Mariah Carey an hour late for first Israel gig

MARIAH Carey angered fans at her first show in Israel by leaving them waiting for more than an hour in the sweltering heat.

MARIAH Carey has infuriated the audience at her first ever show in Israel by leaving them waiting for more than an hour in the sweltering heat.

The singer, who is currently dating Australian billionaire James Packer, took to the stage at the Rishon Lezion Live Park Amphitheatre in Tel Aviv on Tuesday more than an hour behind schedule.

The delay prompted catcalls and jeers from the crowd, according to Haaretz.com.

Carey’s live debut in the country also came to an halt after the singer spotted audience members smoking and stopped the show to call them out.

“Whoever is smoking, please don’t smoke ... Smoke whatever else you want, but tobacco kills my voice,” she said.

Prior to the show, Carey said she was aware of the call for artists to boycott Israel over the political strife in the region, but the singer told reporters that she would not be swayed by other people’s political agendas.

“I’ve always wanted to come here. I don’t care what other people’s political agendas are. I’m just an entertainer and I’m here. I’m happy to be here and I’m honoured to be here,” Carey said.

Originally published as Mariah Carey an hour late for first Israel gig