I’m going to make a confession here. I’ve never been what you might call a Mariah Carey fan – not even close. I am the one who will turn down the radio as soon as I hear that pitched squeal. That was before her concert on September 1 made a believer out of me.

Carey played live at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in front of thousands of faithful fans. Since then I have become one of them. I am a reformed Mariah Carey fan, as die hard as any eleven year old. Not only does she have incredible vocal range, she puts on an awesome show.

The show opened with a medley of some of her greatest hits and video clips of her work. There was a troupe of nine dancers and a five-piece band to back her up. Carey changed her outfit at least seven times in the hour-long show. She went from sparkly pink and silver to an oriental mini dress to a golden gown, always looking flawless, of course.

The overall theme of the concert was carnival/circus with dancers alternating between street costumes and clown costumes. The lead male dancer also played a clown who (with every new costume she came out in) painted pictures of the star and then showed the audience.

I can now see why fans have adored her forever, “[I’ve liked Carey] since I was like, four years old,” said Rebecca Shapiro, 19. Shapiro sat in front of me with friend Jennifer Denigro, 20. Denigro echoed Shapiro’s love for Carey, “Yes, I love Mariah. She’s fabulous. I’ve loved her since I was like seven. She’s an extraordinary diva, she’s cool.”

“Dream Lover” was one of the audience’s favorites. Each time Carey opened up and reached those nearly inaudible notes she is so famous for, the crowd erupted in whistles and cheers While she sang, the video camera panned around her, showing a series of close ups. Any time Carey cracked one of her winsome smiles the people all around me sprang into rousing cheers. “I love you Mariah,” could be heard throughout the entire show from various audience members overcome with emotion for their favorite diva. Donna Ortiz, 45 said, “I think she’s really charming and I think she’s really trying to bring back her career. I think people judged her too harshly.” After watching her perform, I’d have to agree with Ortiz. It does seem as though Carey’s fans have been quick to judge her, especially in light of her talent and determination.

As an intro into a slower piece Carey said, “I’m going to do a song for you now that’s about pressing on and perseverance, it’s called ‘Through the Rain.'” Carey sat in a plush red chair and a hush fell over the audience. She really belted out her frustrations at the lyric, “stand tall and say, I can make it through the rain.” She stood up and gracefully doubled over in emotion.

Before she could begin another song, her hairdresser sauntered onto the stage. The audience seemed somewhat amazed. Carey looked nonplussed and after introducing him as her hairdresser said, “a little crimping, a little fluffing . . . I guess this is that diva stuff they’re talking about. They call me a diva, you know.”

Overall, the show was spectacular, her costumes were gorgeous, the music was awesome and the pastel colored baby doll tank tops for sale each cost $40. Need more convincing that Carey is a Diva (capitalization intentional)? Every outfit Carey squeezed into was accented by heels the likes of which I have never seen. Each pair was spiked and at least three inches high.

Later, she brought out the big guns for her unbelievers. The stage is dark, where is Mariah? The audience gets a little restless; they need their diva-fix. Suddenly, someone points to the stage. I turn to look and there she is! She is being lowered slowly onto the stage in a white curtained swing that gently deposits her on top of a grand piano . . . enough said.