Mariah Carey’s Enduring Love Story: A Comprehensive Look at Her Iconic Relationships and Dating History
Mariah Carey, the undisputed Queen of Christmas and a legendary music icon, has captivated audiences for decades not just with her unparalleled vocal range but also with her vibrant and often public personal life. In 2020, her highly anticipated memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, offered fans an intimate and unprecedented look into the experiences that shaped her, including a candid exploration of her past relationships. The book shed light on previously untold stories of love, heartbreak, and resilience, providing context to some of her most iconic songs and career moments.
From her early days as a burgeoning pop sensation to her global superstar status, Mariah’s romantic journey has always drawn significant public and media attention. She openly discussed her first marriage to powerful music executive Tommy Mottola in the early ’90s, a union that significantly impacted her early career and personal freedom. Later, her marriage to actor and host Nick Cannon brought her immense joy with the birth of her beloved twins, Moroccan and Monroe.
Most recently, Mariah’s long-term romance with choreographer Bryan Tanaka made headlines when reports in December 2023 suggested their relationship had come to an end. Speculation began to mount after Tanaka was notably absent from her festive Christmas tour, leaving fans to wonder about the status of their love story. This comprehensive retrospective delves into Mariah Carey’s complete romance history, exploring each significant relationship that has played a part in shaping the incomparable artist she is today.
Tommy Mottola
Mariah Carey’s first marriage was to Sony Music executive Tommy Mottola, a pivotal relationship that began when Mariah was a relatively unknown artist signing her first record deal. Their union, solemnized in 1993, was marked by a significant 21-year age difference; Mariah was just 23, while Mottola was a seasoned and powerful figure in the music industry. She famously described her early career and marriage to Mottola as akin to being a “prisoner” in a “gilded cage” – a reference to the opulent but creatively restrictive environment she experienced at the time.
Mottola, who played a crucial role in launching her career, also exerted considerable control over her image and artistic direction. While their professional collaboration yielded immense success, their personal relationship faced intense scrutiny and internal struggles. The marriage lasted five years before their separation in 1997, leading to a divorce in 1998. To this day, Mariah rarely speaks publicly about the intricacies of this marriage, though her memoir offered a deep, personal account of the emotional toll it took and her struggle for independence. This period was instrumental in her journey toward artistic and personal liberation, deeply influencing her music and public persona.
Derek Jeter
Before settling down with his wife Hannah Jeter in 2016, legendary Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter was a prominent figure in the celebrity dating scene, linked to numerous high-profile women, including actresses, models, and famously, Mariah Carey. Their romance, which blossomed from 1997 to 1998, followed Mariah’s separation from Tommy Mottola and marked a significant period of newfound freedom and self-discovery for her. The relationship, though relatively short-lived and kept largely private at the time, was a powerful catalyst for Mariah.
In August 2020, Mariah openly confirmed the fling to Vulture, calling it the “catalyst” for her departure from her first marriage. She revealed that two of her most beloved and emotional hits, “My All” and “The Roof,” were directly inspired by her passionate but clandestine relationship with Jeter. Their encounters, particularly one memorable night on the roof of his New York City apartment, provided the creative spark for these iconic tracks. This relationship symbolized a crucial step in Mariah reclaiming her narrative and pursuing genuine connection, away from the constraints she had previously experienced.
Marcus Schenkenberg
Mariah Carey’s dating history includes a rumored, albeit brief, romance with Dutch supermodel Marcus Schenkenberg in 1998. While not much is extensively documented about this particular pairing, reports suggest they casually dated for a few months following her highly publicized separation and subsequent divorce from Tommy Mottola and her fleeting romance with Derek Jeter.
This period was a time of exploration and personal freedom for Mariah, as she navigated life outside her intensely controlled first marriage. Her rumored association with Schenkenberg, known for his striking looks and successful modeling career, signaled a new chapter where she was embracing her independence and enjoying dating on her own terms. Despite its brevity, this alleged romance underscores Mariah’s emergence into the post-Mottola era, where she began to live more publicly and freely.
Luis Miguel
Another notable relationship in Mariah Carey’s life was with acclaimed Mexican singer Luis Miguel, often referred to as “El Sol de México.” Their high-profile romance lasted from 1998 to 2001, bringing together two of the biggest names in music from different cultural spheres. The couple reportedly first crossed paths at a Christmas party in Aspen, Colorado – a beloved and frequent getaway spot for Mariah.
Their relationship was marked by lavish dates, globe-trotting adventures, and a shared passion for music, making them a power couple of the late 90s. Despite the seemingly fairytale romance, their demanding careers and individual struggles eventually took a toll. The end of their relationship in 2001 coincided with a challenging period for Mariah, when she suffered a nervous breakdown. This intense three-year romance remains a significant, albeit somewhat private, chapter in Mariah’s romantic history, showcasing her attraction to equally powerful and artistic individuals.
Eminem
The alleged romance between Mariah Carey and rapper Eminem is arguably one of the most contentious and publicly disputed chapters in her dating history, giving rise to a long-running rocky history between the two artists. Their supposed fling reportedly took place in 2001, though the exact nature and duration of their connection remain shrouded in conflicting accounts and celebrity drama.
Eminem has consistently claimed they dated, even going so far as to tell Rolling Stone in 2002, “There’s truth to that,” when asked about the rumors. However, he followed this admission with a harsh dismissal, stating, “But on the whole personal level, I’m not really feeling it… I just don’t like her as a person.” Mariah, on the other hand, vehemently denied a sexual relationship with Eminem in a Maxim interview that same year, characterizing their interactions as mere professional encounters. This disagreement escalated into a notorious public feud, with Eminem releasing several diss tracks, including “Superman” and “Bagpipes from Baghdad,” that directly referenced Mariah and her relationships. Mariah famously responded with her track “Obsessed,” where she subtly, yet pointedly, parodied Eminem, further fueling the long-standing rivalry. This dramatic back-and-forth has solidified their alleged romance as one of the most memorable and controversial celebrity encounters.
Eric Benét
During the early 2000s, Grammy-nominated R&B singer and actor Eric Benét was a rumored entry on Mariah Carey’s romantic radar. The two notably collaborated on Mariah’s feature film debut, the 2001 musical drama Glitter, where Benét played a supporting role. The rumor mill, ever keen on churning out co-star romances, suggested that they dated from 2000 to 2003, having met on the set of the film.
However, the evidence for a deep romantic connection between Mariah and Benét remains largely speculative. While it’s common for bonds to form between actors working closely on a project, neither Mariah nor Eric ever publicly confirmed a serious relationship. At the time, Benét was famously married to actress Halle Berry, adding another layer of complexity to the rumors. Their connection was more likely a professional friendship forged during the challenging production of Glitter, with any romantic suggestions remaining firmly in the realm of tabloid speculation rather than confirmed fact.
Christian Monzon
In 2005, Mariah Carey met model Christian Monzon on the set of her sensual music video for “Don’t Forget About Us,” and it wasn’t long before sparks were rumored to fly. Monzon, then a prominent face for Dolce & Gabbana, played Mariah’s steamy love interest in the visual, leading to a brief real-life romance between 2005 and 2006.
Mariah famously remained coy when questioned about their relationship status in January 2006, playfully sidestepping direct answers. “Erm, how do we play this?” she said at the time. “OK, he’s a very nice guy, he’s been in a fabulous Dolce & Gabbana advert – did you see it? – and we’ve had some nice conversations and, um, a nice time. OK, I’ll say he definitely did a very good job in the video.” She then offered an intriguing insight into her dating experiences, noting, “men tend to go off me when they find out I’m a prude. They either turn into my big brother or else they stop talking to me. Luckily, I have a lot of male friends who have gone way, way past that whole sexual thing.” This brief but intriguing romance highlights Mariah’s guarded approach to her private life, even while acknowledging undeniable chemistry with her collaborators.
Nick Cannon
Mariah Carey’s relationship and marriage to actor, comedian, and television host Nick Cannon stands as one of her most publicly celebrated and documented unions. Their whirlwind romance culminated in a surprise wedding in 2008, marking Mariah’s second marriage. The couple quickly became a beloved Hollywood pair, known for their playful dynamic and undeniable affection. In 2011, they joyfully welcomed their fraternal twins, Moroccan and Monroe, affectionately dubbed “Roc and Roe.”
Despite their deep connection, Mariah and Nick announced their separation in December 2014, finalizing their divorce in 2016. However, what sets their split apart is the remarkable co-parenting relationship they have fostered. They have consistently shown unwavering public support for each other’s careers and personal endeavors, prioritizing their children’s well-being above all else. Their enduring friendship is so strong that Nick Cannon has openly expressed his profound admiration for Mariah, even admitting in a 2019 interview that he would marry his ex-wife again.
On the September 23, 2019, episode of T.I.’s podcast ExpediTIously, Nick eloquently described Mariah as his “dream girl” and reflected on their marriage. “I was very faithful in my marriage. The reason why we split up had nothing to do with infidelity, nothing like that,” he clarified, emphasizing the mutual respect that underpinned their separation. He further explained his personal evolving views on marriage, stating, “Once I stepped away from that, I [realized] that construct is not designed for me. I gave it my all. Because even before that, I was like, ‘I don’t believe in marriage.’ But, sh-t, it was Mariah Carey. Whatever she say, I’m with it. If she wanted to say we was going to the moon, I’m like, ‘Let’s go.’ If I’mma marry somebody, I’mma marry her.” Their continued bond serves as a modern example of successful co-parenting and lasting friendship beyond marital dissolution.
James Packer
Mariah Carey’s romance with Australian billionaire James Packer, a prominent businessman and investor, took many by surprise when it first emerged in 2015. The two initially met at the 2014 premiere of the film Hercules. By June 2015, they had made headlines, spotted hand-in-hand during a lavish romantic vacation in Italy, signaling the blossoming of a high-profile, unexpected relationship. Their official red carpet debut followed in September at the premiere of The Intern, solidifying their status as a new power couple.
The pairing puzzled many fans and observers, as James Packer, known for his preference for privacy and aversion to the spotlight, seemed to be the antithesis of the notoriously public and glamorous Mariah. Despite these perceived differences, their relationship quickly escalated. In January 2016, Packer proposed to Mariah with an astonishing 35-carat diamond engagement ring, reportedly valued at an estimated $10 million, capturing global attention.
However, the fairytale was short-lived. Rumors of an unhappy and volatile relationship began to circulate, particularly concerning a trip to Greece where their dynamics reportedly deteriorated. By October 2016, it was officially confirmed that Mariah and James had split, calling off their engagement. The breakup was widely reported as bitter, leading to a much-discussed financial settlement. Mariah allegedly requested a multimillion-dollar sum, which was widely characterized in the media as an “inconvenience fee” or compensation for emotional distress and relocation expenses. This dramatic chapter highlights Mariah’s journey through love, even when confronted with starkly contrasting personalities and ultimately, irreconcilable differences.
Bryan Tanaka
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey)
Not long after her dramatic breakup with James Packer, Mariah Carey found romance closer to home with her backup dancer, Bryan Tanaka. Their relationship publicly began in December 2017, although their chemistry had been evident to fans and crew members alike for some time. Bryan, who eventually transitioned from backup dancer to Mariah’s “creative director,” became a prominent figure in her short-lived E! television reality series, Mariah’s World, which aired from 2016-2017.
One episode of Mariah’s World, aptly titled “Catching Feelings,” specifically delved into the burgeoning romance between Mariah and Bryan, showcasing their undeniable connection and the emotional transition from professional colleagues to romantic partners. Their relationship was characterized by an on-again, off-again dynamic for a period, reflecting the complexities of a highly public romance within the entertainment industry. Despite the challenges, they frequently celebrated milestones together, such as Bryan’s 37th birthday in April 2020, sharing affectionate posts on social media later that year, indicating their strong bond.
However, by December 2023, reports surfaced suggesting that Mariah and Bryan had seemingly parted ways. Fans, known for their keen observation, noted Tanaka’s absence from Mariah’s highly anticipated Merry Christmas One and All! tour, which immediately sparked widespread speculation about their relationship status. Further clues pointing to their separation included a prolonged period of neither Mariah nor Bryan posting about each other on their respective social media platforms, a noticeable shift from their previous public displays of affection. This latest chapter in Mariah’s love life marks the end of a significant relationship that spanned several years, once again highlighting the ever-evolving nature of her romantic journey.
Mariah Carey’s relationships, whether brief or long-lasting, public or private, have consistently woven themselves into the fabric of her extraordinary life and career. Each connection has contributed to her growth, inspired her artistry, and offered glimpses into the complex, resilient, and ultimately triumphant woman behind the iconic voice. As she continues to evolve, so too does the fascinating narrative of her love life, always a topic of interest for her devoted “Lambs” and the world at large.