For almost 20 years, Mariah Carey has been at the forefront of contemporary pop music. As the reigning diva of R&B, Carey’s pitch-perfect five-octave voice has placed her squarely in the camp of music’s greatest legends.

Most artists dream of one day achieving Carey’s level of success—from her self-titled debut album to the impending release of her 12th studio LP, Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel, Carey has consistently delighted fans with her top-notch vocal stylings. The singer’s number of chart-topping singles, ranging from “Vision of Love” and “Fantasy” to “We Belong Together” and “Touch My Body,” ranks second only to the Beatles.

Of course, Carey has had downs in her career as well as ups, but the Glitter days are long gone. Carey has been flying high since the release of The Emancipation of Mimi in 2005.

With a controversial new single, “Obsessed,” (Eminem is rumored to be the subject of the song), Carey continues to prove that she still dominates the spotlight, even after all these years.

Mariah Carey performs at the Palms September 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $129, $179 and $254.

By Caitlin McGarry