'New Year's Rockin Eve' news: Thousands of people endure the cold to witness the Ball Drop; Mariah Carey returns strong

Thousands of people braced the temperature of -12 degrees Celsius just to see the annual Ball Drop at the Big Apple to welcome 2018. Grammy Awards recipient Mariah Carey redeemed herself after last New Year's Eve mishap.

Most people who were at the area were bundled up in layers of clothing to protect them from the chilling cold. The most recent New Year's eve celebration in New York was recorded as the second coldest NYE in NYC. The coldest Ball Drop event in the Big Apple was back in 1917 when people had to endure a punishing temperature of 1 degree or -17 degrees Celsius.

The number of people who went to Times Square in Manhattan for the Ball Drop this year is much lower compared to last year's estimate of over 2 million individuals. Revelers were amazed by the 11,875-pound ball being illuminated by over 30,000 LED lights.

People were also serenaded by some of the biggest names from the music industry. Camila Cabello, Nick Jonas, Leslie Grace, Andy Grammer, and more took the stage to perform for the crowd. Music legend Niel Diamond also wowed the people with a live performance of his hit song "Sweet Caroline."

One artist did stand out among the rest. Songbird Mariah Carey stole the show with her performance of "Vision of Love" followed by "Hero." Carey's performance this year was flawless according to reports and nothing like her experience last year. Carey had a big malfunction issue during last year's "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest." The stumble in her time on stage resulted into backlash from the public.

Despite her impressive appearance at the event, some people still managed to roast the singer prior to a statement she said on stage. Halfway through her performance, Carey suddenly uttered, "They told me there would be tea. Oh, this is a disaster." Some netizens then poked fun about what Carey said. The singer, however, shook it off and even joined in on the fun herself. Carey tweeted a picture of her sipping on tea with the caption, "found my tea."

News
Winnie-the-Pooh centenary marked with new Christian reflection resources for schools
Winnie-the-Pooh centenary marked with new Christian reflection resources for schools

Church schools are being invited to explore Christian values through the much-loved stories of Winnie-the-Pooh as part of new resources produced to mark the character’s 100th anniversary.

UK ranks seventh globally for daily Bible App use as searches for anxiety and hope rise
UK ranks seventh globally for daily Bible App use as searches for anxiety and hope rise

The UK has ranked seventh in the world for daily Bible App engagement, as new figures from YouVersion suggest growing numbers of people are turning to Scripture for reassurance, guidance and spiritual support.

Scottish cathedral to charge non-Scottish visitors £12 entrance fee for first time
Scottish cathedral to charge non-Scottish visitors £12 entrance fee for first time

The Church of Scotland is struggling to hold on to its historic buildings.

SNP decision to drop extreme abortion motion welcomed
SNP decision to drop extreme abortion motion welcomed

For some people, there can never be enough abortion.