CALGARY - Mariah Carey certainly loves herself.

Or, at least, she desperately wants the world to think she does.

How else could you explain the over-the-top diva screaming "Look at me! Look at me! Oh, pleeeease look at me!") at the 'Dome last night?

It was not a concert, but rather a Vegas-style circus, opening with a short film in which Mariah talks about, you guessed it, herself.

Comparing her life to a roller coaster, Carey declared: "If you don't get on the ride, you won't experience the adventure."

The aging pop princess made her grand entrance on a rising platform, dressed only in a black bra, matching panties, stilettos and a cape draped around her shoulders before breaking into It's Like That.

Yes, it was apparent from the very start, this was going to be an evening less about Carey's massive catalogue of hits and more about creating a spectacle only Madonna could best.

The M-shaped stage followed the gaudy theme with silver beads hanging from the second tier, a ramp and staircases down both sides, giant video screens (which depicted real and cartoon images of the main attraction -- Mariah) and a massive, shining Mimi marquee.

Then there were the dancers, band members and backup singers -- all convenient distractions when the superstar needed to take a vocal break or change into one of her famous, barely-there costumes.

But, unfortunately, they also overshadowed Carey's best attribute -- her pipes.

It is almost impossible to find a singer in today's world of manufactured Idols who compares to the 36-year-old in terms of her vocal range, power and technical abilities.

As Carey belted out the high notes during her performances of Heartbreaker and Dreamlover, even the most cynical of those in attendance (A.K.A. husbands dragged there by their wives) had to be impressed.

These were the moments that made the glitter and glitz tolerable. These were the moments when the star of the show was truly shining.

For the most part, Carey looked comfortable and confident, a feeling no doubt bolstered by the near-capacity crowd and she really seemed to connect with her audience.

"The shows I've been doing in Canada have been some of the most fun shows on the tour," she told her screaming fans.

In true diva fashion, Carey hit the stage late, but according to her set list, the rest of the show was to include a number of her radio hits such as Fantasy, Always Be My Baby, Honey and We Belong Together.

Regardless of which of her famous songs she belted out last night, it appeared her die-hard fans would have been ecstatic with just about anything she gave them.

As for the rest of us, we can only hope next time Carey makes a pit stop in Calgary, she leaves the bells, whistles and porn-star duds at home and gives her fans what they deserve -- a great concert highlighting her incredible vocal skills and career.

As for opener Busta Rhymes, the rapper seemed an odd fit for this concert.

Considering most of the people in attendance last night were obviously there for Carey and her special brand of pretty pop songs and slow ballads, Busta just didn't seem to fit in.

But he did try, by performing a number of age-appropriate tunes including a cover of the Pussycat Dolls' Don't Cha and his past hit Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See.