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Cape Town - This woman’s dream came true when she was scouted to be a Mariah Carey tribute act performer.
Uncanny shots show professional singer-songwriter and multi-tribute act, Jass Meagher, from Edinburgh, Scotland, posing in a gold top and Santa hat with Mariah’s signature honey-blonde hair.
Other pictures show her striking a sultry pose in a red dress much like the diva herself and another shows her with brown curly locks in a black lace dress sporting a look Mariah had in the ’90s.
A huge fan of the songstress for decades – and having been dubbed as ‘little Mariah’ by her peers growing up – the 33-year-old performer finds the comparison a compliment.
She developed a passion for singing and songwriting in high school, where creative arts were at the forefront.
Jass began performing locally on stage and was approached by agents who asked her to perform a tribute to top artists such as Mariah Carey and Leona Lewis.
“I was told I looked naturally like Mariah Carey before I even became a singer when I first moved to London at the age of eleven,” Jass said.
“When people hear that I’m also a singer, it makes them intrigued to come to a live show or listen to me online.
“I’m constantly being asked by fans to sing happy birthday to them as Mariah on Instagram. This happens all the time even when I’m singing other material or just shopping for example.
“Comparisons are natural to people, it’s a form of recognition. We can be unique yet similar to those who inspire us.
“I think learning from others and having this recognised is a good thing. I’m never ashamed or secretive about my influences or the impact Mariah has had on me and my work.
“I was once contacted by a girl who wanted to be an impersonator of Mariah but didn’t sing, so she asked me if she could use my live vocal performances to mime to. That was a big compliment about my vocal ability.”
Jass began learning to sing when listening to Mariah’s Daydream album in her bedroom. She later had music and voice training in London and developed her songwriting, singing, performance and music skills.
“Agents began approaching me and asked if I could perform a tribute to other top artists – that’s when I began being booked with my tributes to Leona Lewis and Mariah Carey. My first show was for Gala Casinos, UK,” she said.
“Not everyone knows how funny Mariah is and some think all we do is sing melancholy ballads. In actual fact, we’re both versatile vocally and sing everything from jazz to hip-hop.
“I’ve been told while I was singing the high notes as Mariah that I sound like I’m using operatic technique.
“I think Mariah is the best pop singer on the planet, I don’t think she gets enough credit for her songwriting and creative abilities.”
Despite being flattered by the comparison, Jass says that she’s not a “fame-chaser” and is fully focused on her goal of becoming a singer-songwriter.
She has since embarked on an incredible career in the music industry, including supporting ’90s boy band East 17, being invited to collaborate with an LA platinum producer and being recognised by VH1 music with her cover of My All.
“People tell me I look like all the female singers I pay tribute to, including Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis, and Whitney Houston. I think some of it’s down to mannerisms, heritage and performance personas,” Jass said.
“My likeness to Mariah has helped with my Mariah Carey tribute to give the impression of the real Mariah up on stage.
“It makes the experience for the audience more entertaining and authentic. However, I’m myself, other than on stage.”
Source: Magazine Features
