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Merry Christmas One and All! is ongoing twelfth concert tour by American singer Mariah Carey. Spanning 16 dates in the United States and in Canada, it began on November 15, 2023, in Highland, California, and is set to conclude on December 17, 2023, in New York City.

Background and promotion
Beginning in 2014, American singer Mariah Carey performed at an annual holiday concert residency, All I Want for Christmas Is You: A Night of Joy and Festivity, at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. The event later expanded into a tour and ended in 2019, when Carey's song "All I Want for Christmas Is You" reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for the first time since its 1994 release. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Carey performed four shows in Toronto and New York as part of her 2022 Merry Christmas to All! tour. The latter concert was broadcast as a special that aired on the CBS television network and Paramount+ streaming service.

On October 2, 2023, Carey announced a new tour, entitled Merry Christmas One and All!, via her social media. She is set to play 16 dates across the United States and Canada, the most expansive seasonal run of her holiday concerts thus far. Ticket presales began on October 5, following one day of early access for American Express card holders. A general public sale commenced on October 6. Ten days later, Carey announced a second show in Los Angeles due to high demand. On October 30, a second concert in New York and a new date in Cleveland were added. Careys first performance in Pittsburgh since 2019 on Caution World Tour, whereas for Montreal it was the first since 2010.

Carey promoted the tour during a November 2 appearance on the American late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!. On November 6, she participated in interviews on Good Morning America and Entertainment Tonight. Carey also spoke with local media outlets, including KTLA in Los Angeles.

Production and performance
outfits: "a sequined, all-gold dress with an attached cape", "a sparkly red mini dress"/ 'a red sequined party dress" 'a glittery gold headdress crown and matching gold floor-length cape atop a sequined silver gown." "long gowns in white and gold were worn - there were six costume changes - and the only really ostentatious moment occurred when Carey donned a gold, glittery headpiece combined with a white gown and veils, like Mother Mary and her halo."ref name="Krewen"/>

Atmosphere: "a family-friendly evening that saw children, parents and grandparents in attendance in festive sweaters, Christmas attire and Santa hats." "decked and stuffed with scores of revelers dressed in their best ballgowns, sequined frocks, Santa hats and flashing light necklaces like one big citywide Christmas party." "family-friendly Christmas concert". "an overall family-friendly sort of evening...Despite the abundance of elder millennial and Gen X fans in attendance, there were gaggles of children ... and Carey’s set often catered to their sensibilities" "for her grand finale, Carey re-entered the stage aboard a miniature train, in a holiday-themed corset, and belted out "All I Want for Christmas Is You" as the rest of the ensemble frolicked around her. "She Attracts a Wide Age Range"

"rotating mix of holiday motifs from snowglobe backdrops for the secular songs to a star of Bethlehem for the more reverent numbers." "a stage backlit with stars and oversized twirling snowflakes" " a collection of snow-coloured instruments; a large, circular video screen that would project Christmas-themed animations all night and two gigantic wrapped presents wheeled out by six dancing bellhops in holiday red." "The stage looked like a winter wonderland. The white floor and risers shone like freshly fallen snow, and giant ice mounds lurked in the background. Even the instruments were white, and the baby grand piano, embossed with Carey's name, blended into the scene. The circular screen behind the stage added to the illusion, making the whole setup appear as though it were in a giant snow globe. Child ballerinas emerged from giant presents that were wheeled on stage, with sweaters and earmuffs abounding, while Carey's outfits (there were five in total) were mostly red and appropriately glitzy." "presents, snow, wreaths and reindeer that decorated the stage"

The opening act is DJ Suss One, Carey's longtime DJ. Four-piece band led by musical director Daniel Moore. Three background singers including Trey Lorenz. DJ Suss One played holiday songs and club music. "to open the night, DJ Suss One set the mood with a decades-spanning selection of R&B favorites and Carey hits, creating a dance-filled atmosphere that resonated with the multi-generational audience" dupri appeared in los angeles "Before Carey took the stage, DJ Suss One — who has worked with the singer since 2006 — performed as the opening act, playing throwback songs, ranging from the ’70s to the 2010s, to energize the crowd ahead of the main event."

opens concert with “It’s time!" in whistle register

"Wearing matching white suits, the band that included drums, keys, bass and two backup singers" "On stage, dancers dressed as bellhops in red attire, along with backup singers and a full band in white as the setting transformed into a winter wonderland dream."

"The stage set resembled a huge snow globe with her small band on one side, and three backing vocalists including Trey Lorenz, who famously duetted with Carey on her chart-topping cover of The Jackson 5′s classic “I’ll Be There” on the other." "Carey, who ascended from under the stage, and her band were joined by a cadre of dancers, including four nimble little kids with big stagey perma-smiles on their cherubic faces, who provided much of the onstage action as Carey stood mostly still or walked slowly from stage left to stage right. There was also a small choir for a few songs. Though they didn’t appear to be miked, they sounded lovely."

"Her children, Moroccan and Monroe, who are very musically gifted, performed short numbers while she changed." about 1.5 hour long.

"briskly paced set of hymns, pop tunes and originals"

"A funky “Here Comes Santa Claus” featured Carey’s son Morroco spitting a rap verse and before oddly interpolating the groove from Rick James’ “Give It To Me Baby,” a song that is not about giving gifts." "As their mother changed outfits, Morroco sat at mini-drumkit, while his twin sister Monroe and a kid band mimed through an abridged version of “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses from nearby Akron." "After her kids made cute on stage, Carey returned, resplendent in a sparkly, layered evening gown with a rhinestone-encrusted headdress that gave off a Statue of Liberty in Vegas vibe. It was pure diva and the crowd loved it. Monroe returned for an aggressively adorable duet with Mama Mimi on “Jesus Born On This Day.”"

dancers included young people.

JTTW, Silent Night, Make It Happen, Fly Like a Bird included a gospel choir. While the choir took a solo on “My All,” "The concert showcased a captivating black church choir adorned in vibrant red church gowns" eight people in the choir

"There were quite a few bodies onstage at any given time: six male dancers, two female dancers, four child dancers; a four-piece band under the direction of pianist Daniel Moore, a trio of vocalists, including long-time backing singer Trey Lorenz, and a seven-piece choir." eight people in the choir

"As the live band delved into a “overture” of “Sugar Plum Fairy,” accompanied by two pint-sized ballerinas tiptoeing along to the song, Carey’s dolphin high notes came through the speakers as she ascended from underneath the stage through a cut in the center." "The show began with two child ballet dancers who emerged from oversized gift boxes and did a brief performance of “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from “The Nutcracker.” After, Carey rose from underneath the stage and performed “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” with her backing band clad in all white. Adult and child dancers both took the stage again for the next track of the night, “Oh Santa!” And this inclusion of all age groups continued sporadically throughout the night." "wo child ballerinas emerged from oversized Christmas presents and danced gracefully to "Sugar Plum Fairy" from "The Nutcracker." Suddenly we heard one of Carey's mighty vocal runs as she rose theatrically from a trap door in the middle of the stage, wearing a sequined red thigh-length dress." "When the lights dimmed, two young girls - maybe 10 or 11 years old - emerged from the boxes and performed ballet to "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy." A few bars in, sharp-eared listeners heard a high-octave shadowing of the melody, as Carey surfaced from the middle of the stage" "Carey made her entrance to a remixed recording of Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” joining young ballerinas, eight dancers dressed as hotel porters, and three backup vocalists (including R&B singer Trey Lorenz) and a fine, understated four-person band."

"Carey also sprinkled in her trademark divaesque humor throughout the night" "Not only did Carey require a male companion to walk her backstage for five outfit changes, she also had her “glam squad” come out to powder her face and brush her hair twice during the show" "Carey welcomed her Glam Squad twice to the stage to touch up her hair and makeup in between songs. Her three background singers accompanied this moment with a cheeky song where they repeatedly sang, “It’s the glam squad” to the audience." "She often peppered breaks between the tracks to talk to and joke with her audience" various impromptu moments, for example album signings mymact, the roof. mopped the stage. "And a lean, twerking Santa in Uggs-like boots flinging balled-up T-shirts into the crowd."

"during her brief interludes, she spoke of spreading joy and hope and the uplifting energy of the Christmas spirit." "spent a lot of time telling her fans her favourite things about the holidays, from taking her kids on night-time sleigh rides to the overall joy of the season." "Before her rendition of “Sleigh Ride,” Carey shared that it is a Christmas tradition for her to go on a two-horse open sleigh ride with her children. "son Moroccan “Roc” Cannon offered a rap breakdown during the outro of “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)” while daughter Monroe Cannon helped lead a cover of The Waitress’ “Christmas Wrapping” and, later, joined her mother for a duet of Carey’s original “Jesus Born on This Day.” "Carey’s daughter, Monroe, graced the stage, hands held with her mom, dressed in a matching white gown and tiara. Together, they shared a duet on “Jesus Is Born on This Day.” " "She donned a spiked golden goddess crown when joined on “Jesus Born on This Day” by her daughter" "Home videos featuring Carey and the twins celebrating the holidays through the years also played on screens before the ultimate show moment, a blitzed-out finale “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” complete with a downpour of fake “snow” confetti."

"Mariah seamlessly transitioned into the viral TikTok trend, showcasing her 2009 hit “It’s a Wrap,” which gained global popularity this past year, reaching its pinnacle in the summer. Accompanied by the viral dance routine performed by artists adorned in glittery winter attire, the audience was not only entertained but also encouraged to join in the fun by participating with help from her dancers."

"For the "Hero" that followed, fans held aloft their phones, split between adding an illuminating visual effect or capturing Carey's performance on video." "The stage was bathed in lights as the soulful Black choir joined Mariah again for the beginning of the grand finale"

"A family slideshow to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” reset the stage for the finale and they did it up big. Carey, now sporting a bodysuit, was wheeled out on a vintage train for an uptempo “All I Want for Christmas Is You” with the full cast of singers, dancers, kids and confetti." "Escorted gracefully off stage, Carey reemerged via a glittery green and red replica train for her holiday smash-hit "All I Want for Christmas is You." Carey's vocals joined by sleigh bell percussion and a team of dancers including a youngster doing a mid-air somersault." Before " "The festive atmosphere continued as kids dressed in Christmas attire came sliding down slide" "in a sequined Nutcracker leotard" "for her grand finale, Carey re-entered the stage aboard a miniature train, in a holiday-themed corset, and belted out "All I Want for Christmas Is You" as the rest of the ensemble frolicked around her." fake snow from the ceiling "changed into a bedazzled leotard with a sort of sexy-“Nutcracker” energy and which brought a shower of fake white flakes down onto the stage."

"Carey interacted with fans quite a bit during the performance, from throwing gifts into the crowd with a dancing Santa Claus to signing an audience member’s Mariah Carey Barbie doll as she introduced her band."

Technical problems occurred at multiple concerts. Carey experienced a microphone malfunction in Montreal and Boston, an in-ear monitor issue in Detroit, and a stage lighting glitch in Chicago.

Critical reception
The tour has received a positive reception from critics. Leena Tailor of Los Angeles said it "make[s] you feel like you’ve stepped right into a holiday snow globe". Writing for Variety, Steven J. Horowitz called it a "highly polished show". In the Atlanta Black Star, Kiara Washington thought "Carey looked beautiful and sounded angelic as always". Aaron Williams of Uproxx wrote: "If the past few years have given you the mistaken impression that the veteran singer is 'just' a novelty act, her collection of both holiday mainstays and hits will certainly prove you wrong."

"stellar pianist Daniel Moore" "A sidenote of appreciation to pianist Moore: during interludes when Carey was getting cosmetic touch-ups onstage courtesy of her "Glam Squad" or in between costume changes, he would play Christmas music and include a few bars of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" by Vince Guaraldi or Three Dog Night's "Joy to the World." They were tasteful and nicely done." "opening act DJ Suss One spun hits from Motown to Nelly; and Whitney Houston to Bruno Mars. Though 40-plus minutes of deejaying with unoriginal hype banter grew tiresome" "a sturdy live band" "Another highlight of the performance was Carey’s group of backup dancers, who put on energetic and mesmerizing performances throughout the night. Although it was clear that some of the dance interludes were intended to cover up an outfit change, the dancers were so entertaining that it didn’t matter." "powerful backup singers"

Commented on the outfits. "Carey shined in a series of sparkling gowns" "Carey wearing an ostentatious golden halo crown, coming off looking like the Virgin Mary while singing “Silent Night.”" "some of the segues between the show’s acts were a bit sloppy and poorly timed, especially the pauses waiting for Carey’s numerous outfit changes" "she brought her full Diva charm into play, leaving the crowd eagerly anticipating her next mesmerizing outfit change." "a series of sequined gowns, each one more exquisite than the last." . all were "elegant and festive" comapred it to other tours. "You thought Trans-Siberian Orchestra was the only Christmas show on the road that packed a wallop? Mariah Carey had something to say about that" Thought it was quite shorter than a Taylor Swift or Beyonce concert, but that wasnt a bad thing. "As pop superstars’ arena-sized stage shows go, Carey’s approach is uncharacteristically sedate." "It doesn’t rely on splashy visuals or exploding fireworks" Felt it was not styled as a typical concert but more like a "Rockettes holiday spectacular". "as if you were watching a dazzling televised Christmas special as a member of a live studio audience" "the feel of a rushed TV special" "With its wholesome content and unhurried pace, “Merry Christmas One and All” could be confused with a 1970s television variety show." "unafraid-to-be-corny, old-fashioned presentation " occasionally a "musical church experience"

Complimented the stage production. Snowflake confetti added to the Christmas spirit. "The entrance was dramatic and theatrical and totally on brand for the pop chanteuse who filled the following hour-and-a-half with Christmas spirit for sure, but a whole lot of her diva spirit, too." "And the stage was also holiday-themed as it looked fresh out of a scene from Disney’s “Frozen” musical. It was made to look like she and her dancers were walking on snow. There were presents, and other holiday decor. It was as if this was Christmas Eve." "transforming the stage into a winter wonderland that harmonized seamlessly with the festive atmosphere." "many big-time production numbers" "What we didn’t get was a good look at Mariah. A screen ran the length of the stage but she wasn’t on it. It remained a backdrop while the action on stage was relegated to the small side screens." "there were ebbs and flows in energy due to choppy set breaks and pacing"; 'The pacing bounced around mid-set, and many standing fans took a seat, as a lot seemed to be happening quickly." "a bit slow in spots, mainly during those wardrobe changes" "When the enthusiastic Suss One concluded his set, a 15-minute break ensued before Carey came out, a gap that saw the audience's energy level revert back to its pre-deejay level. A much shorter break between deejay and main act would have kept that energy higher." "In an extravagant display to round out the show, filled with backup dancers, confetti, and a train taking her offstage, Carey affirmed that she is the Queen of Christmas, and she is here to stay."

Critics commented on her demeanor on stage. Praised her chattiness. Thought she lacked energy. "She's also delightfully funny, and her between song stage banter Friday was just as entertaining as her roughly 25-song performance." "Carey brought a loose, off the cuff feeling". Complimented the band for playing random songs at good times ie "unscripted feel of the evening". "During the quieter, yet still enjoyable and even campy moments of the evening, Carey shined" ie glam squad. "Carey commanded the stage and kept the action moving" glam squad = 'unabashed superstar. It was endearing in its honesty." "Carey kept her banter light and fun, joking about her inability to throw far as she weakly tossed a few merch shirts to fans. " "As a performer, Carey seemed a little stiff, perhaps conscious of walking around in very high heels and the possibility of falling. Instead, she left the majority of the action to her dancers while she concentrated on her vocal delivery." "There was lots of movement on stage, but little of it coming from Carey herself" "Carey, meanwhile, remains a curious contradiction: a megastar with precious little stage presence. When she wasn’t planted in one spot, she (very) casually swanned around the stage, content to simply let the audience take in her fabulousness." "Carey mostly stayed stationary throughout the evening, largely standing in place as the dancers moved around her. It’s a right she’s earned." "Carey's easy chatter and constant interaction with the audience created the vibe of an intimate venue. She often spoke between songs, introducing everyone on stage and even calling her glam team out to touch up her makeup while she spoke into the mic. She complimented the audience's outfits, told the very top row she could see them and chose audience members to wave at, making eye contact and smiling brightly. "what makes the Christmas stuff work is the way Carey’s salty personality cuts against the saccharine nature of the material" "puts the emphasis on Carey both playing up her diva status" "The sparks she did show came mostly when she deviated from the script" "She didn’t amp up her energy much, beyond her voice" played up diva image with glam squad. little stage presence/movement/charisma/energy but the high production value made up for it.

Carey's vocal performance received positive reviews. Emde said she showcased her talent effectively and Fragassi said she "sounded nothing short of angelic". Critics compared her voice to its past; some said she showcased she retained all of her abilities   and others described them as weaker but still formidable. Sang in a lower register than recordings, the songs "didn’t tax her vocal cords much at all". Viewed her as singing live rather than lip syncing. Felt she was occasionally overshadowed by the band noise. Critics disagreed on the extent; Krewen viewed it as a minor issue and Hisch said "she faded into the mix as often as not."

The show's setlist was a topic of discussion. Some perceived the hits medley as perfunctory and favored the full-length renditions of "We Belong Together" and "Hero" instead. O'Clair felt there was an effective effort to separate it from the Christmas theme, and Nickoloff found it enjoyable given Carey had not performed in Cleveland in a long time which gave audience an opportunity to hear her regular songs. Given their religious and gospel influences, Horowitz and Julious felt the inclusion of "Make It Happen" and "Fly Like a Bird" were appropriate for the concert despite not being Christmas songs. Regarding AIWFCIY, 'Friday was an important reminder of [All I Want for Christmas Is You's] world class engineering, its inexhaustible energy and its delivery of sheer joy." felt that hearing AIWFCIY "deserves a spot on that Christmas wish list." " after having heard it seemingly hundreds of times already this holiday season, it felt anticlimactic to actually see it performed in person in a live version that was spirited but couldn’t match the snow-globe perfection of the original that’s been in your head for weeks."

Thought the concert embraced a holiday theme effectively. carey's children were memorable. "It is clear this time of year is not just about her material and cultural success, but about how integral it is to the strength and love within her family". prevented it from being gimmicky. duet "It was a touching moment as Carey professed her love for her children." "a heartwarming video showcasing Mariah Carey and her children enjoying the holiday season over the years, portraying the pop sensation as a cool festive mom who revels in the joy of Christmas" "Before the encore, a slideshow of photos showed Carey with her children, going sledding, picking out a Christmas tree, opening gifts and wearing festive jammies. It was a little in-the-moment reminder of what the season should, at its best: gathering with loved ones. Making memories." "welcome blast of holiday spirit" "a fun evening where spirits couldn't help but be lifted" "a direct transfusion of the Christmas magic that seems to sparkle from the singer like freshly fallen snow." "we definitely felt the holiday spirit." "As a confetti snowfall filled the Garden, Carey rode the crest of her band and backup singers to capture the joy that comes with pining. There’s another word for that — hope — and it’s the essence of Christmas."

Setlist
The following setlist is obtained from the November 15, 2023, concert in Highland, California. It is not intended to represent all dates throughout the tour.


 * 1) "Overture" / "All I Want for Christmas Is You (Intro)"
 * 2) "Sugar Plum Fairy Introlude"
 * 3) "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" / "Gloria in Excelsis Deo"
 * 4) "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"
 * 5) "Oh Santa!"
 * 6) "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)"
 * 7) "When Christmas Comes"
 * 8) "Sleigh Ride"
 * 9) "Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)"
 * 10) "Fall in Love at Christmas"
 * 11) "Silent Night"
 * 12) "Joy to the World"
 * 13) "Always Be My Baby"
 * 14) "Dreamlover"
 * 15) "Honey" / "Heartbreaker"
 * 16) "A No No"
 * 17) "It's a Wrap"
 * 18) "Emotions"
 * 19) "Make It Happen"
 * 20) "Fly Like a Bird"
 * 21) "We Belong Together"
 * 22) "Hero"
 * Encore
 * 1) "All I Want for Christmas Is You"