If you’re like us, you never need a reason to re-visit Mariah Carey‘s extensive Catalogue.  We’ve been huge Fans from the start and through highs and lows have supported her.  New Compilation #1 TO INFINITY gives Mariah Fans Lambs old and new a chance to recapture that magic once again that made her the Female Artist with the most #1 Hits in history.  In addition to this, the Album also includes one new Track, INFINITY! Count ’em, 19 Pop Gems!

Tracklisting:
1. “Vision of Love” (4 weeks, 1990)
2. “Love Takes Time” (3 weeks, 1990)
3. “Someday” (MTV Unplugged version) (2 weeks, 1991)
4. “I Don’t Wanna Cry” (2 weeks, 1991)
5. “Emotions” (3 weeks, 1991)
6. “I’ll Be There” (featuring Trey Lorenz) (2 weeks, 1992)
7. “Dreamlover” (8 weeks, 1993)
8. “Hero” (4 weeks, 1993)
9. “Fantasy” (Bad Boy Fantasy version) (8 weeks, 1995)
10. “One Sweet Day” (featuring Boyz II Men) (16 weeks,1995-1996)
11. “Always Be My Baby” (2 weeks, 1996)
12. “Honey” (3 weeks, 1997)
13. “My All” (1 week, 1998)
14. “Heartbreaker” (featuring Jay-Z) (2 weeks, 1999)
15. “Thank God I Found You” (featuring Joe & 98 Degrees) (1 week, 2000)
16. “We Belong Together” (14 weeks, 2005)
17. “Don’t Forget About Us” (2 weeks, 2005)
18. “Touch My Body” (2 weeks, 2008)
19. “Infinity” (2015)

Artwork:

To enter to win a copy of #1 to INFINITY, which marks Mariah‘s grand return to Sony Music under EPIC, you simply need to click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook.  You may click “share” on this Post from there for an extra chance.  You also may Tweet the below for an extra chance:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/mariahcarey @MRWILLW wants us to #win a copy of #MariahCarey‘s #1toInfinity, out 5/18.

G’luck Willionaires. Canadian Readers only.

Check-out Infinity below:

Sony Music Canada release #1 TO INFINITY on Monday, May 18, 2015.

Pre-order here.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music)

I hate to say it, but Mariah Carey makes her best Music when she’s heartbroken. Such is the case with new Single INFINITY from her brand-new Greatest Hits Disc, #1 TO INFINITY. As is the case, Mariah always makes Music for the Fans first. Not her best, but definitely one of her better Tracks in recent years and that’s something to start as L.A. Reid takes the reins again on this first release from Epic/Sony.

Take a listen below:

Sony Music Canada release #1 TO INFINITY on Tuesday, May 18, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music)

Okay I was neither here nor there about James Corden hosting THE LATE LATE SHOW, but I’m completely won over!  Mariah Carey appeared on the Show last night and somehow Corden managed to get her into his Van not only for a heart-to-heart chat, but also a majorly awesome SINGALONG!

Watch:

That’s basically my entire life dream right there. SINGING IN A FRICKIN’ CAR. WITH MARIAH CAREY. WITH HAND MOVEMENTS.

Almost as good is Tom Hanks‘ appearance earlier in the week where both he and Corden re-enacted in seven minutes every single Movie Hanks ever has made!

THE LATE LATE SHOW with JAMES CORDEN airs weeknights at 12:35 AM EST on CBS.

(Photo credit: CBS)

We’ve all been waiting for it!  After blowing our minds last year in teaming-up with Miguel  on #BEAUTIFUL, Megastar and multi-GRAMMY Winner Mariah Carey brings it with new Single You’re Mine (Eternal) right in-time for Valentine’s Day!  The Track freshens-up Mariah‘s sound and slowing things down with a moody bit of Electronica, reminiscent melodically of We Belong Together.

Does it pack that same emotional punch?  Not quite. Some of Mariah’s best Tracks have been tingle-inducing and something feels a bit detached here.  I do always find a way to love Mariah‘s Tracks regardless even though we’re not quite sure she’s going with this Track.  I’m sure this will be the same after you check-in with me in a day!  Carey premiered the Track live at BET Honors, to air Monday, February 24, 2014.

Carey on Monday also confirmed that her 14th Studio Disc, titled tentatively The Art of Letting Go, will hit stores on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 after multiple delays due to Carey‘s self-admission it wasn’t ready, to a shoulder/arm injury last Summer filming a Remix Video to #BEAUTIFUL.

Listen to the Track below:

Official Artwork:

(Photo credit: Universal Music)

Mariah Carey after a long tease, finally releases her brand new Single, The Art of Letting Go.  The Track co-produced by Rodney Jerkins and Jermaine Dupri, features an Orchestra conducted by Larry Gold, turning-out to be a grand affair!  Although she took a bit of time to regroup in the Studio after planning to release her upcoming Disc earlier in the year, this was well worth the wait after she and Miguel took our breath away with the underrated and outstanding #Beautiful!

The Track is a mid-tempo Ballad – soulful and considerably more reserved than the Carey we’re accustomed to.  There is something incredibly Elton John-esque about it.

“I just want it to mean what it means to you. Music has saved my life and there’s certain things I can’t let go of and I try so hard.  And I know there’s other people in the World that feel the same way”, says Carey. “If there’s just a person that I help get through a situation with this Song, then that makes my life and it makes me know I can get through pretty much anything.”.

Listen to  the Single below:

Official Artwork:

The Art of Letting Go by Mariah Carey is now available on iTunes here!

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music)

Versatile Showman Nick Cannon, who happens also to be the Husband of my favourite Singer, Mariah Carey, arrived in Toronto today for a v. special appearance at Tryst Night Club.  Brought-in by Ramiro Productions, Cannon played a Set before a packed Crowd at the Peter Street Club, pleasing them with Music from the likes of  Michael Jackson to our Homeboy, Drake.  Earlier in the evening, he met Fans at a private Meet & Greet at the Venue.

To promote his appearance tonight, Cannon who is known best as the Host of America’s Got Talent plus a starring role in Popular Comedy 2002 Drama, Drumline, appeared earlier today at KISS 92.5 where his Interview with Roz & Mocha can be heard on Monday.  He also visited Entertainment Tonight Canada‘s Studio where he chatted about everything from his marriage, to Miley Cyrus.  Watch the Interview here!

I spotted Cannon, who happens to celebrate his Birthday next week, out last night and he was amazingly to stop for a Snap.  “Sure thing, Man!”, said an enthused and blingy Cannon who was sporting a KINGDOM Ball Cap and a Leather Jacket.  Certainly he had a long day today, which saw him doing good out in New York this morning, before a series of appearances here in the City in the latter part of the day.

See our Snap:

(Photo credit: NBC/Mr. Will Wong)

Although his introduction to North Americans in 2001’s Glitter wasn’t such a fair start (even though I saw it 13 times!), Max Beesley has returned to the same City that Film was made, Toronto.   A bona fide Musician and Actor, Beesley has made a name for himself on British Television on popular series such as BBC‘s Hotel Babylon, Sky1‘s Mad Dogs and now USA Network‘s acclaimed Suits.

The Actor who is based now out of Los Angeles, only recently was cast in the upcoming third season of Suits as Stephen Huntley and after a couple weeks of work, he returned back home this past weekend for some rest and relaxation.  Beesley arrived back at his Hotel to stop for Photos with a few Fans and was amazingly nice, multitasking a goodbye to his Driver with some Autographs.  “Who else is staying here? Surely you can’t be waiting just for The Beesley!”, he says humbly.  Uh, actually we were. Noticing how cold it got in the City since he left last week, the massive Manchester United Fan himself rushed back in quickly, telling us to stay warm.

See our Snap:

Suits continues to film around Toronto till the end of October.  Season Three premieres Tuesday, July 16, 2013.

(Photo credit: BBC/Mr. Will Wong)

One Man, eight Presidents.  The Butler tells the True Story of Cecil Gains (played by both Aml Ameen, Forest Whitaker), who served eight Presidents between 1952 and 1986, having a front-row seat as political and racial History was made in the United States.  The Film marks Oprah Winfrey‘s big return to the Big Screen, playing the pivotal role of Gloria Gaines, his Wife.

Lee Daniels (Precious, The Paperboy) features an All-Star Cast including Liev Schreiber, Robin Williams, Mariah Carey, David Oyelowo, Alex Pettyfer, Alan Rickman, Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr., John Cusack, Melissa Leo, Lenny Kravitz, Minka Kelly, James Marsden and several more.

Seen widely as a Contender at the Oscars, the The Weinstein Co. Film originally was to get an October release, but gets pushed-back to August 16, 2013, meaning no TIFF Premiere unfortunately!

See the Trailer below:

(Photo/video credit: The Weinstein Co.)

I know I freak-out every time Mariah Carey releases a new Track, even if it isn’t that great, but really this time it’s really legit solid!  The Diva teams with Alternative-R&B Sensation Miguel on #Beautiful, a Summer-inspired Ballad which has a bit of a rhythmic edge.   It feels classic,  yet at the same time its production and performances make it feel unmistakably current.

The Video, directed by Joseph Kahn (yes, the Man who directed Britney Spears’ Toxic), helms and uses his keen sense of light to make a euphoric experience.  If Nick Cannon doesn’t mind this chemistry, then I guess we don’t either!

Certain to be one of the Hits of Summer 2013 and just what Carey that much-needed 19th #1!

Watch the Video below:

Official Artwork:

 Buy #Beautiful on iTunes here.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music)

It’s been a while since I’ve had a good Chat with my Readers and Followers, so I reached-out to everyone on Facebook and Twitter for their most burning questions and replied with as much insight as possible.  Enjoy and thank you for your continued loyalty and support, Wongsters!

xMr. Will

‏@Cindyandtheboys asks, “What was your motivation to get you started on what you do?”.

Hey Cindy!   I’ve been a Stargazer for many years and my love for Film and Pop Music is unparalleled.  I used to be the Kid who rushed to MuchMusic after class waiting by the window  for Gwen Stefani to come out and sign an Autograph and I have been attending TIFF as long as my Bank Account permitted.

By 2009, I had amassed so many Photos of my Celebrity Adventures that I created my Blog as an Outlet to combine my passions for Photography, Film, Music and Writing together in one and kicked it off around TIFF.  It would’ve been a severe waste having them sit dormant on my Computer or just on Facebook.   From there, I developed a passion getting Photos with my personal Heroes and Heroines because it gives me something to immortalize the experience by and well, it’s fun!

Word-of-mouth spread locally fairly quickly about my Blog. Some loved the idea, calling it one of the few true Celebrity Blogs to come out of Canada and some thought it nothing special.  Before I knew it, I was booking time off work to interview Bradley Cooper and Channing Tatum, and was on TV talking about Stars and even profiled on the National Post.  Last year, CBC listed me as one of the three most key People in the City to follow during TIFF.  So that’s that.  I love what I do as tiring as it is juggling three or four things on-the-go constantly and have no plans to stop because most of the time it doesn’t feel like work.

@MRDISCO3 asks, “What do you top your burgers with?”.

Hey Paresh! Good question. I’ve been off meat for three months now. Pitching-in my part to reduce my own Carbon Footprint as a Citizen of the Earth. Meatless Mondays, People. Google it and do it!

But to answer your question, if I could create my own Veggie Burger it would have: Jalapeños, Lettuce, Tomato, Sriracha Hot Sauce, Honey Mustard, Avocado/Guacamole, Sautéed Mushrooms and some crumbled Blue Cheese. It would be like a foot tall, really.  Maybe I’d throw a fried Egg on for added Protein too.  Is that too decadent? Is it?!?  I also recently accidentally discovered Salsa on Fries and it is incredible!

@CTRice asks, “What was the first screening you ever saw?”.

Hi Tristan (Scene Creek, everybody!!!), I could never forget my first Screening. It was back in April 1996, Jane Eyre at Alliance-Atlantis Cumberland 4. My Cousin Nancy had won passes and we were going to trek Downtown from Scarborough for a Movie and some amazing Ice Cream at Mövenpick (Richtree Markets) after.

I remember getting into a huge misunderstanding with my Dad that day right in front of my Cousin who came over for Dinner about something terribly mundane.  My Dad offered to wash dishes so I could hurry to the Movie and I asked, “Really!?” maybe perhaps a little too excited, which he interpreted as sarcasm but really it wasn’t! I basically got a lashing verbally for no reason and remember sobbing all the way to the theatre because I was embarrassed and two, I was looking forward to my first Screening for days and felt my night was ruined.  By the time I got home, things were fine again.

It wasn’t a v. exciting Adaptation of Jane Eyre to be honest and obviously I’ve been to many more enjoyable Screenings ever since. It’s a miracle I wasn’t scarred from wanting to go to the Movies ever again!

@Typo_eh and Kathi on Facebook ask, “Who was your worst Celebrity experience?”.

Hi Siobhán!!  Hi Kathi!!  Are you guys psychically-linked or something?!   Well, other than being shouted at by Ashley Judd after asking her nice and civil for a Photo, which then spilled over into a debacle on Twitter, I’d say the worst experience ever was Lady Gaga. A couple years ago I was being harassed daily by someone over E-mail and on my Blog.  I had Tracking Reports pulled and he would view the same page over and over 20-30 times some nights in the wee hours of the morning.  This Reader thought he’d do himself a favour and entertain himself by emailing Lady Gaga‘s Management a slanderous E-mail with my Photo, claiming that I was violent and dangerous, essentially getting me blacklisted when she visited Toronto.

Not realizing this, being the huge Fan I was, I asked her for a Photo upon exiting her Hotel amidst the hoards of Fans and Autograph Seekers. I cannot say that  I enjoyed being shoved against a Topiary by her Security Guard Ed and once I recovered, he forcefully shoved me a second time as several eye witnesses watched. Of course, nobody genuinely cared as they were there to see Lady Gaga, admiring their Photos with her and their Autographs.  It was particularly heart-breaking because I love her Music so much and at that point I had gone to every single Toronto Show she ever had, owning all her Singles and CDs. I had T-Shirts and Posters.  I was gaga for Gaga.

This Jerk who has been chasing Celebrities for years, tried the same tactic multiple times, including a Jessica & Ashlee Simpson appearance at The Bay, which I actually was invited to in order to snap Photos in the Pit for my Blog.  I was escorted out by Security once they matched a sent Photo with my face.  Of course, another Blogger who absolutely despises me, caught wind of this and went to town, spreading word quickly that I was ejected from the Venue.  Hmm. 

I knew this was really getting serious when the Head of Security at a major American Network in New York City called me to clue me onto an E-mail he received from him regarding two Actors from the Network who were filming a TV Movie in Toronto.  Of course, he knew right away that this Person’s intentions were malicious from the E-mail and just wanted to give me a heads-up out of the goodness of his heart. Multiple Publicists also reached out to me around that time regarding similar type E-mails, which thankfully they knew better than to believe.

Eventually, I got one step ahead of the game when a certain British Boy Band came to town.  Their Security Guard noticed me, pulling me aside to show me one of these slanderous E-mails on his Phone. Low and behold, the Jerk showed-up  also, hoping to get a Photo  and like an episode of Cheaters, I outed him in front of everybody including the Band, who chimed-in, giving me hi-fives and encouragement.  He was a mess and left in tears.

The messed-up thing is that after that occurrence, I’d receive messages from this Jerk threatening to inflict harm on himself because of my actions and he’d gone about posting my Home Address on Twitter.  Essentially, I was being stalked and didn’t even know it.  I and others know well that this Person is not mentally stable, so I feel bad even writing about this and bringing it up, but at this point I really don’t care anymore.  And such a Drama needs to be heard because I get so many Tweets and messages from others who wish they were me because apparently my life is so perfect!

He’s left me alone ever since, but the damage has been done and I’m sure someone who didn’t know me better might have a skewed perception of me from what they’ve heard. Looking back though, I don’t know why I didn’t do more about it.  I’ve moved on and hopefully he has found some sense of balance.

@CTRice asks, “Has a Celebrity ever denied to take a photo with you?”.

Impossible!  LOL Just kidding, of course! I’ve been turned down before and it’s inevitable it will happen and I respect that, but I’d say one of the harsher Declines came from Joseph Gordon-Levitt.  Once I was one-on-one with him and he chuckled at me and walked off after I asked nicely for a Photo. Hence, when I hear stories from those who have had positive experiences with him and what a great Guy he is, my eyes just roll.

Or how about running into Claire Danes at the Grocery Store only for her to react as if I had SARS or something when asking her for a Snap?  She quite literally jumped three feet back. I saw her in the neighbourhood a few times after that and didn’t bother her again. That was fun.  Some are nice when the Cameras are on, some value their Privacy more than others.

Of course, it’s the few who got away that I remember most when in reality a vast majority of Celebrities I’ve met have been more than nice and accommodating.  Once, Nicole Kidman came over to take a Snap with me during TIFF and then some super-annoying Girl got in the way, getting her Photo  and then Nicole was pulled away by her Handler. That hurt.  And do you believe the Girl eventually found my Blog and had the audacity to ask me to remove the Photo I snapped of her and Nicole?  Go away.

Last year Penélope Cruz said “yes” to the Photo but then suddenly changed her mind when her Publicist said she had to go.  That hurt equally bad on a Nicolean level.   I also met Julia Roberts once candidly and although she said “no” to the Photo she was still nice to chat and be kind, offering to sign an Autograph instead which still was gracious. She wrote “TO WILL, PEACE, JULIA“. That was “pretty” epic.

@apluswagvantage asks, “You despised the Celebrity’s Album/Movie/TV Show/Persona. How are you gracious when interviewing him/her?”.

Hi Charles! I generally don’t approach a Celebrity for a Photo unless I have some admiration for their Work, so that takes care of the forced graciousness thing, I guess!  🙂  Autographs are something I used to love collecting, but now I do it more for my Readers and help them experience  a part of the magic when they can’t physically be there with me.  The Photo-with means much more to me.

I have however been a part of Press Tours where the Talent promoting the Film literally are in the Movie for like one scene and it’s like pulling teeth to concoct something profound and throught-provoking to ask. That horrific feeling that you’re going to say something foolish… your palms get sweaty and your throat gets dry. At that point, you just have to take the reins and broaden the scope and somehow find something to connect and relate to about the Film.  That’s happened more than a couple times!

Sari on Facebook asks, “Who was the nicest Celeb that you have met?”.

So many, Sari! Adele, Katy Perry, Linda Hamilton, Hugh Jackman, Jessica Chastain, Nia Vardalos, Colin Farrell, Colin Firth,  Michael Fassbender, Bradley Cooper, Channing Tatum, Michael Bublé, Abbie Cornish all go beyond and above the Call of Duty and consistently do it time and again! I even brought a tear to Adele’s eye letting her know how much her Music meant to me once. So personable!

I understand that the scale of Celebrity “niceness” often depends on how their day’s going, but these named individuals consistently wow me every time and I’m sure there are several more I’m neglecting.

Terri on Facebook asks, “Seems to me that in recent months you have achieved some of your childhood dreams….What dreams of Celebs or Events have still eluded you and what bigger dreams Mr. Will are you hoping to reach for?”.

Hey Terri! There is so much to accomplish still.  The end goal is to continue building a groundbreaking Fan-centric Website and go-to source for Celebrities and Entertainment in Toronto. I am continually trying to expand my scope further and build new Partnerships for my Readers, getting them a taste of all that good stuff first! I aspire to do this full-time and slowly am getting there. One day we’ll perhaps have a more national presence even!

I’d love to attend the Oscars and Grammys one day as basically I live for those two, and I am kinda obsessed with the Golden Globes too!  I’ve still never visited L.A.  One day.  My dream Interviews would be Natalie Portman, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway or Kate Winslet.  I’ve met Mariah Carey before, but would really want to reflect on her Career with her over some Champagne. That would be perfect.

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