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Mariah Carey Snubbed Again by Rock Hall — But 2025 Is Still Her Year
Mariah Carey, the iconic vocalist with 19 No. 1 hits and a career spanning over three decades, has once again been overlooked in a Mariah Carey Rock Hall snub. Despite being eligible since 2016 and nominated for the 2025 class, Carey was not among the inductees announced this April. This marks her second consecutive nomination without induction, a decision that has sparked criticism and renewed discussions about the Hall’s recognition of female artists.
The Rock Hall’s Ongoing Oversight
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has faced scrutiny for its underrepresentation of women. Out of nearly 400 inductees since its inception in 1986, only about 80 have been women, either as solo artists or members of female-fronted groups. Notably, only six of the 56 first-ballot inductees have included women. Carey’s exclusion is particularly striking given her monumental impact on music, from her unparalleled vocal range to her influence on pop and R&B genres.
Adding to the controversy, Carey’s lawyer, Allen Grubman, was inducted in 2022, highlighting the Hall’s perplexing criteria for recognition. As Rolling Stone poignantly put it: “Whatever it is they’re looking for, Carey has it. It’s in her voice, it’s in her songs, it’s in her legacy. She’s checked all the boxes. Now, it’s the Hall’s turn. Maybe the third time will be the Charmbracelet, but it’s already overdue.“
Understanding the Voting Process
The selection process for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame involves a voting body of over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals. To be eligible, an artist must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior. Nominees must receive at least 50% approval from voters, with typically five to seven performers inducted each year. Notably, the fan vote—while publicly visible and heavily promoted—accounts for just one of those 1,200 ballots, limiting its real influence on the final outcome.
Despite her significant contributions and widespread acclaim, Carey has yet to secure the necessary votes for induction. This raises questions about the criteria and biases influencing the selection process.
Looking Ahead: A Promising 2025 for Mariah
While the Hall of Fame snub is disappointing, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Carey and her fans:
New Music Releases: Carey’s long-awaited track “When I Feel It” is set to debut this May. Additionally, a powerhouse collaboration “One Heart, One Voice” with Barbra Streisand and Ariana Grande is anticipated in June, promising a blend of legendary vocals.
Anniversary Celebrations: The 30th anniversary of her acclaimed album “Daydream” will be celebrated, likely with special editions and retrospectives.
Holiday Highlights: As the undisputed “Queen of Christmas,” Carey will no doubt be surrounded by the usual seasonal fanfare, with perennial accolades tied to “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” There’s also buzz that her beloved Merry Christmas album, which has been standing at 9x Platinum RIAA for quite some time, could finally become her third diamond-certified release this year.
Potential New Album: Mariah Carey stated two Christmases ago that she already had 10 songs written for her next project, and this May, Anderson .Paak confirmed he’s collaborating with her on new music. In an interview with People.com, where he was seen wearing a Daydream T-shirt, he shared: “We’re working on some music on her new album.” While there’s no official release date yet, all signs point toward a highly anticipated new album possibly arriving later this year—an exciting addition to her impressive discography
What’s Next for Mariah and the Rock Hall?
Given her enduring influence and continued success, it’s plausible that Carey will receive future nominations for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The key questions remain:
Will the Hall address its gender disparities and recognize Carey’s contributions?
How will fan advocacy impact future voting outcomes?
Regardless of the Hall’s decisions, Carey’s legacy is firmly cemented in music history. Her resilience and ongoing achievements ensure that her influence will be felt for generations to come. We’ll be here every year cheering her on until that well-deserved induction finally happens.
