Imagine a star-studded chat turning into a lighting debate—what if the real drama isn't about divas, but about fluorescent bulbs and hallways? That's the unexpected twist in a recent celebrity exchange that has fans buzzing. But here's where it gets controversial: could something as simple as poor lighting really keep a superstar like Mariah Carey from joining a fun viral trend? Let's dive deep into the details, breaking it down step by step so everyone can follow along, even if you're just tuning into the world of celebrity gossip for the first time.
When Andy Cohen quizzed Jennifer Hudson on why Mariah Carey skipped out on the now-famous spirit tunnel during her guest spot on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Hudson kept her response tight-lipped and diplomatic. Cohen, who had swapped seats with Carey back on October 1 during her Bravo Clubhouse appearance, jumped to a theory rooted in Carey's alleged aversion to subpar illumination. 'It's obvious to me,' he declared on the October 13 episode of Watch What Happens Live. 'She despises harsh lighting. She's been vocal about that. And look at it—it's just a fluorescent-lit corridor.'
Hudson wasn't having it, though. She pushed back firmly, insisting, 'Our setup on The Jennifer Hudson Show boasts excellent lighting! Plus, Mariah has full command over her own lighting choices, so that explanation doesn't hold water.' To give you a bit of context for beginners, the spirit tunnel is a playful viral challenge where guests walk through a narrow passageway on the show, often accompanied by dramatic effects or surprises—it started as a TikTok sensation and has become a signature moment for Hudson's program, where celebrities embrace the fun or opt out gracefully.
Cohen probed further about the corridor's brightness, and that's when Laverne Cox jumped in to support Hudson. 'Absolutely, it is well-lit. I participated myself, and as a Black woman, I can tell you the lighting was fantastic,' she said, adding a layer of inclusivity to the discussion—highlighting how lighting can be a sensitive topic in media, where unequal representation in production has historically affected how people of color appear on screen. Hudson also pointed out that Carey 'carries her own lighting team wherever she goes.' Cohen nodded in agreement on that point. 'Oh, she does. I swapped seats with her just last week, so I've seen it firsthand.'
So, what truly motivated Carey's decision to sidestep this trending tradition? Hudson, looking a tad uneasy, replied, 'Mariah wouldn't appreciate me spilling the beans. Ultimately, she's free to choose her path. All I aim for is to ensure guests enjoy a wonderful time in our joyful space. If they feel like joining in, great; if not, that's fine too. We're here to honor each person.' Cox weighed in with her own take: 'Mariah has worked hard and deserves to call the shots on what she does.'
Yet Cohen remained steadfast in his lighting hypothesis. 'I still say it's the lighting,' he reiterated. Cox countered sharply, 'No way, Andy. The lighting was top-notch.' And Cohen shot back, 'Well, it's still just a hallway, you know?'
This back-and-forth isn't just harmless banter; it sparks bigger questions about celebrity autonomy and the pressures of fame. Mariah Carey, a legend with decades of hits and influence, has the clout to pick and choose her appearances—does that mean she should face criticism for skipping a lighthearted bit, or is it empowering for stars to set boundaries? And this is the part most people miss: in an industry obsessed with image, could Carey's 'lighting' excuse be a polite cover for deeper reasons, like maintaining her iconic mystique or avoiding any potential discomfort? What do you think—does Andy Cohen's theory make sense, or is Mariah simply exercising her right to opt out? Share your opinions in the comments; I'd love to hear if you side with the lighting lobby or if you suspect there's more drama beneath the surface!
Watch What Happens Live broadcasts from Sunday through Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo, with fresh episodes streaming the following day on Peacock.
