News

Mariah Carey Plans Summer Arena Tour

Encouraged by the success of The Emancipation of Mimi, Mariah Carey has decided to take her emancipated self out on the road to visit American audiences for the first time since 2003, when her career seemed to be on the ropes. Mariah has worked through some issues in the meantime, and she's learned a few lessons, like needing to give herself some vocal rest in between shows. As a result, the smaller venues have been scratched this time around.

Choosing the right time of year was an easier decision. "I've always associated going to a show with summer, and the sense of freedom that evokes," Carey said. "Summertime is the best time for tours, I think. Not that I'm the queen of touring."

The summertime tour, billed "Adventures of Mimi: The Voice, the Hits, the Tour," will live up to its title and include a retrospective of the many radio hits that Carey has piled up over the past 15 years. She is also considering including an original ringtone on her set list, as she wrote and produced 20 of the catchy little ditties for Pepsi.

Carey has a well-known reputation as a difficult diva, but she isn't above trekking from city to city on a tour bus. She'll gas up on August 5 in Miami, and wind up in Phoenix on October 10. Most tickets go on sale on June 2, with a price range designed to accommodate a variety of budgets (just bring the binoculars if you skimp!). Promoters are promising special surprise guests along the way, and Sean Paul has been nabbed as the opening act during the first month.

--The ARTISTdirect Staff
05.24.06