Live Review: Fridayz Live 2025 Featuring Mariah Carey and Pitbull
24 October 2025 – Langley Park, Perth, Western Australia
Review by
Sheldon Ang (Jordin Sparks, Tinie Tempah, Eve, Mariah Carey)
Krystal Galloway (Lil Jon, Wiz Khalifa, Pitbull…Mariah Carey)
Photos by Mushroom House Creative
Dear Fridayz Live,
WELCOME BACK! WE MISSED YOU!
After being absent in 2024, the biggest party in Australia returned with a supernova, as if to compensate for last year’s no-show. Headlined by Mariah Carey and Pitbull, the class of 2025 is legendary, comprising artists who have shaped the pop culture landscape for over three decades, while influencing the current generation of talents. Together, they have accumulated almost 60 Grammy nominations, with Mariah leading the charge with 34 (and winning 6).
Despite being positioned no closer than 100 meters from the stage – on a level ground saturated with revellers – the energy resonance from the action was still palpable. When called upon, a sea of hands swayed through the rain while revellers danced and sang to the rhythm of our generation.
Glitter was rare, but determination sparkled everywhere. A few Santa hats dotted the sea of faces, but the endless army of Pitbull lookalikes dominated. Hundreds were in bald caps, sunglasses, and crisp white shirts, each one channelling their inner Mr 305 with full commitment.
As twilight sets, the icy breeze off the Swan River and the intermittent rain did nothing to cool the heat of excitement, and judging by the number of high-rise apartment balconies twinkling with phone lights, the whole city was in on the action…
Jordin Sparks – By Sheldon Ang
Jordin Sparks was more than a spark of the festival (no pun intended). Catapulted by American Idol season 6 in 2007, Sparks was the youngest winner of the show at just 17 years old. She was quick off the mark with “One Step at a Time.” Every word was sung by the female fans surrounding this writer and mimed by the guys. Her crystal-clear tone blended beautifully with her mid-tempo rhythm. Her lyrics are uplifting, and they were on display with every track of the night. Even the vulnerable-themed “Battlefield” was sung with optimism. She closed her set with “No Air.” Despite Chris Brown not on stage, the chemistry was palpable through the emotionally charged vocals and expressive gestures. So far, the sun was still smiling.
Tinie Tempah – By Sheldon Ang
Tinie Tempah from the UK was next on the list as the dark clouds were forming. His lyrics of success, ambition, and London life were charismatically displayed on stage. The beer-holding hands of fans swayed whenever he instructed. Performing shirtless and showing off his physique, Tinie is no tiny figure, while he delivered hits such as “Pass Out,” “Eat It Out,” “Miami to Ibiza,” and finished his set with “Girls Like.” His melodic phrasing and rhythmic precision were deeply rooted in those hook-driven choruses. He’s a hybrid rapper with a thick English accent, and his crisp diction triggered the head-bopping action. There was so much swagger and crowd-commanding charisma. Perth fans were appreciative of his performance.
Eve – By Sheldon Ang
Then came Eve. The 46-year-old Philadelphian and Grammy winner showcased her East Coast hip-hop and rap styles, delivering with confidence and unapologetic attitude – the exact manner we love about Eve. First up was “Who’s That Girl,” one of the anthemic tracks of the night. Backed by dancers, her show was as visually spectacular as her performance itself. The repetitive and catchy chorus echoed all over Langley Park. There was so much punch in her performance, especially in “Satisfaction.” “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” was conversational, as if she were speaking directly to her fans, and her cadence was precise. She rode on precision with effortless coolness. And what was cool was her cover of Gwen Stefani’s “Rich Girl,” followed by a savvy medley of DMX’s tracks. Eve has so much swagger in her vocal performance…she should have been performing later into the night.
Lil Jon – by Krystal Galloway
The crowd was amped up as they knew who was next! Lil Jon, the king of party anthems! The moment we heard his voice, the crowd erupted as if they had been transported back to the 2000s on a Saturday night at Ruby Room, when the DJ played all the bangers, the dance floor was filled with guys drenched in Aqua Di Gio and the girls danced until they felt like their feet had fallen off! Jon himself looked like he had just stepped back in time and not changed a single thing since 2004, complete with his signature dreads, cap, and two massive gold chains.
He took the crowd on a journey back to the 2000s, yelling: “My fave era of music is the 2000s,” and demanding, “Y’all miss the 2000s? Make some mother f*cking noise!” The cheers were deafening. He reminisced about dressing up and dancing in the club, punctuating his speech with his signature yells of “Wahhhhaaaat! Okaaaay! Yeaaahhhh!”
“Snap Yo Fingers” followed, and the madness did not let up! It was impossible not to get swept up in the chaos. He even took time to stop the music to instruct the crowd on the classic dance moves for Low. He asked the crowd, “Where’s the Window? Where’s the Wall?” and everyone joined in pointing along. His set was also a brilliant reminder of his influence on the era, as he dropped tracks he produced for others, like Ciara’s “Goodies” and Usher’s “Yeah!” . The nostalgia was electric and the crowd’s energy was completely wild! The set reached its peak with the tracks the crowd was waiting for: the ultimate club anthem “Shots” and his high-octane collaboration with Pitbull, “Crazy.” Lil Jon solidified his performance as the moment the remaining crowd collectively decided to forget the weather and just rage, proving there’s no turning down for the original king of Crunk.
Wiz Khalifa – by Krystal Galloway
Just as the crowd started to settle into the rhythm of the night under the heavy drizzle, the unmistakable beat of “Roll Up” echoed across Langley Park, and Wiz Khalifa hit the stage. He had to restart his intro song, but this meant we got double the excitement of Wiz hitting the stage! His presence was magnetic, immediately setting the tone for what would become one of the night’s standout sets. “Y’all look good out there,” he called out, his grin stretching wide as the audience roared back in agreement, hyped by his talk of being excited to be in Australia.
The skies above decided they wanted to be in on the action, and when “Black and Yellow” dropped, the park practically shook beneath our feet. It was a sea of hands and lights waving in unison as the chorus thundered through the rain-soaked air.
Despite some early technical hiccups, the kind that would rattle a lesser performer, Wiz handled it like a pro, stopping to reset and coming back stronger. He refused to let it derail the vibe. When a second, more severe technical issue hit mid-set, the music stopped and the screens went black, leaving the crowd briefly wondering what was going on. But Wiz bounced back, refusing to let a little problem ruin his set. He yelled, “If you came here tonight with your best friend, make some noise!” and launched into “See You Again.” The emotion was undeniable. Friends huddled together, singing every word, some with arms wrapped around each other’s shoulders in a sea of soaked but smiling faces lit by the stage glow.
Some had fled from the downpour, but for those who stayed, during the final track, “Young, Wild and Free,” drenched to the bone and utterly unbothered, this fearless crew was proving they truly were living young, wild, and free! Carelessly throwing their hands in the air, yelling out the lyrics and making the most of the moment as the rain fell on them. In those final five minutes, memories were made that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
After his main performance, and before diving back into the final acts of the evening, Lil Jon returned to the stage for a powerful tribute. Facing the still pouring rain, he honored Fatman Scoop and paid deep respect following his recent passing. Scoop was a huge part of these past tours, and the emotional rendition of “Be Faithful” served as a communal reminder of the shared history and spirit of Fridayz Live.
Pitbull – by Krystal Galloway
For the lucky ones who saw Pitbull here in Perth in 2012 for the Planet Pit tour, we knew we were about to take the party to a next level! The tension built as a countdown hit the screens, followed by his band launching into a heavy rock instrumental. The moment they started playing the drums to a song we all know well, Metallica’s Enter Sandman, the crowd went wild. It was a perfect nod to the fact that we are super excited to see Metallica here in Perth just eight days later! The band quickly broke into the Beastie Boys’ “Fight For Your Right” and phones were up in the air in anticipation before we saw the famous silhouette of Mr. Worldwide appear in the middle of the stage. Dressed all in black, with his signature black sunnies, he broke immediately into “Don’t Stop the Party” and the set ran full speed from start to finish.
What followed was a nonstop, high-octane celebration of global party anthems, proving why Pitbull has dominated airwaves for over a decade. He launched into early career-defining bangers like “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” and “Hotel Room Service,” immediately establishing the infectious, full-throttle pace. Flanking him were his phenomenal backup dancers who commanded the stage in high octane synchronization all night, dazzling the crowd in their sparkling red bodysuits. These women were pure energy and skill, delivering complex choreography with every beat they were integral to turning the stage into a world-class spectacle. Pitbull masterfully wove through his massive feature hits, giving us electric snippets of tracks like Jennifer Lopez’s “On the Floor” and Usher’s “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love,” reminding everyone that he is, truly, the king of the collaborative pop-dance era. He then dropped into the huge, genre-bending “Timber,” which had the entire venue jumping, before transitioning into the inspirational anthem “Feel This Moment.”
Pitbull took time between songs to acknowledge his journey and thank the crowd for their loyalty and dedication, telling them to live life to the fullest. The energy never once dipped, culminating in a sequence of his biggest career-defining tracks. The final few songs were pure magic: the house lights dropped as he performed “Time of Our Lives,” creating a massive sing-along moment. Then, the ultimate moment came when Lil Jon returned to the stage for their recent collaboration “JUMPIN” and they were quite literally jumping together in unison! Pitbull paused to genuinely thank his collaborator, giving a powerful nod to their shared history in both the Crunk and pop worlds, before the two legends shared an emotional embrace, a moment of genuine friendship and respect that capped the night before Pitbull ended the show with his massive, untouchable closer, “Give Me Everything.”
Ultimately, Pitbull’s decades-long appeal stems from more than just infectious beats; it’s rooted in his identity as a proud Cuban-American who embodies the Miami melting pot, unapologetically blending Latin rhythms, reggaeton, and global pop. This power to unify was vividly displayed in the audience, where thousands of fans, many dressed as “Mr. Worldwide” transformed the venue into one enormous, coordinated dance party. He proves that a strong cultural grounding, when paired with boundless enthusiasm and shared style, transcends trends and ensures a musical legacy that continues to resonate across every continent. With a final, explosive shout of “Dale!”, Pitbull solidified his status not just as a hitmaker, but as a genuine global ambassador whose Cuban roots power a party that time, and the army of impeccably dressed look-alikes can’t touch.
Mariah Carey – by Sheldon Ang
Before the start of Mariah’s set, we were upgraded to the Platinum section (the front half) courtesy of an AAA staff member. Naturally, at 20 meters from the stage, it made a difference in the immersive experience.
With the clouds finally parting, the night sky revealed a canopy of stars, setting the stage for what came next. A few minutes past 10, another star is about to shine in Perth; her albums were displayed on the screens: from the self-titled album of 1990, to the likes of Emotions, Music Box, Daydream, Butterfly, Rainbow and Glitter, while a mashup of her recorded vocals from across the eras – “Vision of Love,” “Emotions,” “All I Want for Christmas Is You”- echoed across the field of dreams.
Draped in super-dapper white, the musicians and three back up vocalists stepped onto the stage with East Coast elegance, followed by Mariah Carey, who was accompanied hand in hand to the stage.
Mariah commenced her night with “Type Dangerous,” from her latest album Here For It All, released last month. The hardcore fans sang along, but it wasn’t until the next song, “Emotions,” released 35 years ago, that the crowd went into delirium mode. The track peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1991 (her fifth consecutive number 1, which was a record at the time). Just like that, we were plunged back into our high school years. The crowd danced while she effortlessly reached for the skies with her whistle registers. Joyful energy pulsed through the crowd as the denim-clad dancers delivered a throwback performance straight out of her ’90s music video.
Welcome back to 1991.
The ’90s energy kept the crowd revving with “Dreamlover.” The breezy performance was thematically choreographed by the dancers who filled the background. The infectious, playful track resonated in Mariah’s vocals as we remembered from the classic days. When it rains, it pours – this time, drenched in high school era nostalgia.
Then came the familiar piano intro that stimulated our inner selves; the tingling resonance spoke to us like a calming voice, uplifting everyone emotionally. The crowd self-appointed themselves as backup vocalists, singing to “Hero” without drowning out the main vocals, as Mariah Carey delivered with utter emotion, starting gently before swelling into the bridge. By the end of the emotional concoction, the eyes of this writer were watery. It was something that everyone needed – a hero that comes from within. For many of us, that moment was the highlight.
The classic hits kept coming with “Fantasy.” The first verse was a classic reminder of one of the most fun-filled decades in music, again superimposed by the dancers. The happy, airy quality in her vocals was a warm delight on a cold, wet, wintry night. For many of us, we were brought back to Havana Nightclub, The Globe, and ABC Rage TV on a lazy Saturday morning once upon a time.
There would have been plenty of old schoolers here who grew up with Mariah Carey’s ballads. “My All” and “Always Be My Baby” were some of our favourites that showcased her vocal gymnastics. Even after almost 30 years, she still reminisces about her past – the hurt is still raw as evident in the palpable sincerity of her voice, from the restrained vocals in the verses to the swelling propagation into the powerful chorus. The intro of the latter track with the ad-libbing (“do, do, doop, dum”) was chanted by everyone, and the chorus sparked special memories for many of us – our first act of selflessness, letting go for the better.
The second half consisted of newer hits, such as “Shake It Off” and “It’s Like That” from the comeback 2005 album Emancipation of Mimi, and the most recent “Play This Song,” “In Your Feelings,” and “Sugar Sweet” were from 2025’s Here For It All. For this writer, it was the first time listening to 2025 release. The summery vibe of her latest work reflects her vocal maturity, lyrical honesty, and a celebration of her life. After a seven-year hiatus from the recording studios, we all say in unison: welcome back, Mariah.
What about Christmas? And here comes the elephant in the room, which we can’t ignore. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – perhaps the most anticipated song of the night – was stolen by Mr Scrooge. Sydney had it (so did Melbourne). The crowd called for “One more song” as Mariah left the stage. Alas, the “See you in 2026” was displayed on the big screen. Our co-writer Krystal reckons it may have been due to Perth’s strict noise regulations after curfew set for 11pm – despite being on a Friday night.
Nevertheless, Mariah Carey is the headline act for Fridayz Live 2025. Arguably, Pitbull was the co-headliner (after all, we can’t have two headline acts unless they alternate – but that’s not going to happen). Such debates will always be part of any festival, but for those of us in Generation X who grew up with Mariah Carey’s anthems, there is no argument. Moreover, Mariah holds the record for the highest voice register ever recorded; therefore, she’s the queen and king.
Final word…
The R&B community is still huge in Perth, with sold-out shows every year, and this year is no exception. Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, and Melbourne all enjoyed the same success – not bad, considering that the majority of fans were born a decade after Mariah Carey released her self-titled debut album. With that in mind, Fridayz Live is here to stay for a very long time.
Since launching Sheldon Ang Media in June 2022, Fridayz Live has always been the highlight in our photography and reviewing calendar. From Akon and Boyz II Men to Flo Rida and Jason Derulo, we got them covered. We can’t wait for what 2026 has in store for us.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank MG Live for the Media Tickets.
Mariah Carey by Krystal Galloway
Krystal, a long time fan of Mariah Carey pens her own take on the experience…this is what she had to say…
For those of us who grew up in the nineties, the music of Mariah Carey is woven into the soundtrack of our childhood. Her songs, the euphoria of “Dreamlover,” the defiant pulse of “Heartbreaker” weren’t just charttoppers; they were the anthems our mothers played on repeat while cleaning house, a backdrop to our lives. Seeing Mariah in person, headlining the Fridayz Live show, wasn’t just another concert; it was like finally meeting a beloved, long-lost family member who had lived overseas your entire life, whom you’d only ever seen in photographs.
She looked every bit the icon we remembered, yet entirely grounded. Rugged up against the elements in a chic ensemble of a black top, black leather jacket, long black skirt, and knee-high boots, her vocals were anything but chilled. They were instantly warmed up, pouring out the cherished songs with flawless power. When she moved, she was like a princess from our childhood movies; she seemed to glide, as if floating on a magic carpet, pausing only to smile and wave at her adoring fans.
Surrounded by her talented pianist, drummer, and choir of backing singers, as well as her dreamy male dancers, who showed her the utmost respect, she commanded the space.
The setlist was a journey through musical royalty, touching every era of her legendary career. We were treated to the soaring highs of “Always Be My Baby,” the emotional depth of “We Belong Together,” and the definitive diva swagger of “Obsessed.” Interspersed between the hits, Mariah spoke to the crowd, sharing personal anecdotes about the songs and her incredible career journey, giving us a genuine connection to the artist behind the myth. The performance also included her latest highly addictive track, “Sugar Sweet,” a new, catchy anthem proving the Queen’s enduring relevance.
It was more than a performance; it was a fleeting, breathtaking moment where royalty occupied the same air space, a night I honestly never dreamed would be never happen. We were all mesmerised and in a trance, swaying along to all the slow love songs. After enduring hours of cold, pouring rain, and soaking up every glorious moment, the final song left a collective feeling of disappointment in the air. As the headliner, the one song most of us were truly hoping for, the undisputed global phenomenon that is “All I Want for Christmas Is You” never arrived. Mariah left the stage and didn’t return for an encore, leaving many of us disappointed and unsure why the night was cut short after waiting so long in the elements.
However, the momentary pang of disappointment cannot overshadow the majesty of the event. We must offer our deepest appreciation and thanks to Mariah Carey and the entire production crew of the Fridayz Live Tour for enduring the challenging weather and for delivering a truly unforgettable performance that connected us all to our shared past.
It was a night to remember!
Mariah Carey Setlist
Type Dangerous – Unreleased / Tour Intro (2025)
Emotions – Emotions (1991)
Touch My Body – E=MC² (2008)
Dreamlover – Music Box (1993)
Hero – Music Box (1993)
Fantasy – Daydream (1995)
Honey / Heartbreaker – Butterfly (1997) / Rainbow (1999)
My All – Butterfly (1997)
Always Be My Baby – Daydream (1995)
Obsessed – Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel (2009)
In Your Feelings – Unreleased / Tour Exclusive (2025)
Sugar Sweet – Unreleased / Tour Exclusive (2025)
I Know What You Want – It Ain’t Safe No More (2002)
Say Somethin’ – The Emancipation of Mimi (2005)
Shake It Off – The Emancipation of Mimi (2005)
It’s Like That – The Emancipation of Mimi (2005)
We Belong Together – The Emancipation of Mimi (2005)
About the writer: The founder of Perth-based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to more than 200 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK and Suzi Quatro with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, Roxette, Tina Arena, UB40, Delta Goodrem, Leo Sayer and Tina Arena on social media. He has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 70 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.
About the writer: Krystal Galloway lives and breathes music, finding her happy place in the sea of fans who come together to experience the magic of live performances. After attending her first concert—Justin Timberlake—her enthusiasm turned into a lifelong hobby. She has since seen over 100 of her favorite acts, including global superstars like KISS, Eminem, Foo Fighters, Blink 182, Usher, Nelly, Ne-Yo and Chris Brown, along with Australian favorites like The Screaming Jets, The Angels, Birds of Tokyo, Cold Chisel, and Bliss & Eso—just to name a few—all in her home city of Western Australia. With this extensive concert experience, Krystal has developed a deep appreciation for the artistry behind live performances, gaining a unique perspective on the dedication and energy that goes into every show.
