Just moments after paying tribute to pop icon Michael Jackson at Tuesday's public memorial service Mariah Carey took to her Twitter page to critique her emotional performance of 'I'll Be There.' "Sorry that I wasn't able to pull it together and really do it right, " she twittered. "But I was literally choked up when I saw him there in front of me." The 39-year-old was the first performer to sing during the event held at the Staples Center Tuesday.
Taking the stage alongside collaborator Trey Lorenz, Carey, fell off key in the very beginning of her performance but quickly pulled it together. "Trying to sing today was basically impossible for me. I could barely keep myself from crying," she said.
Carey chronicled her day via Twitter and wrote a tribute to the late King of Pop. "He inspired with his timeless music. He will be forever in our hearts."
Although originally released by the Jackson 5 in 1970, Carey remade the song on her 1992 released MTV Unplugged album.
Actress Brooke Shields, singers Jennifer Hudson, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and Usher -- who broke down following his emotional performance of Jackson's 'Gone To Soon' -- and Shaheen Jafargholi of 'Britain's Got Talent' took the stage after Carey to say goodbye to Jackson.
In other Carey news, the r&b diva is set to release her 12th studio album, 'Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel,' on August 25.
Reader Comments(1 of 13)
NekeyaB27at 7-08-2009
Its ok mariah, we understand, shoot i was choked up too and i wont even singing. But its all good that is more than understandable, and we all know that you too was close. In all i give you your props cause that took alot of courage, and heart i wouldnt had been able to do it right there especially with the casket infront me . God bless you and i think u was still wonderful
Howdy Haroldat 7-08-2009
Mariah, just stick to doing the ghetto trash crap , you butchered I'll be there
howdyboy4uat 7-08-2009
Learn to write NekeyaB27.
jpuzzlewhizat 7-09-2009
F-ck Mariah Carey, the whole goddam circus, I mean memorial, is what's needed to be apologized for. Why should the world award that goddam PERVERT that kind of service? He was a goddam child-molester, I don't give a rat's tush that he was acquitted, because that was a miscarriage of justice due to grossly incompetent DAs, whom I'm sure will get disbarred because of it. And don't forget, in the first trial, he PAID the complaining family, and there was no verdict. Think about THAT, you misguided loonies. God will see that Michael Degenerate rots in Hell, like he deserves. JUSTICE IS FINALLY BEING PROPERLY ADMINISTERED !!!
SC DSC 10at 7-10-2009
jpuzzlewhiz,
what if someone said you touched their kid and tried to sue you for everything you have? you come out of court not guilty, but millions of people still say you did it and continues to disgrace your name everywhere they went. then someone else tries again. he paid them to leave because it would make his life worse. just as you said, the justice system isn't perfect. if he had gone to court again, someone with a blinded opinion like you could be on the jury. then those millions of people would just spread more false information and others would believe it too.
marieat 7-12-2009
jpuzzlewhiz,
How do you know MJ did touched little boys and abused children? Were you in the room, were you there? Have you ever been to Neverland Ranch??? Are you saying MJ looked like a child molester? what were the claims even really founded on? You need to do your research. The dad in the first case admitted that he made up the claims to get the child away from the mom for revenge and to assassinate her character and judgement. The second set of parents took advantage of MJ kindness, and tried to get rich by using the same lawyer in the first case. Have you ever heard of only God can judge me????? Do you live in a glass house? Stop throwing stones. You dont know what happened or what all the details were to the situation cause more than likely you weren't there. Michael Jackson in addition to being the greatest entertainer to ever live,contributed his life to helping others. He lived in his own little world, used drugs, and had a color complex but again we all have issues no one is perfect. Let that man rest in peace, and IF he did what the parents say he did using unfounded claims, then let justice be served by the almighty. No other entertainer's character was assassinated more than MJ. I'm not making this a discussion about race but look at Amy Whinehouse,Brittney Spears, Lindsay Lohan. Paris Hilton. Marilyn Manson, Fucking jokes. nowhere near the type of talent that MJ possessed and all of their damn sins are forgiven. what about that director that married his damn adopted daughter, something allen? he had naked pics of the girl when she was barely 17? he left his wife married her, then they adopted two kids together. he is a damn sicko, they proved he was molesting their other child and his charges were dropped as part of an agreement with the divorce proceedings. Michael Jackson was never found guilty. Leave some room for speculation next time you go fussing about something.
Tracyat 7-12-2009
NekeyaB27, where did you escape from?
Antoinetteat 7-08-2009
We understand Mariah. No one should have been looking for anyone to perform at their best during the memorial service. It was very emotional for everyone and I can only imagine how difficult it was to keep whatever composure you had especially with Michael and his family directly infront of you. We know you're a great performer.
SONGBIRDat 7-08-2009
Mariah, all is well you are beautiful and so was your tribute. No one is judging your performance,no one was expecting you to "perform"we neede healing not a show . You gave us that. What stood out more than your voice is your heart and that's what counts.
Bri, Rancho Cucamonga,Ca.
icdou007at 7-08-2009
Mariah no problem, it shows you are human my dear!
Usher..........was wonderful also, made me cry.
lindaat 7-08-2009
I thought you did a 'bang-up' job! I am a vocalist myself, and I was amazed at the control of all the performers.
Judeat 7-08-2009
Mariah, your tribute was beautiful. It was such an emotional time for everyone and you were a true professional in every way. It was the perfect song for you and I'm sure Michael's family was moved by your rendition.
jetty00027at 7-08-2009
I don't think she choked up, she was just over the top as usual. She acted like a phoney. And now, realizing how bad it was, she blames it on being "all choked up!" the only "REAL" performance yesterday was when MJ kid cried. The rest only focused on his career and ignored the person he was. They acted like they didn't know him at all! I was shocked by the phoneyness and over the top performances by these so called "stars" - nobody knew Jackson but his kids. And we'll find out how good a father he was by how they turn out. Stayed tuned. Can't stand Mariah, she is and always will be a huge phoney, and her voice is common and plain.
Pattiat 7-08-2009
I dont think she is losing sleep over you not appreciating her, nor is it keeping that bank roll from coming in either.
Valerieat 7-08-2009
The "person he was" was a child molester, pervert and deeply disturbed individual. Why all of this is being overlooked is beyond me. It's shameful! He's dead and buried now, I hope this is the last we will hear about the infamous Michael Jackson.