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  1. People.com
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  3. 11 of Mariah Carey's Most Memorable Performance Looks, Ranked

11 of Mariah Carey's Most Memorable Performance Looks, Ranked

We can only imagine what the legendary singer will don at this year's Essence Festival
By Grace Gavilanes
Updated June 24, 2016 09:00 AM
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PURPLE REIGN

Credit: Ouzounova/Splash News Online

Diva Ranking: 9/10

The legendary singer could not be bothered with walking on stage during a performance at the Borgata in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Instead, a ballgown-clad Carey opted for a swing – which may or may not have given us serious Katy Perry vibes.

The Essence Festival is happening June 30-July 3 in New Orleans; get your tickets here.

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QUEEN OF BLING

Credit: FayesVision/WENN

Diva Ranking: 6/10

Despite going for a more classic black dress with matching long gloves for a 2015 performance, Carey still brought the glam with statement jewelry.

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ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Diva Ranking: 6/10

Lady in white! The "Fantasy" crooner was ever-ethereal as she hung in what appeared to be an aerial yoga hammock during a 2003 concert.

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ARMED WITH GLAMOUR

Credit: Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic

Diva Ranking: 8/10

A dislocated shoulder is no biggie – if you're anything like the Grammy winner, that is. Carey sported a furry arm sling to complement her already bejeweled ensemble in 2013, which almost distracted us from her flawless performance.

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HEAVY METAL

Credit: Neil Lupin/Redferns

Diva Ranking: 7/10

Shine bright like a diamond! Carey made her entrance on the London stage in March 2016 donning a cut-out metallic one-piece, à la Beyoncé.

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GO FOR THE GOLD

Credit: Steven Lawton/FilmMagic

Diva Ranking: 8/10

All hail the golden goddess! From 1 to Aretha Franklin on the diva spectrum, here, Carey was Queen Aretha Franklin – full ballgown and all.

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TAKE (HIGH) NOTE

Credit: Jerod Harris/WireImage

Diva Ranking: 6/10

The "We Belong Together" songstress had the best of both worlds at the 2013 BET Awards, wearing a minidress topped with a glittery mesh covering for a sexy-meets-sophisticated look.

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BLUSHING BEAUTY

Credit: Erik Pendzich/Rex

Diva Ranking: 7/10

Carey was the personification of a shining star as she delivered an unforgettable performance during Good Morning America's Summer Concert Series in 2013.

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VIOLET FEMME

Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Diva Ranking: 5/10

The "Touch My Body" singer wowed in a purple minidress at a 2003 performance in Las Vegas.

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FEATHER FUN

Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Diva Ranking: 7/10

In a look reminiscent of something Jennifer Lopez would have worn, Carey stunned in a low-cut gown back in 2003.

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LEGGY LADY

Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty

Diva Ranking: 9/10

The first rule of being a diva: make their jaws drop, which Carey did by showing a whole lotta leg with this mega thigh-high slit at the 2005 American Music Awards. Kim and Kylie, take note.

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1 of 11 PURPLE REIGN
2 of 11 QUEEN OF BLING
3 of 11 ON TOP OF THE WORLD
4 of 11 ARMED WITH GLAMOUR
5 of 11 HEAVY METAL
6 of 11 GO FOR THE GOLD
7 of 11 TAKE (HIGH) NOTE
8 of 11 BLUSHING BEAUTY
9 of 11 VIOLET FEMME
10 of 11 FEATHER FUN
11 of 11 LEGGY LADY

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11 of Mariah Carey's Most Memorable Performance Looks, Ranked
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