Mariah Carey: Grand Diva?

By: Shannon Gossage

Reportedly last week, Mariah Carey’s underlings arrived at the Baglioni hotel at approximately 2 a.m. to ensure that she would receive the star treatment upon her arrival. Once they arrived and saw that nothing was in place, Carey’s lackeys demanded that the red carpet be put out and that the walkway be lined with white candles. Excuse me? Supposedly, Carey and crew drove around in the limo until the walkway was properly set up and only then would the diva step out of the limo.

Reportedly, Carey rented out 15 rooms, some costing upwards of $3,500 a night, for her three-day stay. The hotel manager said, "It’s not unheard of for us to rush a red carpet out for a guest. We’re used to dealing with high-profile guests and everyone has their own requirements." Of course they do, but how ridiculous is that…mood lighting and a red carpet in the middle of the night. One can only wonder what other demands she had.

It has also been reported that Carey hired a new stylist to give her an updated and classy look. She is hoping to clean up her image for next month’s launch of her album The Emancipation of Mimi. Carey reportedly believes that this album is a "make-or-break" for her. She is probably right. Anyway, as for the new stylist, Mariah seems to still be calling all the shots. She reportedly wore a sophisticated white suit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony last week, but reverted back to her trashy ways on Saturday night. She appeared on the German show Wetten Dass? and wore a "skin-tight, semi-see-through black lace gown" with a plunging neckline. Some things never change.