We're not exactly sure why Mariah Carey decided to ditch the luxury of her black car service to ride public transportation with us common folk, but it seems she did exactly that. And from the looks of it, New York City denizens couldn't get enough of it.

Just last night, the famed pop diva was hosting the Fresh Air Fund gala. Towards the end of the evening, she chose to experience the complete opposite of fresh air and take in the many sights and smells of the Big Apple in a long glittery dress and dark shades... at night. The "Elusive Chanteuse" hopped on the 1 train, endured a "lengthly" cab ride, and openly accepted the many, many compliments that came her way on the streets. And of course, she had some company – friend/producer Jermaine Dupri.

We think it's safe to say that afterwards she sped back to her life of luxury, back to her fabulous New York apartment with husband Nick Cannon where they discussed the horrors of public transportation and being normal. Also, she probably took a shower in order to rid her self of that rank subway smell. Whether or not those shades ever left her face is unknown at this point.

Following a year of delays, Carey recently released her 14th studio album just this past Tuesday (May 27) titled Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse. Could this whole thing have been merely a publicity stunt? No... no, say it ain't so!

Who knows, maybe it'll happen again. But we doubt it. At least the diva was kind enough to snap some Instagram photos and Vine videos for us.



Join the Discussion