Mariah Carey on ‘Merry Christmas’ and the Joy of Christmas Fame \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Mariah Carey celebrates 30 years of her iconic “Merry Christmas” album, a pivotal moment in her career that solidified her as a holiday icon. Initially unsure about releasing a Christmas record, Carey embraced the experience, which ultimately became a cultural milestone. Ahead of her upcoming Christmas tour, she also reflected on “The Emancipation of Mimi” and offered advice for young artists facing fame.
Mariah Carey Reflects on Christmas Legacy and Artist Advice: Quick Looks
- “Merry Christmas” Turns 30: Mariah Carey reflects on the creation of her classic Christmas album, initially hesitant but now embracing her iconic role as the Queen of Christmas.
- Celebrating ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’: Carey shares her pride in “The Emancipation of Mimi,” calling it a triumphant comeback album that broke boundaries in her career.
- Advice for New Artists: Mariah advises young artists to focus on passion and talent rather than just seeking fame, emphasizing the importance of authenticity.
Deep Look
Mariah Carey, one of the world’s most recognizable voices, has become as synonymous with the holiday season as twinkling lights and festive carols. Her iconic hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has made her the de facto Queen of Christmas, and with her “Merry Christmas” album turning 30 this month, Carey is in a reflective mood. She’s not only celebrating her legendary Christmas album but also sharing insights from her storied career, including her beloved comeback record, “The Emancipation of Mimi.” Ahead of her American Music Awards appearance and her upcoming Christmas tour, Carey spoke with The Associated Press about fame, her Christmas album, and even her music’s unexpected appearance in Ari Aster’s 2023 horror-comedy, “Beau Is Afraid.”
The discussion was edited for clarity and brevity, and highlights how Carey’s relationship with her music has evolved alongside her career.
Reflecting on the “Merry Christmas” Album Turning 30
Carey’s beloved Christmas album, “Merry Christmas,” turns 30 this month. However, the journey to creating that iconic holiday record wasn’t straightforward. Reflecting on its inception, Carey admitted that she initially had doubts when her record label pitched the idea.
“I was a little bit apprehensive,” Carey explained, revealing her hesitation about doing a Christmas album at a young age. “I felt like people did Christmas albums later in their careers. I was just starting out, and I wasn’t sure it was the right time.” Despite her reservations, Carey embraced the experience, decorating the studio to create a festive atmosphere and ultimately falling in love with the project.
The decision to proceed with the Christmas album turned out to be a defining moment in her career. “Merry Christmas” wasn’t just an album; it became a cultural phenomenon, catapulting Carey to become the unofficial voice of the holiday season. She noted how times have changed, with artists now releasing Christmas albums early in their careers. “People do them whenever now, even at the top of their careers,” Carey observed, reminiscing on how she took the plunge. Her leap of faith resulted in a holiday classic that remains a seasonal staple to this day.
“The Emancipation of Mimi”: A Triumphant Comeback
In the interview, Carey also reflected on the legacy of “The Emancipation of Mimi,” which will soon celebrate 20 years since its release. “The Emancipation of Mimi” marked a triumphant return for Carey—a comeback album that broke boundaries and reintroduced her as a pop powerhouse. It included hits like “We Belong Together” and “It’s Like That,” which helped re-cement her place at the top of the charts.
“I think ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’ is one of my favorite albums,” Carey said. “There were different boundaries that got pushed aside, and I was really happy about that. I needed to come back, apparently. And so, it was a comeback.” She described the recent celebrations around “Mimi” as especially meaningful because she finally had the opportunity to perform songs from the album live—something she rarely gets to do.
Carey admitted that she often felt overlooked before the release of “Mimi,” making the album’s success even sweeter. She also mentioned “Charmbracelet,” her previous album, which she feels was underappreciated. “I feel like the album ‘Charmbracelet’ was a very good album too, but not everybody knew that album,” she explained. She noted the contrast between the reception of “Charmbracelet” and the explosive success of “We Belong Together,” the lead single from “Mimi,” which became one of her most successful songs. “It’s Like That,” though not as massive a hit, still holds a special place in her heart. “It’s a good song, and I love performing it,” Carey said, adding that she experiences different stages with her albums and revisiting them is always interesting.
Advice for Young Artists Dealing with Fame
Carey, who has spent decades in the public eye, also offered some words of wisdom for young artists navigating the pressures of sudden fame. She referenced recent headlines made by artist Chappell Roan, who spoke about struggling with her newfound celebrity status.
“Well, I have been through my share of dramas, and it’s not fun because you grow up thinking, ‘I want to be famous,’” Carey said. She opened up about her own motivations when she first started. “For me, it was always, ‘I want to be a singer. I want to write songs.’ But right along with that was ‘I want to be famous.’”
Carey attributed her drive to her struggles growing up, explaining that she often didn’t feel “good enough” on her own. However, her advice to young artists is clear: focus on your talent and passion. “My advice would be try your hardest to go into this industry with a love of your talent or what’s really real for you,” Carey said. “If it’s like, ‘I want to be famous. I want to run around with those people, whoever they are, the famous people,’ then it’s probably not the best idea.”
Carey’s insight is particularly poignant given her own journey through the highs and lows of fame—from becoming a household name in the 1990s to dealing with intense public scrutiny and a demanding career. She emphasized the importance of authenticity and loving what you do as the true foundation for lasting success.
“Beau Is Afraid” and an Unexpected Use of “Always Be My Baby”
Carey also addressed an unexpected recent use of one of her classic hits in Ari Aster’s 2023 horror-comedy “Beau Is Afraid,” starring Joaquin Phoenix. When asked about it, Carey confirmed that she had to personally approve the use of her 1996 hit “Always Be My Baby” in the film.
“Yes, I had to approve that,” she acknowledged. “I thought it was interesting the way they used my song, ‘Always Be My Baby.’” Carey admitted that the song’s placement in a horror-comedy was unusual and not an obvious fit. “It didn’t really match with the movie, but, you know, I was just being edgy by saying, ‘You know, okay, fine.’ It was very different.” Though she wasn’t reluctant to grant permission, Carey noted that it was a significant departure from the typical ways her music is used. It was a decision that allowed her to explore a different side of her artistic influence, adding an unexpected edge to her musical legacy.
Holiday Tour and American Music Awards Appearance
As Mariah Carey looks ahead, she has no plans of slowing down. This November, she will kick off her much-anticipated Christmas tour, a celebration that has become a cherished tradition for fans who can’t imagine the holiday season without her voice. Her upcoming appearance at the American Music Awards on Sunday is another milestone, as Carey continues to embrace her identity as both a pop diva and the Queen of Christmas.
With her Christmas album turning 30, Carey’s iconic status during the holiday season is more prominent than ever. She has become a cultural symbol of Christmas, her music providing the soundtrack for countless festive moments. The journey from her initial hesitation to embrace the Christmas genre to becoming the voice of the holiday season has been remarkable, and it speaks to her ability to evolve and find her niche in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.
Mariah Carey’s career is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and talent. From her groundbreaking work in the ‘90s to her status as a holiday legend, Carey has constantly found new ways to push boundaries while staying true to herself. As she looks back on her journey—from “Merry Christmas” to “The Emancipation of Mimi” and beyond—it’s clear that Carey’s ability to adapt and thrive is what keeps her culturally relevant and beloved by generations of fans.
Whether she’s comforting her audience with holiday classics, inspiring fellow artists with her comebacks, or offering a song to a surprising cinematic moment, Mariah Carey remains an enduring icon. And as she steps into the next holiday season, fans can be sure that Mariah will be right there, as always, delivering the sounds that make Christmas truly special.
