20 Times Mariah Carey Was So Extra (& 5 Celebs Who Act Like Total Normies)
Mariah Carey is iconic. With her musical history spanning almost 30 years and countless best-selling singles, Mariah is definitely one of the most well-known pop stars of our time. Cementing herself as an unstoppable force in the 1990s, she's never left the music scene, with her 15th studio album set to come out November 16th.
Along with her vocal prowess, it's also no secret Mariah is known to be a diva. Making headlines for her outlandish ways just as much as her musical talents, she doesn't shy away from letting the world know she's a handful. During an interview last year with Paper, she admitted to her antics, saying she has her diva moments but people don't know how to handle them. It turns out, she was brought up to be this way, citing her mom as the original diva. "My mother is an opera singer. And that's a real diva, you know - Juilliard diva. And so other people that are like, 'I'm a diva,' it's like, 'Honey, you don't know what a diva is.'"
We've decided to take a trip down memory lane and count 20 of Mariah's most iconic diva moments where she's gone totally extra. With that, we've also included five celebrities who, although have money in the bank, still to this day act like total normies.
25 The Time She Didn't Feel Like Walking In Heels And Made Someone Wheel Her On Stage, Instead
A true diva shouldn't have to walk if she doesn't feel like it, a fact that Mariah understands better than anyone else. According to Hit, she presented the world with the fabulous moment of being wheeled on stage during a live performance since she didn't feel like walking in heels. Fans got a chance to witness the queen leisurely sitting down last year when her documentary series Mariah's World premiered on E!.
The series followed Mariah around as she traveled the world for her Sweet Sweet Fantasy tour, along with glimpses into her private world as well, showing her personality and how she acted around her closest.
24 While Giving Birth, She Played The Live Version Of 'Fantasy' So Her Children Could Be Born To The Sound Of Applause
This one is so extra, you wouldn't believe it ever happened unless it came from the iconic diva's mouth herself. Lucky for us, it did. Mariah posted the above photo of herself and her two kids, Morrocan and Monroe, to her Instagram page with the caption, "I can't believe it's been six years since you two came into this world to the live version of Fantasy… "the applause!!!" I love you both more each day. You are the light of my life."
A definite way to make a true entrance into the world, the twins knew their mom was a pop star since day one.
23 When She Showed Vogue She Has An Entire Wardrobe Portion In Her Closet Dedicated To Her Lingerie Collection
Vogue had the opportunity to take a peek inside Mariah's massive closet back in 2017, where the diva herself admitted she's anything but casual. With notable mentions that stuck out such as her massive shoe collection, a bag given to her as a gift by Floyd Mayweather, and even Marilyn Monroe's compact mirror, what stuck out the most was her enormous lingerie collection. Mariah explained to Vogue, "If I had my way, I would just wear lingerie and walk around the house." She goes on to explain that her favorite outfit for lounging around the house in is a silk slip dress and robe over top. Classy!
22 When She Told Her Backup Singer To Stop Singing So Loudly Halfway Through A Live Performance
Being a diva means always being center stage - no matter what. Mariah doesn't shy from being the center of attention and refuses to ever be outshined. With a voice like hers, who can blame her? In particular, back in 2008, she made headlines during her performance of "Touch My Body" where she told one of her backup vocalists, "Stop singing my part now, baby" halfway during her performance. She sang the impromptu verse so well, however, that if you were just grooving along to the song you never would have noticed!
21 When She Famously Declared That She Refuses To Be Seen In Fluorescent Lighting Without Sunglasses
In the time of having cameras shoved in your face left, right, and center, be it for selfies or videos, it's nice to have a pioneer whose championing to always be seen under pristine lighting conditions. As per Vogue, another takeaway from her TV show, Mariah's World, was when she famously announced she was a stickler about lighting, in particular, the fluorescent variety. “I have a rule. I will not be seen in fluorescent lighting without sunglasses.”
This isn't the first time Mariah has discussed her affinity for specific lighting. According to E!, she once told a reporter that overhead lighting is "abusive."
20 The Time She Threw Subtle Shade At Madonna
Never one to back down or shy away from how she feels, Mariah Carey is also an expert at throwing shade. Who can forget the notorious time she threw shade at fellow pop icon, Madonna? As per Insider, Mariah proved her ability to clap back during an interview when she was asked about Madonna saying she'd rather off herself than sing pop songs like Mariah. Without missing a beat she responded, "I really haven't paid attention to Madonna since I was in, like, seventh or eighth grade when she used to be popular, so I didn't hear that."
19 When She Decided She Would Barely Dance During A Live Vegas Performance
Another prime example of Mariah refusing to walk or dance happened last year during her Las Vegas concert in July. According to Insider, the video of her performance went viral as she's seen bopping slowly to her song "Honey" and barely moving, before proceeding to be lifted by her backup dancers and set to rest on the backs of a few others ones.
Loyal fans came to Mariah's defense after this incident, reminding everyone that she's never been a fabulous dancer, making up for it with her outstanding vocal range, instead.
18 When She Made Her Arm Injury A Fashion Statement
Mariah always ensures she's looking her best, from her countless lingerie-clad outfits to picking the perfect lighting. When she dislocated her shoulder back in 2013, she made sure her sling was blinged out as well, matching all her elaborate ensembles. As reported by The Cut, when she had to perform at the Major League Baseball All-Star Charity Concert, she went all out, bringing three different slings for all of her wardrobe changes. One was bedazzled with the same jewels as on her gown, the other a white fur, and lastly, one more with black feathers to match her all-noir outfit.
17 When She Refused To View Her New Show As Anything Less Than A Documentary
Although her TV show, Mariah's World, premiered on E!, the same network which of course can be accredited to the Keeping Up With the Kardashians fame. While the latter is considered the biggest reality TV show on the market right now, Mariah, on the other hand, refuses to believe hers fall under the same category. As per The New York Times, she explained in a phone interview that she refuses to call it a reality show, going on to say that it's all about getting to know her better.
16 When She Announced That She Calls Her Birthdays "Anniversaries"
A true diva doesn't age; an eternal goddess that's utterly timeless. Mariah understands this better than anyone else and prefers rounding down when it comes to her age. She once told Out Magazine, "I don't count years, but I definitely rebuke them - I have anniversaries, not birthdays, because I celebrate life, darling.”
It's actually a genius way of promoting self-love since you're never obligated to celebrate a birthday because you feel like it's the right thing to do. Instead, you simply celebrate yourself and your life whenever you please.
15 When We Found Out During Her Reality Show That She Can't Fall Asleep Without Apple TV
All around the world, people have certain rituals in order to fall asleep. Some need to have a light on, others enjoy a movie in the background. Mariah? She's nothing without her Apple TV. According to Metro, during her show, Mariah's World, fans were given a sneak peek into the severity of what happens when she doesn't have one around. In one shot, Mariah's assistant, Molly, was seen breaking down in tears after she couldn't get the diva's Apple TV to work. "The Apple TV is the most important thing for Ms. MC, if she can't have the Apple TV playing while she's sleeping then she can't sleep. If she can't sleep, she can't perform. If she can't perform, there's no show. If it's not there everything else falls apart."
14 When She Paused Her Live Times Square Performance To Demand A Cup Of Tea
What a diva wants, a diva gets, as Mariah showed us with her jaw-dropping NYE performance in Times Square this past year. During the start of her performance, she paused the show to repeatedly demand a cup of hot tea. When it was apparent she wouldn't be getting any, she made a joke at the audience and went on with her performance. Afterward, she unabashedly took to Instagram to post a photo of herself with a cup at tea and a smirk plastered on her face, with the caption, "Found my tea!"
13 When She Demanded Her Ex James Packer Pay Her An Inconvenience Fee During Their Breakup
Back in 2016, Mariah suffered a public breakup from her ex-fiance, James Packer. A true drama queen, she was outraged during this time and according to ET, felt she was owed $50 million as an 'inconvenience fee.' Sources told ET, “He moved her across the country and relocated her and her kids. He made promises to her that weren't fulfilled," the source said, adding that Carey expects to keep her $10 million engagement ring and wants Packer to buy her a Calabasas home in addition to giving her cash."
12 When She Made It Known That She Refuses To Speak The Day Before Shows
Mariah definitely wouldn't be the massive celebrity she is if it wasn't for her powerhouse vocals. Understanding her gift, she makes sure her vocal chords are always in tip-top shape before her shows. According to Cheat Sheet, Jeff Olde, who oversaw the production of her reality TV series, said Mariah wouldn't speak a single word on those days and only communicated through writing and signing. “She cannot speak the day before a performance,” said Olde. “She knows exactly what she wants but has to communicate through writing or sign language.”
11 She Sleeps With 20 Humidifiers Surrounding Her Bed
Not convinced Mariah does whatever it takes to protect her vocal chords? She once told V Magazine that she sleeps with 20 humidifiers around her bed since humidifying her throat is the best thing she can do with it. She explains, "Basically it's like sleeping in a steam room. The bed is all terry cloth, the ceiling is pitched so the water can't fall on my head, and it all drips down to the side, and the TV is behind glass." If that's not excessive, we don't know what is.
10 When There Wasn't A Private Jet Available So She Had To Book An Entire First Class Cabin All To Herself
Mariah's accustomed to a life of luxury and understandably wants to maintain her privacy. That's why, a few years ago, she elected to rent out an entire first class cabin on a flight from New York to Nice, France. According to News 24, this expenditure will set her back around $91, 500 dollars - not that she thought twice about it. A source told The Sun, "Over the years Mariah has grown accustomed to traveling in ultimate style so she doesn't think twice about paying such a crazy amount to ensure her privacy."
9 When She Sold Her Engagement Ring From Ex James Packer For 10 Million Dollars Just To Get Rid Of Emotional Baggage
If it wasn't enough that Mariah demanded an 'inconvenience fee' from ex-fiance James Packer, she decided to clap back at the billionaire, proving a diva always has the final word. As reported by W Magazine, she sold her $10 million engagement ring not out of necessity - but to rid herself of emotional baggage. The same ring that she requested she would hold on to in their settlement, was sold to a Los Angeles-based jeweler for $2.1 million. Just like that, Mariah proved yet again that she's an independent woman.
8 Her Kitchen Has A Chaise In It Since She Simply Loves To Recline While She Eats
Our ultimate pop diva loves to relax, from choosing to be carried during her live performances to constantly lounging during her docu-series. As per Daily Mail, her 12,000 square-foot, three-story apartment in New York is decked out to be absolutely luxurious, just for her. In her dark-green marble kitchen sits a Roman-style chaise because she likes to recline when she eats.
Among other countless indulgent set-ups, she also has a gold ceiling in her bedroom and beige satin drapes, with steps leading into a bath. She proudly insists: "If anyone ever buys this place, they had better be a diva or they can't live here."
7 She Insists On Wearing High Heels All The Time, Even To The Gym
Mariah loves to showcase her ultra-glam ways on Instagram every chance she gets. Much like the time she snapped herself wearing a gown and heels to take her kids to the park, she also took the time to capture herself at the gym, working out in fishnets and heels. Practical? not quite. Diva-esque? Absolutely. According to Daily Mail, she insists on wearing high heels all the time and has even been filmed in her stilettos while using her home-gym equipment. She's explained on camera once, "I can't wear flat shoes. My feet repel them."
6 She Was Such A Diva On A Movie Set That Her Part Was Cut From The Final Version Altogether
Being the diva that she is, it's no surprise Mariah may come across as a bit demanding to her peers. According to Channel 24, when she was set to star in Amy Poehler and Will Ferrell's new comedy, The House last year, she had some pretty eccentric requests. Her co-star Rob Huebel said working with her was something else, explaining she was four hours late and some of her demands for her trailer included it be filled with white roses and stuffed toy lambs. Her parts, unfortunately, got cut from the final film, perhaps due to all her requests?
5 Jennifer Lawrence, On The Other Hand, Is Frugal And Still Looks For Deals Wherever She Goes
Unlike Mariah, Jennifer Lawrence is seen as one of Hollywood's most down-to-earth celebs. Appearing on countless lists depicting celebrities to be just like us, she proves time and time that she abolishes every stereotype about the extravagant elite. As per GOBanking Rates, she has no personal assistants to do her shopping, and she isn't found in ultra-high scale stores, either. Instead, she's a fan of clipping coupons and enjoying a deal much like any other person. “I was raised to have value for money, to have respect for money, even though you have a lot of it,” Jennifer told the Fabulous magazine a few years ago.
4 Kristen Bell, Still Gets So Excited Over Coupons
Kristen Bell is another celebrity who chooses to clip coupons instead of living a life of lavish luxury 24/7. As reported by Two Eggz, Kristen once told Conan O'Brien that she uses a lot of coupons, claiming to shop exclusively with them. “The best coupon you can get, possibly in the world, is the Bed Bath & Beyond coupon," she exclaimed. When Conan asked her if she was getting paid to endorse Bed Bath & Beyond, she responded bashfully, saying she simply loved couponing that much.
3 Florence Welch Admits To Using Dating Apps Like The Rest Of Us
Most of us can't imagine seeing a celebrity on Tinder, and if we did, we'd probably think it was a total catfish. Turns out, celebs can definitely be found on the popular dating app, with hectic schedules that don't usually allow for them to casually meet people through friends or events. Florence Welch, of Florence and the Machine, is an example of one that can be found online. She told The Guardian of her current bio that reads, "Deeply domestic but also high stress, with no middle ground - hugely exposed but deeply hermity. Too many candles burning in my house to be safe."
2 Chrissy Teigen Proudly Shows Off Her Stretch Marks
Joining the ranks with Jennifer Lawrence as one of the most relatable celebrities out there is Chrissy Teigen, whose online persona has garnered her a huge following thanks to her unabashed posts depicting her not-always-so-glamorous life. Last year, the Sports Illustrated beauty took to Instagram to post a photo of her stretch marks, reminding everyone that "stretchies" are totally normal and shouldn't have to be hidden or photoshopped out of the picture. She later took to Twitter to clarify, "I do not post stretchies for the praise. I post it because the wine also I like the pattern and they're so soft."
1 Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, Who Opted For A Low-Key Road Trip Honeymoon Instead Of Going All Out
One of our all-time favorite on-camera sweethearts who later went on to tie the knot are Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher. Besides being absolutely adorable together, the duo proves to be down-to-earth as well, opting to take a relaxed honeymoon instead of anything elaborate that's expected of Hollywood's elite. As per Now to Love, the couple was spotted traveling around California in an RV with their nine-month-old daughter Wyatt. Basking in each other's company, they stopped at Yosemite Valley National Park before continuing on to Lodi, a city in San Joaquin County.
References: PAPER, Vogue, Youtube, E! Online, Insider, The Cut, The New York Times