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Mariah Carey to perform at Blaisdell

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Mariah Carey participated in a “Mariah’s World” panel during a press tour in August. The Grammy award winner will be in concert at Blaisdell Arena on Nov. 25.

This year the day after Thanksgiving — traditionally the start of the holiday shopping season — will be Pink Friday at Blaisdell Arena, as Mariah Carey brings her “Sweet Sweet Fantasy” tour to Honolulu for one night only. And she’s bringing one of the stars of Fox’s hit TV series “Empire” with her.

Tickets for Carey’s first Hawaii performance since 1998’s sold-out Aloha Stadium concert will go on sale to Hawaii residents and military only at 9 a.m. Saturday. Prices for the 8 p.m. show on Nov. 25 will range from $65.50 to $255.50 (plus service fees).

“Aloha Lambily,” Carey said, addressing her fans in a release, “it’s been too long!! I’m so excited to be coming to Hawaii to perform for you all. I’m thrilled my extraordinarily talented friend Jussie Smollett will be joining us for this special night in paradise. I promise we’re going to share the most amazing moments together and I have so many surprises in store for you daahhlings! Can’t wait to see you all. Love Mariah xx.”

Joining her for the concert will be Smollett, who plays singer Jamal Lyon on “Empire,” which follows the flamboyant founding family of a hip-hop music company.

Carey’s five-octave range has helped her rack up 18 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot 100 — only the Beatles have more, with 20 — including her debut “Vision of Love,” “We Belong Together,” “One Sweet Day” (with Boyz II Men) and “Fantasy.”

She has sold more than 60 million albums in the U.S. alone and in 2013 was ranked by Billboard as the fifth-biggest chart act of the rock era.

While her star has never dimmed, Carey will have more exposure than she’s had in a while in the coming months. Her docuseries “Mariah’s World” debuts on the E! Network on Dec. 4 and she will guest star next month on “Empire,” which returns for season three tonight.

Carey’s storyline on the show will have her collaborating with Smollett’s character. The Honolulu concert will mark the first time the two have partnered on stage.

“The word ‘honored’ doesn’t begin to explain how I feel about being on the same stage as the incomparable Mariah Carey,” Smollett said in a statement. “She is one of the greatest artists of all time and now a dear friend. I know I will cherish these moments forever.”

Carey has had a regular gig at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas since May 2015, and on Monday the hotel announced that her final “Mariah #1 to Infinity” shows at The Colosseum are slated for April 26 through May 13.

To ensure Hawaii residents get first crack at tickets for her Honolulu concert, only buyers with a Hawaii ZIP code will be allowed to participate in the presale, which has an eight-ticket maximum. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, at the Blaisdell box office or by calling 800-745-3000. To buy during the presale period, members of the military must go to the Blaisdell box office with their ID.

Any tickets left after kamaaina and military get their shot will go on sale at 9 a.m. Oct. 1.

5 responses to “Mariah Carey to perform at Blaisdell”

  1. iwanaknow says:

    To go from the Aloha Stadium to the Blaisdell Arena seems like a bummer?

  2. Katsuren says:

    I went to the concert back I think in 1998… and it was horrible. Poor performer, a lot of down time between songs,
    and she talks about non sense during the show. I hope its better now, but, I still wouldn’t go.

  3. laachang says:

    WARNING!!! Don’t waste your money. She spends most of the time making costume changes AND shows up late to boot!

  4. den says:

    Carey has ballooned up nicely.

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