfly anniversary. (Tuesday 13 June 2023; 22:28)

Randy follow up (102,699) by Steven Berning from USA Are you though? Are you? (Tuesday 9 May 2023; 09:13) this is a reply to message 102,694

Randy follow up (102,694) by Randy from USA That would be three but what kills me about this whole thing is how the internet keeps giving her writing credits. The only reason I thought she co-wrote All My Life was because if you google it all of the sites say she wrote it with Rick James. I don't know why she didn't collaborate on Almost Home. Isn't that Stargate whom she's worked with before? But yea the internet has me stating the wrong information and you know how much I'm about the truth. (Tuesday 9 May 2023; 01:23)

Legacy (102,615) by Steven Berning from USA What's with the negative slant? Mariah is enjoying her third act. Don't you think you are taking the rarity of that feat for granted? She had an imperial phase for an entire decade. Then, the biggest comeback of the following decade. All that would have more than cemented her place in history. However, by some reverse fate, the universe has decided Mariah defies all odds, never count her out, and she deserves to be at the top again. Absolutely no reason to feel ashamed by that in some way. Not because of Christmas or her whistle note. Mariah is traversing uncharted territory. (Sunday 23 April 2023; 09:44) this is a reply to message 102,605

Legacy (102,605) by Randy from USA One of the things that bother me with the newer fans, delusionals and yass queens is the over celebration of AIWFCIY. A few years ago the older Stans were on here arguing what MC's signature song was. We tentatively settled on Hero. But now it's clear what she's going to be known for if this yearly record keeps happening. I think that the noise around that song fades away some of the most amazing singer songwriter compositions ever recorded. Mariah Carey is more than some relic you drag out of the closet and dust off on November 1st. Another damaging thing that the newer fans, delusionals and yass queens celebrate is her whistle register. Yes it is lovely. But that register doesn't make a great singer. I remember in the promotion for Emotions she said she didn't use it more on the track because she didn't want it to become a gimmick. She laid off it quite a bit on Music Box and Daydream but when the voice changed around #1s it was on full display for Rainbow. I think it's a crutch used to prove she can still sing. But if you have lost your belting register, are you gonna whistle your next albums? I just worry that Mariah's career is in a bleak spot and people are shining spotlights on things that narrow her legacy to a whistling Christmas act. Thoughts? (Saturday 22 April 2023; 03:34)

Female singers (102,570) by Steven Berning from USA Preach. Yes, the double standard is crazy. I remember reading an article about Pink having to "fight" to get her songs played after 35. 35 is old? Mariah beat the odds with hits like "Obsessed" and "Beautiful". Mark my words, Beyonce is going through her E=MC2 phrase right now. Her fans better get ready for memeroirs and beyond. (Tuesday 18 April 2023; 09:26) this is a reply to message 102,567

Female singers (102,567) by Bobby A from United States Why do female singers seemed to have various career setbacks and have a hard time telling people no more than male singers? From MC to Britney to Ariana to Adele to Toni Braxton, it has happened to them all. They just to seem to have more career problems after a fast ride to success. While male singers from Usher to Kem to Sam Smith to Ed Sherran have more of a balanced approach to their career success. Are female singers pushed harder to become successful at a faster pace than their male counterparts? Looking at Ariana's recent video post of her looking frail and not looking like she did 2 years ago prompted my post. She looks like she is just tired from recording and touring from the past 10 years. (Monday 17 April 2023; 04:35)

Observation (102,450) by Steven Berning from USA You missed the point. And, no, your grandmother's 95th birthday is not the point. (Monday 3 April 2023; 08:49) this is a reply to message 102,438

Observation (102,438) by Anonymous from USA Although I do not come here to bash or pick MC apart, I don't need anyone telling me if I classify as a fan or not. I simply did not wish her a "Happy Anniversary " because I was too busy celebrating my own grandmother's 95th birthday. Also, this is a fan board, not a direct link to her, it's not guaranteed that she would even see it here. I have, however, wished her well and sent lovely direct messages to her via social media, and guess what? No response. But I don't care, I am sure she's too busy to acknowledge everyone just like I was busy on her birthday. It's not that deep. Take it easy. (Sunday 2 April 2023; 05:02)

Observation (102,449) by Steven Berning from USA Because he retired at 40. That's the point. (Monday 3 April 2023; 06:01) this is a reply to message 102,433

Observation (102,433) by Bill from the UK Michael Jordan doesn't use studio trickery and smoke and mirrors to pretend he still can jump though. (Sunday 2 April 2023; 00:46)

Observation (102,447) by Steven Berning from USA Oh please, you're just a follower. (Monday 3 April 2023; 03:32) this is a reply to message 102,441

Observation (102,441) by Bobby A from United States Randy, that is great video compliation of MC's excuses. Watching it made realize that MC clearly has an identity self-image issue that has affected her ability to stop worrying about what people think about her. I can relate to this because I am extra sensitive about how people perceive me. Rosie assured her each time, but she still couldn't accept her sincere praises of her performances. Looking In, I Am Free, Close My Eyes, Outside, Fly Like A Bird, Camouflage, and Potrait all tell the story of MC's identity self-image issue. Losing her voice has only made it worse for MC. (Sunday 2 April 2023; 10:27)

The real reason for no respect (102,303) by Steven Berning from USA But to be honest, we are so lucky to have you speak to us on behalf of "the public". Especially, the public that includes Christina. Thank you Lamb. (Tuesday 7 March 2023; 09:16) this is a reply to message 102,291

The real reason for no respect (102,291) by Randy from USA If you listen to early producers on her album, Narada Michael Walden for example, MC was a perfectionist. She re recorded I Don't Wanna Cry one hundred times until it was perfect. The audience has never seen a showy performance the likes of Whitney, Patti or Christina. And y'all keep talking about the nuances of her voice but to be honest the public doesn't care. Look how nervous she was singing Vision of Love at the 91 Grammys. Fixing her dress constantly. A flat run on "love". She had an amazing voice but didn't know what to do with it. Live performances make you and the only time I've ever seen MC sing beyond what the record entailed was Tokyo Dome in 96. As a songwriter she was unmatched. A friend of mine recently said, she was probably better off as a songwriter producer and Tommy forced her to be a singing star. (Monday 6 March 2023; 00:11)

LadBaby? (101,915) by Steven Berning from USA Can someone please help explain LadBaby to me? I'm a citizen of the U.S., I get that there is a cultural difference to the UK. Even so, we have our novelty acts. We have our nerdy white boys who somehow have a huge hit or two. Vanilla Ice, Marky Marky and the Funk Bunch. However, our nerdy white boy novelty acts last for one or two songs, one or two albums, one or two years. Not, five years? How is LadBaby about to have the coveted Christmas #1 for a fifth year in a row? I've watched a few videos. What am I missing? I don't find them to be particularly funny, particularly good looking, nor particularly talented. Sausage rolls? Please, what am I missing? Educate me. (Tuesday 20 December 2022; 07:25)

Why is everyone surprised? (101,889) by Steven Berning from USA Cry me a river. (Sunday 18 December 2022; 09:13) this is a reply to message 101,876

Why is everyone surprised? (101,876) by Randy from USA You know what's funny. Even Eric the webmaster on this board attacked me when I said that the 2006 Grammy performance was a cut and paste job. Mariah literally sang an adlib and then the next adlib was the backing track. Watch it again. I don't think bashing MC is cool and edgy. What I really feel is that MC was the 8th wonder of the world vocally. Something happened between Tokyo 1996 and Oprah 1997. We never got any explanation. But while all these other singers who have been around belting before and after Mariah, Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, Regina Belle, Chaka Khan, are going about their business what we get to defend our diva is excuses. Her voice is different; it's sensitive, humidifiers, the ear monitor, the casket was in front of her, the air conditioning was on, the heat was on, nodules. I don't want to be right. I don't want to be the one that was right about MC's throat implosion. I'd rather her say something. One of the things I've told you guys over and over is that I live a different lifestyle than you. All of my friends are Stan's of different divas. Do you know how much ish I get as MC's representative? Recently I was given Chante Moore's performance at Soul Train and the caption said Mariah who? Would any of you, in 1995 thought Chante Moore would be able to outsing MC? MC came out in 90. Chante came out in 92. Oh wait I know. MC had to sing so much more. The nodules. The lighting. The casket. The HVAC. (Saturday 17 December 2022; 16:57)

Why repeat and highlight the painfully obvious? (101,868) by Steven Berning from USA Preach. (Saturday 17 December 2022; 08:37) this is a reply to message 101,861

Why repeat and highlight the painfully obvious? (101,861) by Geronimo from USA We can all see Mariah Carey is not in a good place. I'd greatly appreciate a thoughtful explanation of the intended function of serializing goats' and lambs' riveting forensic takes on the tragic "farce" of it all ad nauseam when no one knows enough to shed light on what is actually happening with Mariah Carey. (Saturday 17 December 2022; 00:29)

Why is everyone surprised? (101,867) by Steven Berning from USA Or, maybe you are being melodramatic to get a reaction. (Saturday 17 December 2022; 08:36) this is a reply to message 101,854

Why is everyone surprised? (101,854) by Bill from the UK That's a fair point you raised at the end there. As it's been so long, is she supposed to say she's been fooling everybody for 25 years? I think we just value Mariah's voice, legacy and music more than she does. She clearly cares more about how she looks, the bank balance, and her endorsements over her voice, her music, and her legacy. It is incredibly sad, but perhaps she simply does not care about it as much as we do. (Friday 16 December 2022; 15:45)

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