Review: In St. Pete, Mariah the Scientist shows off unfiltered sincerity, vulnerability, and raw talent [PHOTOS]

Last Saturday night, a throng of enthusiastic fans sold-out Jannus Live in St. Petersburg for one of the last stops on Mariah The Scientist's 47-date, “To Be Eaten Alive” Tour. The run, in support of the 26-year-old’s latest studio album, featured an absolutely stellar performance from the Scientist herself, and and opening performances from Chxrry22—a perfect girl’s night out.

Mariah—born Mariah Amani Buckles—adorned in a stunning, red, two-piece dress, took to the stage with after slight delay around 10 p.m., swiftly forgiven by her adoring fans. Gracing the stage with just a backing track, Buckles masterfully brought her eclectic sound to fruition as she delivered a performance that intertwined intimacy with potency. Opening with hit songs “Good Times” and “Bout Mine,” Mariah quickly displayed her vocal prowess and evident connection with her fans, as the crowd sang every word. Slowly moving through her set with songs like “40 Days and 40 Nights,” “All For Me,” and “Only Human,” the lack of live sounds from a band actually seemed to aid the songwriter, giving her acres of room to vocally fly through the beats of her songs, showcasing her undeniable voice, and interacting with her fans, which ultimately provided a more personal experience.

Throughout the evening, Buckles displayed her versatility as an artist, effortlessly transitioning between soul-stirring ballads and infectious uptempo compositions. Tracks like “Love Sick,” “Stone Cold,'' and "RIP" struck a chord with the audience, igniting spontaneous sing-alongs and moments of genuine connection. However, it was Mariah's unfiltered sincerity, vulnerability, and raw talent that truly distinguished her. Whether delving into themes of love, heartbreak, or self-exploration, her lyrics and ability to convey her emotions resonated deeply with fans who sought solace in her melodies. Finishing the show with “From A Woman,” Mariah bid her supporters fair well, and disappeared behind the standing LED screens, amid her final vocal runs.

From the outset to the finale, Mariah the Scientist's performance served as a testament to her artistic prowess and undeniable skill. With each melody, she invited the audience into her realm, leaving an indelible mark long after the echoes of her final notes subsided. The show transcended mere entertainment; it was an immersive journey that underscored the profound ability of music to stir, console, and unite us all.

At 7:30 pm, Toronto native Chxrry22 took the stage, infusing her performance with a fusion of mesmerizing vocals and alluring charm. Attendees were treated to a diverse repertoire of Chxrry22's magnetic compositions from her recent seven-track opus, Siren, (stylized in all-caps) and debut EP The Other Side,’ featuring sultry singles such as "Favorite Girl ft. Offset," "More," and "Worlds Away.” As a live virtuoso, Chxrry22 showcased robust, crystalline, and meticulously controlled vocals. Serving as the show's opener, the burgeoning R&B luminary exuded an aura of seasoned stage presence that tells the story of her ascent in the industry, effortlessly captivating the audience with her vocal prowess, choreography, and magnetic persona. Notably, amongst the front row, stood dedicated Chxrry22 aficionados, adorned in Chxrry merchandise with a matching, exuberant energy. It was readily apparent why Chxrry22 holds the distinction of being the first female artist signee to world-class superstar The Weeknd's XO Records. Her infectious energy served as a testament to her promising trajectory, firmly establishing herself as one to closely watch.

Mariah the Scientist setlist
Good Times
Bout Mine
Note to Self
Aura
40 Days n 40 Nights
Revenge
Beetlejuice
77 Degrees
All For Me
Reminders
Out of Luck
Always and Forever
Only Human
Ride
Not A Love Song
Thanks For Nothing
Lovesick
2 You
Different Pages
Walked In
Stone Cold
Heaven is a Place on Earth
Spread Thin
From a Woman