In our in our 24-hour news cycle world, the Mariah Carey New Year’s Eve debacle is pretty much a distant memory, but for those of you who were wondering “Well, what did Mel B. think about it?” you now have your answer.
The 41-year-old singer, currently on Broadway in the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago, is guest hosting this week on The Real. On Monday, the topic of Mariah’s on-stage oopsie came up. Mel and her hubby, Stephen Belafonte, were at Times Square and witnessed the performance – or lack thereof – first-hand from a platform near the stage (Mel was co-hosting NBC’s NYE coverage).
Mel told the panel she was “in complete shock” while watching Mariah sort-of lip-synch and talk/sing through some parts of her song. She went on to say, “I was watching, going, ‘What is going on over there?’ because I was trying to lip-synch along to her song, pretending I was Mariah, and then it all stopped, and I looked over and I couldn’t believe what I was actually seeing.”
Mel, who has seen her share of technical disasters and horrible performances on America’s Got Talent also offered some “hindsight is 20/20” advice, stating, “As a performer, as somebody on TV, if something happens, you just keep going. Your first reaction is to not let silence go too long, so I was in complete shock. I was like, ‘Why did you let that happen?’”
As for what happened to Mariah, whom she regarded as “an amazing singer and an amazing performer,” Mel mused, “I think maybe she was having a rough day vocally and didn’t even want to attempt that when it actually came to singing live because some of the track was pre-recorded, all of the high notes, and some of it was just blank for her to sing live.” She went on to lament, “Maybe she doesn’t have that voice anymore. I hate to say it…” Do I detect a sliver of shade here? Watch the clip below and decide for yourself.
It wasn’t all Mariah talk during Mel’s segment on the show. Mel was also asked about the much talked-about, by me at least, Spice Girls reunion. From what Mel was saying here, it looks like it might not happen at all. She said “Trying to get everybody’s schedule on the same kind of vibe is more or less impossible. I’m still hoping something’s going to happen because I think we have to celebrate.” Dang. I may have to get my Girl Power elsewhere.
I do think Mel’s spot-on about Mariah not having the voice she used to anymore. She really gave her vocal cords a run for their money in her youth. And, hey, aging happens. It sucks to be sure, but it happens, and your voice does change. I hope this incident isn’t the real reason Mel’s backpedaling about a Spice Girls reunion, I “Wannabe” in the crowd to see her, Geri and Emma!
Photo credit: WENN.com, Getty Images
I think the problem is Mariah doesn’t care anymore, she wants the $$ but without working for it.
I didn’t know she is playing Roxie! I have a hard time picturing it personally, but I bet she NAILS it 🙂
I saw her on New Year’s Day- ironically the day after Mariahs flub. I thought she was ok but weaker than the rest of the cast. Good show though.
I totally agree with Mel, re: you just don’t let that happen. The way Mariah handled it was ridiculously unprofessional for someone who’s been in the industry as long as she has. It just goes to show you that she’s a spoiled brat who doesn’t care about her audience.
Oh there was def shade from Mel there, thou Mel has a nerve to talk she’s not exactly a great singer. But yes I do agree that Mariah is probably not got the voice she once had, not that she tries really – she’s all about a quick buck and the lifestyle now rather than making music. Her behaviour shows she really does think she’s a legendary Diva, people shouldn’t be surprised at her reaction as her bad behaviour has been known for years.
There’s something about Mel I don’t like.. I just don’t think she’s a nice person.
Do people really want a Spice Girls reunion? The did one a few years ago. Is another necessary? I just don’t get the love since they were around for just a couple of years.
Its a nostalgia thing but won’t happen. Geri is pregnant again and Mel B (who was originally the driving force cause she needs the money and PR boost) seems to have gone off the idea as she’s now got a show on Broadway. Emma has always been up for a reunion.
What about Mel C?
I could be misremembering, but hasn’t it been around 20 years since Wannabe was released? I could see there being a special 20th anniversary celebration. They were only around for a couple of years, but they were *huge* during those years.
Scary Spice has always been my favourite Spice Girl.
Her voice is still there. She was shown rehearing with a pianist in the first episode and she sounded so good. I think it’s her attitude that gets in the way. She’s a diva and needs things done a certain way and a certain way only. That could be the issue.
How many animals died for that coat she’s wearing. GROSS
I think Mariah lost her voice a long time ago, like way back in 2000. You can tell during the Emancipation of Mimi era that 1) her range was much more limited and 2) most of her live vocals were mimed.
Agreed, she just can’t hide it as well as she could in the 2000’s.
Everyone knows that Mariah’s voice is much weaker than it used to be. I don’t know why people like to sugarcoat that or why her fans like to pretend that her voice is just as good. It’s not as good as it used to be.
Well girl power they are so famous.. i like the way they respect each other ..you know it is quite hard to reunite ..they have their own family ..kids n some of them are busy..to force someone to get back together it.s really difficult..but the most importantly i hope all of you spice girls keep on stand firm on your friendship whatever or anything happened..i think even you can.t celebrate the 20th anniversary . .we fans understand..celebrating friendship is the most important ..that.s what we fans wanna see..love u all guys ..viva forever spice girls..tq