The question of who Mariah Carey is dating right now is one of the most frequently searched queries in the world of celebrity romance, especially following a major, long-term split. As of December 2025, the legendary singer, known affectionately as the Elusive Chanteuse, has been navigating the single life and a whirlwind of dating speculation after officially ending her seven-year relationship with choreographer Bryan Tanaka in late 2023. This period of transition has sparked numerous rumors, most notably linking her to a Grammy-winning musician, making her current relationship status a hot topic among the Lambs and the media alike.
The latest and most compelling romance rumors have centered on a high-profile, yet short-lived, connection with a multi-talented artist, a relationship that was reportedly sparked by a professional collaboration. While Mariah Carey herself has remained coy, the timeline of public sightings and insider reports paints a fascinating picture of her love life in 2024 and 2025. This deep dive explores the truth behind the recent dating buzz, the details of her significant breakup, and a complete look at the men who have captured the heart of one of music's biggest icons.
The Latest Buzz: Inside the Anderson .Paak Romance Rumors
Following her separation from Bryan Tanaka, the internet was set ablaze with speculation that Mariah Carey had found a new connection with acclaimed singer, rapper, and producer, Anderson .Paak. The rumors began to circulate late in 2024 and intensified dramatically into the first quarter of 2025, suggesting a budding relationship between the two musical powerhouses.
A Timeline of the Rumored Romance
- Summer 2024: The pair reportedly met while working on new music for Mariah Carey’s forthcoming album, which was rumored to be titled Here for It All.
- December 2024: Romance rumors first sparked when Carey and Anderson .Paak were spotted together enjoying the holiday season in Aspen, a favorite destination of the singer.
- March 2025: Speculation reached a fever pitch after the two were seen attending the iHeartRadio Music Awards together. Insiders claimed to media outlets that the pair were "officially dating" at this time, noting that Paak had always been a huge fan of the legendary singer.
- Mid-2025: Despite the initial buzz, subsequent, unconfirmed reports from celebrity gossip accounts began to suggest that the whirlwind romance may have already fizzled out, leaving Mariah Carey's official status as single.
While Mariah Carey has famously played coy about the nature of their relationship, she did hint that her connection with the musician was "something special" during a public appearance in September 2025. However, the lack of recent public appearances together has led many to believe that the pairing, while exciting for fans, was a brief chapter in her life post-Tanaka.
Who is Anderson .Paak? A Profile of the Rumored Beau
For those unfamiliar with the musician who briefly captured the attention of the "Queen of Christmas," Anderson .Paak is a highly respected and multi-talented figure in the modern music industry. The artist is a Grammy-winning powerhouse whose career spans multiple genres, including R&B, funk, hip-hop, and soul.
Anderson .Paak's Biography and Career Highlights
- Full Name: Brandon Paak Anderson
- Born: February 8, 1986
- Age (in 2025): 39 years old
- Hometown: Oxnard, California
- Heritage: He is of mixed Korean and Black heritage.
- Key Roles: Singer, rapper, songwriter, drummer, and multi-instrumentalist.
- Notable Projects: He is one half of the super-duo Silk Sonic alongside Bruno Mars, which won four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year. He is also part of the duo NxWorries with producer Knxwledge.
- Solo Albums: His critically acclaimed albums include Venice (2014) and Malibu (2016).
The potential relationship between Carey and Paak was particularly intriguing due to their significant age difference and their distinct, yet complementary, musical styles. The two artists share a deep commitment to musical excellence and are known for their vibrant, charismatic stage presences, making them a fascinating, if short-lived, celebrity pairing.
The End of an Era: The Bryan Tanaka Split and The Family Question
The most significant recent event in Mariah Carey's personal life was her split from her long-time boyfriend, choreographer Bryan Tanaka, in late 2023, which was officially confirmed in early 2024. The couple had been in an on-again, off-again relationship for seven years, beginning shortly after her breakup with Australian billionaire James Packer.
The seven-year relationship with Tanaka, who was also a dancer in her entourage, was a stable fixture in her life. The split was reportedly amicable but necessary due to fundamental differences in their visions for the future.
The Real Reason Behind the Breakup
Sources close to the couple revealed that the primary reason for the separation was a major difference in their life goals, specifically concerning family.
- Bryan Tanaka (40 in 2024) reportedly wanted to have a family and children.
- Mariah Carey (56 in 2025), who is already a mother to her twins, Moroccan and Monroe, from her marriage to Nick Cannon, was not interested in having more children and was content with her current family status.
This irreconcilable difference in their desire for future family plans ultimately led the couple to call it quits. Tanaka formally confirmed the separation in a public statement, expressing gratitude for the seven years they shared.
A Look Back: Mariah Carey’s Iconic Relationship History
Mariah Carey’s dating history is as storied and iconic as her musical career, featuring a timeline of high-profile romances, two marriages, and several significant engagements. Understanding her past relationships provides context for her current approach to dating and her desire to prioritize her career and existing family.
Notable Relationships in the Diva's Past
The "Always Be My Baby" singer has been linked to a number of famous figures over the decades, each relationship contributing to her personal and professional narrative:
- Tommy Mottola (1990–1997): Her first husband, a music executive, whom she married in 1993. Their relationship was highly publicized and often described as controlling, which she later detailed in her memoir.
- Derek Jeter (1997–1998): A brief, high-profile romance with the legendary baseball star that occurred during her separation from Mottola.
- Luis Miguel (1998–2001): A passionate, three-year relationship with the famous Mexican singer.
- Nick Cannon (2008–2016): Her second husband, whom she married after a whirlwind romance. They welcomed fraternal twins, Moroccan Scott and Monroe, in 2011. Despite their divorce, they maintain a highly amicable co-parenting relationship.
- James Packer (2015–2016): An Australian billionaire to whom she was briefly engaged. The breakup was messy and involved a substantial financial settlement.
While the rumor mill is always spinning, as of late 2025, Mariah Carey appears to be officially single, prioritizing her children, her ongoing Las Vegas residency, and her perennial title as the undisputed Queen of Christmas. The brief buzz with Anderson .Paak highlights that the Elusive Chanteuse is still very much open to love, but only on her own terms, making her current status one of comfortable independence.
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