Superstar songstress Mariah Carey brought her Merry Christmas One and All! tour to the Hollywood Bowl for two sold-out shows on November 17 and 19. It was a family affair as Carey was joined onstage by her 12-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe, for both nights of the performance. The twins, also known as “Roc and Roe,” made a special appearance during the show. Carey’s daughter, Monroe, joined her mom for a duet on “Jesus Born on This Day,” a song from Carey’s 1994 holiday album Merry Christmas. Additionally, Monroe fronted a rollicking version of The Waitresses’ “Christmas Wrapping.” Moroccan made a brief appearance for “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane).” The upbeat versions of Carey’s Christmas standards set the tone for a cheerful evening of music.
The Sunday night performance saw cold Santa Ana winds sweeping through the packed venue. The sold-out crowd was adorned with festive sequined holiday sweaters and neon lights as Carey’s voice hit all the high notes with ease during the 90-minute set. The performance featured Carey pausing her Christmas playlist to shout-out a man in the front row wearing a “Why Are You So Obsessed With Me” long-sleeved T-shirt featuring Carey and Gucci Mane.
Carey couldn’t help herself but deliver an a cappella snippet of her hit “Obsessed,” much to the delight of her adoring fans. She then transitioned into a greatest-hits mash-up including “Always Be My Baby,” “Dreamlover,” “Honey,” “Heartbreaker,” “A No No,” “It’s a Wrap,” “Emotions,” “Make It Happen,” “Fly Like a Bird.” This led into soulful renditions of “We Belong Together” and “Hero” alongside soaring accompaniment from her rhythm-packed band. Jermaine Dupri, co-writer of “We Belong Together,” was at the show and Carey gave a nod to the night they wrote the song, noting that it will forever be “emblazoned” on her mind.
The encore for both nights featured Carey’s timeless No. 1 hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which she also performed earlier in the day at the Billboard Music Awards.
The energy and enthusiasm from the crowd were palpable, with Carey dazzling the audience with her vocal prowess and stage presence. The Hollywood Bowl was the perfect setting for Carey’s Merry Christmas tour, with its iconic open-air venue complementing the festive atmosphere of the show.
The performances were also a special opportunity for Carey to share the stage with her twins, creating cherished memories for both her and her fans. The addition of Roc and Roe added a heartwarming touch to the holiday-themed concert, further enhancing the family-friendly atmosphere.
Carey’s Merry Christmas One and All! tour has been a massive success, drawing in sold-out crowds and leaving fans in awe of her talent and charisma. The Hollywood Bowl shows were a testament to Carey’s enduring appeal and her ability to bring joy and holiday cheer to audiences of all ages.
With her flawless vocals, engaging stage presence, and memorable performances, Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas tour is a must-see event that brings the spirit of the holiday season to life. Whether performing alongside her children or capturing the audience with her timeless hits, Carey continues to solidify her status as a legendary artist whose music transcends generations.