Mariah Carey Brought Vegas To Essence Music Festival: Diva Likes Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat ‘Honey’ Best

It looks like Mariah Carey brought her Vegas act with her to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, judging from her grand entrance on Saturday night. Carey embraces her stature as the ultimate diva with pride, and when she arrived on stage at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, she arrived on a chaise lounge – with a little help from six of her ridiculously handsome male dancers – in a revealing silver number that can only be described as a sequined bodysuit with front and back flaps.

She didn’t stray from her formula of fabulosity when she changed into another ensemble that consisted of a pink bodysuit with a pink chiffon train. Fans who haven’t seen her Las Vegas show or her recent tour got a taste of them during her Essence Festival set, and she also brought surprise guests Jermain Dupri and Da Brat.

Not walking if she doesn’t have to seems to be Mariah’s “thing” at the moment, in addition to not being seen without sunglasses in fluorescent light. The “behind the scenes” Instagram video of the MacGyvered contraption she uses to get around Caesar’s Palace and the fact that she is frequently, if not always, carried onto the stage could be attributed to the $35 million insurance policy she has on her legs. Mariah Carey also has a $35 million dollar policy on her vocal cords too, so taking extremely good care of her “money makers” doesn’t seem so over the top.

According to People, she was also late to her set and took five breaks during her 75-minute set, and although she offered an explanation for the frequent breaks, “I’m trying to get used to this stage,” it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why she is always being carried or holding onto someone — those sky-high Louboutins.

Mariah Carey’s special guests Jermaine Dupri and Da Brat helped her perform the So So Def remix of “Honey,” which is her preferred version of the 1997 song, according to Billboard. The version most fans are familiar with is the one with Puff Daddy and The Lox. Da Brat also contributed to the Desert Storm Remix of “Heartbreaker,” and the only thing that was missing from the song was Missy Elliot, which would have made the song flawless.

“I personally like this one the best, but you didn’t hear me say that”

The chance for a Mariah Carey lap dance has become part of her stage performance, although just because she pulls someone on stage doesn’t mean they will get to touch her body. Mariah “punked” another devotee by blindfolding him but not actually giving him the strip club version, but as a fan, he was probably fine with just being touched by the diva and may never wash again.

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One thing Carey didn’t have to try hard at was getting her fans in on the show. The Mariah’s World star had the audience singing to “Always Be My Baby” and “Honey” that turned into a sing-along.

Her relationship with James Packer seems to be moving along nicely, and according to Daily Mail, the two love birds will be taking Packer’s private cruise ship is waiting on their arrival in Naples next week.

Did you like Mariah Carey’s performance with Jermaine Dupri and Da Brat at the Essence Music Festival?

[Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images]