Photos of Mariah Carey Performing on MTV Unplugged in New York, 1992

Mariah Carey performed on MTV Unplugged on March 16, 1992, at Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, New York. The performance was later released as an EP titled MTV Unplugged on June 2, 1992.

After the release of Carey’s second studio album, Emotions (1991), critics began wondering whether Carey would finally embark on a worldwide tour, having not toured to promote her self-titled debut album. Although Carey had done several sporadic award show appearances, as well as television program performances, critics began accusing Carey of being a studio artist, not capable of delivering or replicating the same quality vocals live, especially her whistle register.

During several televised interviews, Carey addressed the accusations, claiming that she did not tour out of fear of the long travel times and distances, as well as the strain on her voice performing her songs back-to-back. However, in hopes of putting any claims of her being a manufactured artist to rest, Carey and Walter Afanasieff decided to book an appearance on MTV Unplugged, a television program aired by MTV. The show’s purpose was to present name artists, and feature them “unplugged” or stripped of studio equipment.

While live, the show allowed several musicians and back up vocalists, while recorded in an acoustic setting. The issues Carey faced once the show was booked was the content; she didn’t know what material to present at the intimate concert. While Carey felt strongly of her more soulful and powerful songs, it was decided that her most popular content to that point would be included. Days prior to the show’s taping, Carey and Afanasieff thought of adding a cover version of an older song, in order to provide something different and unexpected. They chose “I’ll Be There,” a song made popular by The Jackson 5 in 1970, rehearsing it few times before the night of the show.

Carey’s performance was recorded on March 16, 1992, at Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, New York. The show featured a number of musicians, back-up vocalists and just a crew of ten, for filming and recording. Directed by Larry Jordan, who previously worked with Carey on the music video for “Someday.” Dana Jon Chapelle was chosen as the sound mixer, having worked with Carey on her previous two studio albums.

The EP MTV Unplugged was released on June 2, 1992, and became a commercial success, reaching #3 on the Billboard 200. “I’ll Be There” became her sixth #1 hit, introducing Trey Lorenz to the world. The performance is still regarded as one of the best live vocal showcases in pop history.