Mariah Carey Ends Christmas Tour in Brooklyn with Rihanna’s Surprise Moment

NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: *Exclusive Coverage* Mariah Carey and Rihanna attend the launch of VEVO, the world's premiere destination for premium music video and entertainmentat Skylight Studio on December 8, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for VEVO)
Mariah Carey’s festive Christmas Time Tour came to a close in style at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Tuesday, December 17th with a show that was as dazzling as it was memorable. The Queen of Christmas, acknowledged for her exceptional holiday spirit, overcame sickness to give a triumphant final performance. The evening wasn’t just about the music — it was a night of surprises, including a star-studded appearance by none other than Rihanna. The Fenty founder caused a social media craze by posting a playful moment with Carey, where she got her breast signed by the iconic singer.
“Mariah Carey is signing my tit,” Rihanna quipped, she added a humorous sparkle to the evening by wearing sunglasses and a plush tan jacket.
Overcoming Challenges: A Christmas Miracle
Carey’s final tour stop was almost cancelled. Just days before, the singer announced on X (formerly Twitter) that she had been forced to cancel three performances due to the flu.
“Pittsburgh, I am sorry to say, I’ve come down with the flu. It breaks my heart that I unfortunately have to cancel tonight’s show,” she wrote on Dec. 11.
The cancellations extended to Newark, New Jersey, and Belmont, New York, leaving fans uncertain about the Brooklyn finale. Despite difficulties, the resiliant diva bounced back and declared her return a ‘Christmas miracle’ in a heartfelt Instagram post in December 16th.
“Lambs, thank you for making my #Christmastime so special,” she wrote. “I’ve loved singing with you every night, and I can’t wait to see you all tomorrow in Brooklyn for the last show of the tour.”
A Starry Tour Full of Festive Fun
On November 6, Carey began her 20-date Christmas Time Tour in Highland, California, which was filled with nostalgia, holiday cheer, and special appearances. On December 9, she experienced a heartwarming moment that was a highlight. She performed at a show in Raleigh, N.C., where her 13-year-old twins, Monroe and Moroccan, who she shares with ex-husband Nick Cannon, joined her onstage. They gave their mother flowers to celebrate her beloved classic ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart once more.
“Thank you. Wow!” Carey exclaimed during the heartfelt moment. “That was the perfect moment to find that out. It’s from the Hot 100? Well, thank you, everybody who helped make that possible.”
The 30th anniversary of Carey’s iconic holiday album, Merry Christmas, was also commemorated this year, with the perennial favorite being featured. Her December 9th release of a limited deluxe edition of the album was a way to celebrate and add another element of festivity to the tour.
A Glittering Finale
Carey’s Barclays Center performance was proof that she is the undisputed Queen of Christmas, from her festive costumes to her powerful vocals. The star brought the holiday spirit to life with timeless hits and new renditions, making the final show a spectacle that fans won’t soon forget. Rihanna’s spontaneous moment added an extra dimension of enjoyment to a night already full of joy and sparkle, cementing the tour’s legacy as a gift to her loyal Lambs and holiday music fans alike. With this tour, Carey once again reminded everyone that she’s the best at Christmas.