{blackbabes} Mariah's Vegas debut was actually impressive

Mariah Carey opened her Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace on Wednesday night to mixed reviews — but the opening wasn't the train wreck some predicted after some very rocky gigs last year, during which she missed high notes on her most popular songs and was caught lip-syncing during others.

But spies who took in Wednesday's show, directed by Ken Ehrlich, who also produces the Grammys, said the diva seemed "comfortable onstage," and "vocally, she was on fire."

Carey supporters including Epic Records chairman/CEO L.A. Reid and his wife Erica, Epic president Sylvia Rhone, Hollywood director Brett Ratner, "The Real" co-host Tamar Braxton and singer Anita Baker were spotted at opening night, which included six Mariah wardrobe changes throughout the medley of hits.

After the show, Carey gathered her dancers and friends for a Champagne toast, and was later spotted in good spirits at dinner with her crew at Nobu at Caesars Palace. Ratner is in talks to direct a video for Carey's new single, "Infinity."