A singer, songwriter, actress, and top mom, it seems there's nothing Mariah can't do. The biggest-selling female act of all time, Mariah has had 18 hits go No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100. That's the most for any solo artist ever — male or female. All 18 songs can be found on her new greatest-hits album, #1 To Infinity. As a hello to her new neighbors, Mariah took the time to chat with Gay Vegas and answer fan questions.
Music careers come and go quite quickly. What do you attribute your longstanding career to?
I think one really has to love music wholeheartedly to sustain a lengthy career in this business. Otherwise, people see through it and it's too transparent. For me it's not about reinvention. It's about making musical choices that make me happy and fulfilled.
Have you seen any of the many drag queens that dress up and perform as you? If so, what advice would you give to drag queens who want to recreate your style?
I am amazed by the creativity of some of these performers — it is extremely flattering and highly entertaining. I would focus on incorporating your own unique style and always remember to weeeerrrk dahhlinggggg!
Who are some of the most memorable TLGB people that have helped you throughout your career?
You know, it wouldn't be fair to name a few and not name them all. There's too many to name! There have been so many wonderful TLGB people who have helped me throughout my career and I am so thankful for all of them.
Do you think it's important that celebrities like yourself speak out in support of the TLGB community?
Yes, absolutely! I am a huge supporter of the TLGB community. I think it's important to bring to light any issues that prevent equality and justice. I try to get involved whenever possible. I recently performed at the Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles 2015 Gala Dinner and Auction in March.
You have a new show at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace called #1 To Infinity. There was a lot of commotion when the news hit that you had cancelled one night of your show at Caesars due to bronchitis. Celine Dion, your predecessor at the Colosseum, had cancelled some of her performances and had issues with what has been called “Vegas throat” due to our dry climate. In a time where many artists are lip-syncing their way through performances you have stayed true and choose to sing live for your fans. What are some things that you do to keep your health and prepare your voice for performances?
I try to get as much sleep as possible. I have at least 10 humidifiers surrounding my bed and whenever possible, I try not to talk on my days off.
In Rome, the Colosseum was used for gladiator contests. Who would you love to see compete for your approval in a modern day Roman Empire?
Oh wow! I would have to say Jeff, Tyson, and Jussie who were in my “Infinity” music video. We had so much fun filming the video and just the thought of them dressed as gladiators is already entertaining.
I have an image of you imprinted in my mind from a concert here in Vegas where you were dressed in a sexy gold boxing outfit getting ready to knock someone out as part of your performance. Do you have some of those fun theatrical elements in your new Vegas show?
I do incorporate those elements in my show. We are always keeping things different from what we have done in the past and focus on implementing new ideas. I don't want to spoil the show for your readers, so they will just have to come and see!
On one of your days off from your Vegas show you attended the Chippendales show at the Rio where you were given a lap dance by Tyson Beckford (Zoolander). Have you had any other “Vegas-like” experiences since you started calling Vegas your home?
Well, I'll always be a New Yorker at heart, but being in Vegas is quite fun. Especially because the kids can play outside and go to the pool where we are in Vegas. It's hard for me to do too much, I have to look out for my voice. I do enjoy being in Vegas though. I really like a lot of the local people I've met since being here!
If you were to gamble, are you more likely to play the slot machines or table games?
Table games.
You performed your hit single “Infinity” at Disneyland recently. What are some of your favorite attractions at the theme park?
I love the Tower of Terror. It's one of my favorite places in the world! I may hold the record for most rides ever taken on the TOT!
Speaking of Disney, you are the proud mother of two beautiful children. What's the last Disney movie that's been on repeat in your home?
That's so sweet! You know, the kids love Big Hero 6!
You were amazing in the films Precious and The Butler. Any urge to return to the big screen any time soon?
I would love to! I love acting. It's a totally different way for me to express my creativity.
You mentioned performing at the Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Gala. Could you see yourself performing a song or two at a Pride event like Vegas Pride?
I'm sure anything could happen with the right timing.
What would you like to say to your TLGB fans?
Thank you for all your support and love throughout the years!
A Gay Vegas text subscriber asks, “How is Caesars Palace treating you so far?”
I love the staff at Caesars. They have been very accommodating and they're all very nice! Even though I don't get to spend a lot of time with them, they do give off a very nice vibe.
Rodney Fleming asks, “Have you done any local things yet, like Lake Mead, Mt. Charleston, Red Rock?”
I haven't had the chance to explore those parts of Vegas. One thing we did really enjoy was seeing the dolphins at the Mirage!
Deric Williams aka Valerie Soleil asks, “When can we expect an all new album? What are you writing about currently?”
I haven't started writing my all new album yet. Currently I'm absorbed in making my show, #1 to Infinity, the most fun for my fans as possible.
Kenny King asks, “There are several songs in your #1 To Infinity show that you never sing in regular live shows (‘Love Takes Time’, ‘I Don't Wanna Cry’, ‘Someday’). Is there any particular one you might add to the lineup now that you have heard the audience's reaction during your residency?”
Maybe now that I've gotten used to singing them again I might add them.
Antonio Estrada asks, “Being part of a generation of singers who actually have real talent and powerful voices, how do you see the music industry today? Who would you say is most likely, if anyone, to be the next Whitney Houston? Or maybe even the next Mariah?”
Everybody should be their own person. The music industry today is a very difficult place to have a long lasting career. Especially if you are trying to be a carbon copy of someone else. The best advice I can give is to work as hard as you can, try not to alienate people, and love what you do!
