Mariah Carey brought the holiday spirit to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Tuesday, December 17, as she wrapped up her Christmas Time tour in spectacular fashion. The grand finale had magical songs and a star-studded crowd that included Rihanna, who stole the show with an unforgettable moment. The Fenty founder turned heads when she asked Carey to sign her chest, creating a viral moment caught on camera.
Wearing her signature sunglasses and a cozy tan jacket, RiRi was also accompanied by A$AP Rocky.
A Triumphant Return After Setbacks
The Brooklyn performance marked Carey’s return to the stage after a challenging week. The superstar had been forced to cancel three shows earlier in December due to the flu, breaking hearts in Pittsburgh, Newark, and Belmont. On December 11, Carey announced on X (formerly Twitter): “Pittsburgh, I am sorry to say, I’ve come down with the flu. It breaks my heart that I unfortunately have to cancel tonight’s show. I love you all so much.”
Two days later, she delivered more disappointing news, revealing she would also have to cancel her Newark and Belmont shows. “Newark and Belmont — I wish I had better news but unfortunately I’m still sick and have to cancel the shows tonight and on Sunday,” she shared on X. By December 16, she announced on Instagram that she was well enough to perform in Brooklyn, calling it a Christmas miracle. “Lambs, thank you for making my #Christmastime so special,” she wrote. “I’ve loved singing with you every night, and I can’t wait to see you all tomorrow in Brooklyn for the last show of the tour.”
A Month of Holiday Cheer
Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time tour began on November 6 in Highland, California, and spanned 20 performances nationwide. The annual holiday tradition was even more special this year as it coincided with the 30th anniversary of her iconic album Merry Christmas, which features the perennial favorite “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
At a December 9 show in Raleigh, North Carolina, Carey’s 13-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan, whom she shares with ex-husband Nick Cannon, joined her onstage. The heartwarming moment came as Carey celebrated “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” returning to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Thank you. Wow!” Carey said, visibly emotional. “That was the perfect moment to find that out. It’s from the Hot 100? Well, thank you, everybody who helped make that possible. Thank you so much.”
© Gilbert FloresTo commemorate the 30th anniversary of “Merry Christmas,” Carey released a limited deluxe edition of the album on December 9, delighting fans with new content and refreshed holiday classics.
Mariah Carey will headline the NFL Christmas Gameday Show Open
The undisputed “Queen of Christmas” and best-selling female artist of all time is set to bring her unparalleled holiday magic this December 25. Carey will star in the Show Open for NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix, marking a festive collaboration between the global streaming platform and the NFL.
This exceptional holiday performance will feature Carey’s rendition of her holiday anthem, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”