BOSTON - It kind of made sense that Mariah Carey opened Monday night’s show at the TD Banknorth Garden with, of all things, a rollercoaster.

In a voiceover accompanying the onscreen rollercoaster ride, Carey described the ups and downs that have defined her 15-year career-record-breaking hits and massive popularity, massively huge missteps (think "Glitter") and hideaways from the public at large.

But Carey didn’t become the best-selling female artist of all time by accident. And if her latest album, the multi-platinum monster "Emancipation of Mimi," wasn’t proof enough that she’s back at the top of her game, then Monday night’s two-hour set was.

The newly svelte songstress appeared onstage clad in a fuschia bikini and sheer black pseudo-cape to the tune of "It’s Like That," a hip hop-flavored number that signaled her rise from the ashes in 2005.

Video appearances by hip hop icons throughout the performance hinted at Carey’s crossover appeal, with Jay-Z mugging onscreen during "Heartbreaker," the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard rap-growling on "Fantasy" and Mase getting face time on the heavy funk of "Honey." As good as those songs were, Carey was at her best during slow to midtempo ballads like "Don’t Forget About Us," the gospel-tinged "Fly Like a Bird" and "Always Be My Baby," her first song with hitmaker Jermaine Dupri.

Fans who had recently jumped on the Mimi bandwagon-and judging by the age of the audience, there were many-were unfamiliar with the inspirational "Make It Happen," not to mention her first single, "Vision of Love."

Thankfully everyone knew the words to the Jackson 5 classic, "I'll Be There" featuring Carey’s protégé Trey Lorenz, who hung around to perform a tribute to the late Luther Vandross during one of Carey’s four wardrobe changes.

Those wardrobe changes, along with backup dancers, a live backing band, and a winding staircase onstage, certainly didn’t hurt the ambiance Monday night.

But it was The Voice, five octaves of glass-shattering power, that carried the show, never better than on Carey’s final song, "We Belong Together."

Tearing up the ballad in a skin-tight gold gown and stiletto heels, Carey proved she remains one of few female performers with sex appeal and a set of pipes to match.

Sean Paul was a surprisingly impressive opening act.

Hits like "We Be Burnin,’" "Give It Up To Me" and "Temperature" bumped as Paul interspersed his borderline corny one-legged hops with hip thrusts that drew manic screams from female audience members.

It’s hard to say what was more enthralling - his Jamaican accent and suggestive dance moves, or the music itself.

Whatever it was, it worked. LAUREN CARTER can be reached at 508-236-0339 or at lcarter@thesunchronicle.com.