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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By Grace Gavilanes