Perez Hilton’s latest scoop suggests a Hollywood romance brewing between none other than Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey! According to an anonymous tip received during the Deux U podcast, the two have allegedly been quietly dating since November. Reports indicate sightings of the pair getting cozy at various events, including Carey’s Christmas concert in LA.
Despite Carey’s recent breakup with ex-boyfriend Bryan Tanaka, sources claim her relationship with Kravitz predates the official split. The insider hints at a potential public debut of their romance, possibly at this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where both artists have been nominated. While the couple is keeping things discreet for now, they’ve been spotted together at several events, fueling speculation.
What makes this rumored romance intriguing is the long-standing friendship between Kravitz and Carey, which dates back decades.
Early Days: How Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey First Crossed Paths
Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey’s friendship traces back to their early days before they ascended to icon status. Despite their eventual global fame, their bond was forged in the humble beginnings of New York City. At the recent Recording Academy Honors in Los Angeles, where both received accolades, Kravitz reminisced about the roots of their connection. “We met on the east side in New York, and we were around the same group of friends,” Kravitz disclosed.
“Yeah, a lot of people don’t know, Mariah and I come from the same circle in New York City,” Kravitz said. “And we were both working on our demos, we used to hang out with the same group of people. She used to work at a sports bar that I used to go to and hang out at.”
“We used to go over to their house and hang out. She had a bunch of cats,” he recalled humorously, “And I remember her playing her cassettes and me playing mine, and here we are tonight on the same night, so it’s cool.”, he remembers during a 2024 Grammies interview.
During their days as struggling artists in New York, both Carey and Lenny Kravitz coincidentally debuted their first albums. Carey released her self-titled album, while Kravitz introduced “Let Love Rule” in 1989.
In a recent conversation with Andy Cohen, Kravitz remarked, “We knew [Carey] was going to make it. The talent was just too incredible.” Reflecting on Carey’s prowess, he previously lauded her in another interview with Cohen, stating, “She was absolutely extraordinary.”
Beyond Stardom: Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz’s Genuine Friendship
In 2009, Kravitz and Carey collaborated on the film “Precious,” followed by another project, “The Butler,” in 2012. They were frequently spotted together during premieres and press conferences, showcasing their enduring friendship.
In 2012, Carey posted a photo of herself and Kravitz on Twitter, suggesting he join her as an “American Idol” judge. “What’s going on? need the info!! What about this combo? : ) if we could ever get him to do it!” Carey tweeted, tagging the official “American Idol” account. Kravitz, acknowledging their long-standing friendship, replied, “Girl, we’ve known each other since we were teenagers. How fun would that be?!”. Well it didn’t happen, and Mariah certainly doesn’t remember Idol as “fun”…
In 2013, Carey took to Instagram to share a snapshot of her son Moroccan sporting oversized sunglasses, likening his look to Kravitz’s iconic style. “Roc Starr doing his best @LennyKravitz impression,” Carey captioned the photo.
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe in 2020, Carey took to Instagram to share her essential reading list, featuring a snapshot of herself next to a stack of books. Among them was “Let Love Rule,” a memoir by Kravitz, prominently displayed in the lineup.
In a recent turn of events, the names of Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz have been cropping up together with increasing frequency. The GRAMMY® Award-winning artists were both celebrated with the Recording Academy® Global Impact Award during the third annual Recording Academy Honors, presented by the Black Music Collective (BMC) on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
Following their joint recognition at the ceremony, both Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz found themselves simultaneously nominated once again this year for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The outcome of this prestigious acknowledgment is anticipated later this month, coinciding with speculation from an unnamed insider hinting at a public acknowledgment of their rumored romance during the forthcoming ceremony.
As reported by Perez Hilton and corroborated by an insider, their relationship appears to have transcended platonic boundaries. It resembles a classic friends-to-lovers narrative, suggesting a deeper connection between them.
As much as we’re drawn to the allure of this potential superstar friends-to-lovers narrative, skepticism creeps in. It’s hard to shake the feeling that these whispers may simply be the birth of yet another celebrity rumor.
But, if it’s true, and makes her happy, and inspires her to give us a new album: bring it on!