Why Mariah Carey Sang Live at Rockefeller Tree Lighting

Singer made good on her promise to sing after turning up late Tuesday.

ByABC News
December 4, 2014, 12:03 PM

Dec. 4, 2014— -- It seems Mariah Carey can't catch a break.

After the diva disappointed fans Tuesday by failing to show up on time to pre-tape her performance for the 82nd annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, she ended up performing live for Wednesday night's opener of "Christmas In Rockefeller Center."

But after struggling to hit some of her signature high notes in her holiday classic "All I Want for Christmas Is You," viewers quickly took to Twitter to deride the singer.

Hear Mariah Carey Sing at Rockefeller Center

It all started when Carey, 44, reportedly held up the show's crew and fans for three hours in freezing rain at Tuesday's scheduled pre-taping. TMZ reported that Carey was tied up on the phone with her lawyers regarding her divorce from Nick Cannon.

"I don’t comment on her personal life," her publicist told ABC News today. "She would never intentionally disappoint her fans."

By Wednesday, Carey was apologizing.

Last night's situation was beyond my control. I apologize to all that showed up, you know that I would never want to disappoint you.

— Mariah Carey #MC20 (@MariahCarey) December 3, 2014

She made amends by offering to sing live Wednesday.

You've kept me here, in your hearts, and I keep you in mine always. We are #lambily! #ThereForMe ?? ??

— Mariah Carey #MC20 (@MariahCarey) December 3, 2014

I will be opening tonight's live show in Rockefeller center with "All I Want For Christmas Is You"!!!! Tune in at 8pm on NBC! #MC20 ??????

— Mariah Carey #MC20 (@MariahCarey) December 3, 2014

She even shared a snap from backstage of her getting ready.

Later on stage, dressed in red, Carey appeared visibly frustrated with her ear piece and seemed to struggle with her breathing, as her voice cracked at times.

Gawker called her performance "disappointing," while Deadspin, which posted an unedited raw version of her vocal track, called it a "disaster."

Mimi's longtime fans, however, jumped to her defense on social media, lauding her bravery for singing live.

What do you think?

She made amends by offering to sing live Wednesday.

You've kept me here, in your hearts, and I keep you in mine always. We are #lambily! #ThereForMe ?? ??

— Mariah Carey #MC20 (@MariahCarey) December 3, 2014

I will be opening tonight's live show in Rockefeller center with "All I Want For Christmas Is You"!!!! Tune in at 8pm on NBC! #MC20 ??????

— Mariah Carey #MC20 (@MariahCarey) December 3, 2014

She even shared a snap from backstage of her getting ready.

Later on stage, dressed in red, Carey appeared visibly frustrated with her ear piece and seemed to struggle with her breathing, as her voice cracked at times.

Gawker called her performance \"disappointing,\" while Deadspin, which posted an unedited raw version of her vocal track, called it a \"disaster.\"

Mimi's longtime fans, however, jumped to her defense on social media, lauding her bravery for singing live.

What do you think?

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