Mariah Carey and Miguel have made something “#Beautiful” together.
The video for the pair’s new single debuted on Wednesday’s American Idol and was uploaded to Vevo and YouTube immediately afterwards.
The sun-soaked opening scene tableau’s a wind-caressed, cut-out leather-clad Carey perched on the back of a motorcycle with Miguel up in front.
Visually, it’s Prince’s “Take Me With You” and if you’re going to homage anyone, the Purple One is one of the best.
A solitary bass introduces the constant motif that stays present throughout the retro yet thoroughly modern love song, accompanied by throwback guitar and a pounding, crunchy beat. In addition to Carey and Miguel’s soul-laden vocals, extra punch comes from a clever lyric.
“You’re beautiful, And your mind is # beautiful, And I can’t pretend, That that doesn’t mean a thing to me, to me, yeah.”
“You’re beautiful, Good lord, you’re # beautiful, And I can’t pretend,That that doesn’t mean a thing to me, to me, Yeah, yeah.”
The # translates as “f_ing,” and its inclusion adds earthy, honest dimension to the song.
The motorcycle introduction segues to Carey slow mo dancing in a chandelier festooned barn. Unashamedly playing up to her coquettish image while Miguel sits cool as you like in a vintage car, the Joseph Kahn helmed clip is beautifully lit, sexy, and a real pleasure to watch.
The song was produced and written by Carey and Miguel and is the lead single for Carey’s thirteenth studio album. The Island Def Jam record boasts an army of big producers including, The-Dream, Hit-Boy, Mike WILL Made-It, Jermaine Dupri, Rodney Jerkins and more.
Carey recently parted ways with long-term co-manager Randy Jackson , and is also reportedly set to be axed from American Idol along with Jackson, Keith Urban and her ‘best friend’ Nicki Minaj.
Of Jackson and Carey’s now friends-only relationship, The Hollywood Reporter quotes insiders as saying:
“Randy was more of an in-between guy. She was looking for new management and he was like a temporary fix.”
THR also added Carey has reportedly signed with Red Light Management and is being handled directly by its head Bruce Eskowitz.
Billboard reports “#Beautiful” is tracking robustly due to heavy rotation across Clear Channel Media and Entertainment-owned radio. Released on May 6, it’s already notched up 29 million all-format audience impressions and counting, according to Nielsen.
The music trade says industry sources are predicting “#Beautiful” could reach over 100,000 downloads by Sunday, May 12, and debut high debut on the Hot 100 chart.
What do you think, could “#Beautiful” deliver Carey her 19th number one?