Mariah Carey returned to Sydney for the first time in 11 years, gracing the stage at Fridayz Live, a festival that saw a sold-out audience of 45,000. While Carey delivered an impeccable performance, it was Pitbull who truly stole the show, captivating a crowd of fans dressed in bald caps and business blazers, mimicking the rapper’s iconic look.
The four-city Fridayz Live festival marked Carey’s first Australian shows since 2014, and her performance was nothing short of spectacular. Singing hits like “Hero” and “Emotions,” Carey’s voice was crystalline, enchanting the audience. However, the atmosphere was charged with excitement from Pitbull’s earlier high-energy set, which had fans sweating off their drawn-on goatees as they danced to his hedonistic 2010s EDM hits.
The Return of Fridayz Live
Fridayz Live, Australia’s premier national R&B and hip-hop festival, made a triumphant return to Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, and Melbourne after a hiatus in 2024. The festival faced challenges in securing a strong lineup in the past, but this year it boasted two major attractions: Mariah Carey, whose talent and celebrity status are indelible, and Pitbull, who is experiencing a pop-culture resurgence thanks to TikTok.
In Sydney, the presence of Pitbull was palpable. The audience, predominantly women, embraced the rapper’s look, adding their own stylish flair with outfits ranging from boyfriend shirts and billowing skirts to tiny denim shorts paired with Dr. Martens. Pitbull’s performance style, a blend of boyband charisma, impassioned karaoke, and evangelical fervor, resonated deeply with the crowd.
Pitbull’s Commanding Presence
Pitbull took the stage with unparalleled energy, his leather jacket soon drenched in sweat. His performance was a medley of dancefloor anthems like “Hotel Room Service” and “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love,” interspersed with motivational aphorisms that doubled as song introductions. The crowd echoed his words, familiar with both his lyrics and his inspirational tweets.
“Ask for money and get advice, huh / Ask for advice, get money twice”
During his set, Pitbull’s DJ mixed unexpected tracks like the White Stripes’ “7 Nation Army” and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” adding to the eclectic vibe of the festival. This randomness is emblematic of Fridayz Live, which originated in 2016 as a spin-off from RnB Fridayz, a radio event where stations across Australia play R&B all day.
Mariah Carey’s Impeccable Performance
Despite Pitbull’s dominance, Mariah Carey’s performance was a masterclass in vocal prowess. Backed by three singers and a live band, Carey delivered 18 songs in 60 minutes, including hits like “Always Be My Baby” and “Touch My Body.” Her voice soared through whistle tones and rich, coarser notes, proving her enduring talent.
Carey’s stage presence, though somewhat stiff, was overshadowed by her vocal excellence. Her ensemble of ivory-clad singers and dancers added a touch of glamour, while her ad libs and vocal runs confirmed she wasn’t relying on backing tracks. The festival closed with Carey inviting the crowd to sing “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” as confetti fell like snow on the humid October night.
A Festival of Surprises
The festival’s frenetic energy was further amplified by surprise appearances and technical quirks. Lil Jon made multiple appearances, much to the crowd’s delight, while Wiz Khalifa’s set included an unexpected in-memoriam slideshow for Paul Walker, juxtaposed with his upbeat performance.
The slight disarray, with technical issues and AI-generated visuals, only added to the festival’s charm. Between sets, the audience engaged with interactive elements like QR quizzes, though some tracks were never played, maintaining an air of unpredictability.
As Fridayz Live continues to Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth, the festival’s eclectic mix of talent and spontaneity promises to keep audiences entertained. The event’s success in Sydney sets the stage for future iterations, highlighting the enduring appeal of both Mariah Carey and Pitbull in the ever-evolving landscape of pop culture.
