For the Chicago Concert, we compiled a fanbook of Mariah's fan letters to deliver. We received over 100 entries. After painting the cover, adding cute sections, and adding drawings...the book looked fantastic! Then we set out for the concert.

Tessa, Vijay, and myself (Julie) arrived at the Virgin Megastore at 3pm for the unofficial fan gathering we planned. It went pretty well, and there were some cool fans there who enjoyed the Chicago Fan Bracelet a lot. We met some fans there: Amanda, Jennifer, Dan, Terry, etc. They were all incredibly nice!

After taking pics there, Amanda joined us for dinner at Gino's East. After dinner, we drove to the United Center and stood by the Michael Jordan statue. There, we talked to more fans. We met Angel, Shom, etc. Many signed their names by their letters in the fanbook.

When we sat down, we heard J. Roman perform his opening act. Soon after, the curtains opened to reveal a cute lounge set. Mariah came in through the audience to a room full of screaming fans! She wore a beautiful sparkly minidress and looked fantastic. She sang the usual list of songs. The chosen song for the night was "Can't Take That Away" again. From the view of Row 2, the show was amazing. Her voice was full on, and didn't skip a beat. My favorite part was her jazzy band introductions. We held up a sign that said "We Love U Big Nasty!" during that segment. M was very relaxed and everything transitioned seamlessly. The crowd loved it when she sang long or high notes. Her vocal display last night was truly incredible, and I've never heard it in better shape.

After the several costume changes (all of which were beautiful!), and after all the songs were sung, we were still excited because we got to see her backstage! We put on our Honey B. Fly backstage passes, and met in Section 103 like Mark told us to. Then, we waited in seats and chatted about the concert to each other. Soon, they led us into a lounge area (which was usually a lockeroom) with red curtains and sofas, with The Remixes CD playing in the background. There were chips, dip, fruit, veggies, drinks, wine, champagne...all for us to munch on while we waited for her. The fans all introduced themselves, and I really enjoyed hanging out with them because they were funny!

We saw a camera, and the person told us he was filming for Complete and Total Access. He asked us who had the fanbook. After telling him we did, he put the camera on the three of us. Then suddenly while we were talking in front of the camera, Mariah appeared! She looked beautiful in a black dress. She chatted with us, and everybody was telling her "I love you!" She walked toward us, and I flashed the cover of the book and handed it to her saying "This is the Chicago Charmbracelet." She asked me if I painted the cover, and I said yes. Then she said that it was great and that although she didn't get to read through the Vegas one yet, she would do that soon and that she will keep them all in her Fanbook Room. Tessa said "You mean your Butterfly Room?" And she said "Yes, the Butterfly Room, which is getting a bit full now...it's not a large room, you know!" Heehee! She asked us if we liked the show, and of course we all said YES!

Anyways, then she walked into the ajoining room where we would take our photos. There, they divided us into two groups and we took pictures. Mariah told me she liked my skirt, which was exciting. I was standing near M, and afterward, I gave her a hug, and told her "I hope you enjoy the fanbook!" She said in response "I'm sure I will...you guys did a great job!" in a very sweet way. Tessa also gave Mariah a hug, telling her she looked great. Mariah said "you too!" Everybody was saying "Mariah, you look beautiful" and we were all like "aww" and it was a really warm moment.

It was just so amazing, because she was so nice and sweet. She was really relaxed because she said the Chicago crowd was the best show in all the US tour dates thus far. (We were incredibly loud!) And she seemed in great spirits.

Anyways, this was an incredible experience, and I will never forget it! Of the few times we've seen her here in Chicago, this must be one of the best! We're really happy to have met all those great Chicago lambs! You guys are so much fun to chill with, and very funny too! Mariah, thank you for a wonderful show, and for being such a sweet person! We are all very grateful, and we love you very much!