Mariah Carey Dating History: A Romance Timeline
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we decided to take a deep dive into the romantic history of one of the greatest voices of all time, Mariah Carey. Known for some of the best love songs in music history, from “Vision of Love” to “We Belong Together,” Mariah’s relationships have often been as intriguing as her chart-topping hits. This comprehensive timeline of Mariah Carey’s dating history delves into the intricacies of her romantic involvements, offering a detailed chronicle that surpasses existing accounts.
Tommy Mottola (1993–1998): The Mentor and the Mogul
Mariah Carey’s ascent to stardom is inextricably linked to her relationship with Tommy Mottola, the then-head of Sony Music, and her first known romance since being under the public eye. Their relationship began while Carey was recording her debut album, leading to their marriage on June 5, 1993, in a lavish ceremony at the Episcopal Saint Thomas Church in New York City. The wedding, estimated to have cost over half a million dollars, was a testament to their prominence in the music industry.
The couple settled into a custom-built mansion on a 51-acre estate in Bedford, New York, which Carey later referred to as “Sing Sing,” alluding to her feelings of confinement within the relationship. Their relationship is well known to the public, whether by multiple interviews, Mariah’s memoir, or Tommy Mottola’s biography. Over time, their union became strained due to creative differences and Mottola’s controlling nature. They separated in December 1996 and finalized their divorce on March 4, 1998.
Derek Jeter (1997–1998): Romance Through The Roof
Amidst her separation from Mottola, Carey found solace in a budding relationship with New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. Their romance, which began in 1997, was marked by clandestine meetings and a shared understanding of life in the spotlight. Carey has often credited Jeter as a catalyst for her emancipation from her tumultuous marriage, inspiring tracks like “The Roof” and “My All” from her 1997 album, Butterfly.
Mariah has shared in her memoir The Meaning of Mariah Carey that she was drawn to Jeter because he represented a sense of freedom and a fresh start. Unlike her past relationship, Jeter’s background as a biracial man resonated with her, as both had struggled with identity and belonging. They met at a party and quickly bonded over their similarities, leading to their secret rendezvous, which fueled the passion in her music.
However, despite the initial connection, their relationship was ultimately short-lived. The intense media scrutiny and their demanding careers contributed to their decision to part ways. Looking back, Carey has reflected that while Jeter may not have been her forever love, he was instrumental in helping her reclaim her independence and confidence.
Marcus Schenkenberg (Rumored, 1998): The Model Romance
Before her relationship with Luis Miguel, Mariah Carey was rumored to have dated Swedish model Marcus Schenkenberg. The speculation arose due to their close interactions and public sightings together. While neither party confirmed the romance, fans and media alike speculated about their connection, as Schenkenberg was a well-known figure in the fashion industry, and their pairing seemed fitting for the time. This affair was reported to have lasted no longer than four months.
Luis Miguel (1998–2001): The Latin Crooner
Following her split from Jeter, Carey entered a relationship with Mexican singer Luis Miguel in 1998. Dubbed the “Latin Elvis,” Miguel was a global superstar, and their union was a media sensation. The couple first met at a private dinner party in Aspen, Colorado, arranged by a mutual friend. Their relationship was characterized by grand gestures and luxurious vacations, reflecting their combined star power. During the course of their relationship, Mariah and Luis were able to connect through working in the music industry and dealing with fame.
However, she had also written, ‘He’d been through a lot and lost his mother at a very young age. From what I’d been told, his father was very difficult and controlling.‘
‘I tried my best to support him emotionally, but I was going through my own s**t and it got to a point where I could no longer deal with it. We were not helping each other heal.’
She added that Miguel was ‘generous’ as well as ‘passionate’ but could also be ‘erratic’ and ‘had a dark cloud hanging over his head.’
While Mariah has reported this chapter of her life in her memoir, Luis also portrayed this period in his Netflix series Luis Miguel: La Serie, which he was executive producer. Problems were already arising during the recording of the “After Tonight” duet between both, as portrayed in his outburst in the series. The final straw came during the recording of the movie Glitter, with jealousies on his behalf of an alleged affair thought to be occurring between Carey and Eric Benet, who was part of the movie at the time.
Ultimately, cultural differences and demanding schedules led to their separation in 2001.
Rumored Eric Benét Affair (2001)
Following her breakup with Luis Miguel, rumors surfaced about a possible brief connection between Mariah Carey and R&B singer Eric Benet. At the time, Benet was starring in Glitter, and he was allegedly the subject of Miguel’s jealousy. This tension reportedly contributed to the challenges in the final stages of Carey and Miguel’s relationship. While no official confirmation of an affair emerged, speculation persisted due to reports of their on-set chemistry.
Benét was reportedly seeing Halle Berry at the time. While he and Berry divorced in 2003, with Halle citing infidelities, there seems to be no animosity between Berry and Carey. This suggests that either Halle is exceptionally forgiving or the rumors were unfounded. Neither Carey nor Benet ever publicly addressed the speculation, leaving the true nature of their connection a mystery.
Eminem: The Shady Elusive Saga (2001–2002)
Mariah Carey and rapper Eminem were rumored to have had a brief relationship in 2001. While Eminem claimed they dated for six months, Carey has consistently denied any romantic involvement. Their public dispute over the nature of their relationship has led to one of the most infamous celebrity feuds in history.
In a 2002 interview with Rolling Stone, Eminem stated, “There’s truth to that,” but followed it with, “But on the whole personal level, I’m not really feeling it. I just don’t like her as a person.” This comment fueled the tension between them, leading to years of back-and-forth public exchanges.
Eminem referenced Carey in two songs from his 2002 album The Eminem Show, namely “Superman” and “When The Music Stops.” In response, Carey appeared to address the controversy in her 2003 song “Clown” from the Charmbracelet album, dismissing his claims. Eminem later alleged that he had voicemails from Carey and played snippets during his concerts as supposed evidence of their past. However, Carey refuted these claims and stated that any recordings were fabricated.
Their feud escalated in 2009 when Eminem released “Bagpipes from Baghdad,” a track in which he mocked both Carey and her then-husband, Nick Cannon. In response, Carey released “Obsessed,” widely interpreted as a direct rebuttal to Eminem’s accusations. The music video for “Obsessed” featured Carey dressed as a stalker, a character many believed to be a parody of Eminem. In retaliation, Eminem released “The Warning,” in which he made explicit references to Carey and their alleged encounters. He also included the line, “Mariah, it ever occur to you that I still have pictures?” before very graphically detailing their supposed time together.
The conflict resurfaced in 2019 when Eminem referenced Carey again in Fat Joe’s song “Lord Above.” In his verse, he took jabs at both Carey and Cannon, further reigniting their long-running tension. Despite years of speculation, Carey has remained firm in denying any romantic involvement with Eminem. Their public dispute remains one of the most infamous rivalries in pop culture history.
Mark Sudack (2003–2005): The Quiet Affair
In the early 2000s, Carey was linked to Mark Sudack, a music executive who worked closely with her. Their relationship, which lasted from 2003 to 2005, was notably private. This was a departure from Carey’s previous high-profile romances.
Sudack was part of Carey’s management team, and their personal and professional lives intertwined. However, details about their romance remain scarce. Despite this, it is evident that Sudack provided stability when Carey was reclaiming her position in the music industry.
Many speculate that the song lyrics to “Betcha Gon’ Know” are about this affair. However, this contradicts his response that he was “shocked and hurt at the sudden separation.” He reportedly claimed, “everything was going so well, and it all came out of the blue.”
Maybe “Betcha” is not about Mark after all. Or perhaps he is oblivious that betrayal alone can justify a breakup. Nobody knows for sure, except probably Mariah, of course.
Christian Monzon (2005–2006): The Music Video Connection
Carey’s relationship with model and actor Christian Monzon began in 2005 after he starred as her love interest in the music video for “Don’t Forget About Us.” Their on-screen chemistry translated into a real-life romance that lasted until 2006. While their relationship was brief, it was marked by public appearances and a palpable connection, showcasing Carey’s penchant for blending her personal and professional worlds.
Nick Cannon (2008–2014): The Comedian and the Songbird
One of Carey’s most significant relationships was with actor and comedian Nick Cannon. The pair met in 2005 when Cannon presented her with the Choice Music R&B Artist award at the Teen Choice Awards. However, Cannon had been vocal about his admiration for Carey long before they officially started dating. In multiple interviews, he expressed his desire to meet and possibly date her, calling her his “dream girl.”
Their romance blossomed in early 2008, and within just weeks of dating, Cannon proposed. The couple tied the knot in a secret wedding ceremony on April 30, 2008, at Carey’s private estate in the Bahamas. This marked Carey’s second marriage, after her highly publicized union with Tommy Mottola. Their intimate wedding was a stark contrast to her first extravagant affair, highlighting the deep emotional connection they shared.
In 2011, the couple welcomed their fraternal twins, Moroccan and Monroe, affectionately called “Roc and Roe.” Their children’s names held special meaning—Moroccan was inspired by the Moroccan-themed room in Carey’s New York apartment where Cannon proposed, while Monroe was named after Marilyn Monroe, one of Carey’s longtime inspirations. Their family life appeared happy, with the couple frequently sharing their love for their children on social media and in interviews.
Despite their seemingly perfect family life, cracks began to show in their relationship. By 2014, rumors of a separation circulated, and Cannon later confirmed they had been living apart for some time. Their divorce was finalized in 2016, marking the end of an era for one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples. Though they co-parented amicably, the end of their marriage was bittersweet for fans.
In recent years, Cannon has repeatedly spoken about his deep admiration for Carey. He has even said in interviews that he would return to her “in a heartbeat” if given the chance. However, Carey, known for her signature wit, responded with, “What is he, my last hope?” making it clear that a reunion is highly unlikely. While their romance is in the past, their co-parenting dynamic and mutual respect remain evident, keeping their connection strong despite their separation.
James Packer (2015–2016): The Billionaire Engagement
Following her divorce from Nick Cannon, Mariah Carey began dating Australian billionaire James Packer in mid-2015. They first met at the Hercules movie premiere that same year and quickly connected. Their whirlwind romance moved fast, and by January 2016, Packer proposed.
He gifted Carey a massive 35-carat diamond ring, reportedly worth $10 million. Their engagement was widely publicized, and Carey was often seen wearing the extravagant ring.
Nevertheless, their relationship was short-lived, as the couple called off their engagement by October 2016. Reports suggested that their split was due to conflicting lifestyles and Packer’s discomfort with Carey’s high-profile life.
According to insiders, their breakup happened onboard Packer’s yacht in Mykonos. Allegedly, issues arose over Mariah’s excessive spending, her reality show Mariah’s World, and her close bond with her backup dancer, Bryan Tanaka. Additionally, Carey left Packer out of her memoir, reportedly because they never had a physical relationship.
Following their breakup, Carey later sued Packer for $50 million for “wasting her time.” This claim was based on her relocating for him and missing business opportunities to spend more time in Los Angeles.
Although the engagement ended, Carey reportedly kept the ring and later sold it. Packer later described their relationship as a “mistake,” saying, “I was at a low point in my personal life. She was kind, exciting, and fun. Mariah is a woman of substance. But it was a mistake for her and a mistake for me.” Meanwhile, Carey has remained relatively quiet about their breakup.
Mariah Carey channeled her breakup with James Packer into her music, releasing the video for I Don’t in 2017. In the visual, she dramatically set fire to her $250,000 Valentino wedding dress, originally intended for their canceled nuptials. The fiery symbolism reinforced the song’s theme of moving on, making a bold and public statement about the end of their relationship.
Bryan Tanaka (2016–2023): The Backup Dancer Turned Longtime Partner
Shortly after her split from James Packer, Mariah Carey began dating her backup dancer, Bryan Tanaka, in late 2016. Their relationship had been rumored for years, as Tanaka had worked with Carey as a dancer and choreographer since the mid-2000s. The two initially met during The Adventures of Mimi tour in 2006. Reflecting on their early connection, Tanaka once stated, “Something connected with us back in the day, and there was just a mutual admiration.“
Their romance officially came to light after they were spotted together on numerous occasions, often displaying affection publicly. Fans speculated about their growing bond, especially after Carey’s engagement to Packer ended.
Throughout their time together, Tanaka was not only Carey’s partner but also a creative force in her performances. The couple often shared sweet moments on social media, fueling speculation about their future. However, their relationship had its ups and downs, with brief breakups and reconciliations over the years.
In November 2023, speculation about their split grew when Tanaka was absent from Carey’s Merry Christmas One and All! tour. Longtime fans noticed his unusual absence from her concerts, including a performance at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino. Audience members pointed out that he was not on stage, where he had been a staple for over a decade.
Additionally, Carey was seen celebrating the holidays in Aspen without Tanaka, a significant departure from previous years. The last time the couple was publicly seen together was in March 2023, when Tanaka posted a tribute for Carey’s birthday, writing, “This is one of my favorite pictures. Ever. Happy Anniversary my Beautiful Queen. 3/27❤️.” His absence from Carey’s Instagram since December 2022 further fueled the rumors.
In December 2023, reports surfaced that Carey and Tanaka had officially called it quits after seven years together. According to insiders, their 14-year age gap played a role in their split, as they wanted different things. Tanaka reportedly wished to start a family, while Carey was not in the same place in her life. “He wants to have a family. That’s not where she is at,” an insider told Page Six.
Tanaka later addressed the breakup on Instagram, stating that he had immense love and respect for Carey. He expressed gratitude for their years together and emphasized that their journey had been meaningful. Neither Carey nor Tanaka has publicly discussed further details about the split, leaving fans to speculate. Despite their separation, sources claim they remain on good terms. Their split marks the first time in years that Carey has not traveled with Tanaka for the holiday season.
What the Future Holds for Mariah’s Love Life
Throughout 2024, rumors have swirled about Mariah Carey’s potential romances, linking her to Lenny Kravitz and Anderson .Paak. However, nothing has been confirmed. Perhaps she will share a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner with someone special. Or maybe, this year, she will embrace self-love, celebrating her own independence as she has many times before.
While we wish anyone happiness in their love life, whether single or taken, one thing is certain—Mariah never runs out of inspiration. With an upcoming album in the works, she has plenty of material to draw from. So, happy Valentine’s Day! May your love life be as Emotions-high as all of Mariah’s #1 hits, as elusive as her Chanteuse moments, and as drama-free as Glitter (well… almost). If all else fails, just Shake It Off and remember that Love Takes Time—just like waiting for her next album drop.
