Who is Mariah Carey dating is a question that has captured the attention of fans and media worldwide in 2025. The pop diva, long regarded as one of the most private yet iconic figures in the music industry, has found herself in the spotlight once again—not for a new album release alone, but for her growing connection with musician Anderson .Paak. While neither has publicly confirmed the relationship, their repeated public appearances, joint projects, and affectionate gestures suggest something far more personal than just a musical collaboration.
A Star in the Spotlight: Why People Want to Know
Mariah Carey’s love life has always fascinated the public. From her marriage to music mogul Tommy Mottola in the 1990s, to her engagement with billionaire James Packer, to her long-term relationship with dancer Bryan Tanaka, Carey’s relationships have often been as headline-making as her chart-topping songs.
Now in 2025, curiosity around who Mariah Carey is dating has intensified after her pairing with Anderson .Paak—a talented singer, rapper, producer, and drummer whose style blends soul, R&B, hip-hop, and funk. Fans see their connection as not just unexpected, but also exciting, given how it ties into Carey’s resurgence in the music scene.
The Origins of Their Connection
The relationship rumors between Carey and .Paak started swirling in late 2024 when the two were spotted together in Aspen during the holiday season. Onlookers noticed them holding hands, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company in ways that seemed more romantic than professional.
At the time, some speculated they were working together on new music. That speculation wasn’t wrong—.Paak soon confirmed that he was collaborating on Carey’s upcoming album. However, the warmth and closeness seen during their outings suggested that their bond extended beyond the studio.
The iHeartRadio Music Awards Appearance
The turning point came in March 2025 at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Carey was honored with the Icon Award, and Anderson .Paak was right by her side. He not only escorted her onto the stage but also appeared deeply supportive during her acceptance moment. Just days later, paparazzi captured the pair leaving a high-profile dinner in West Hollywood hand-in-hand.
These appearances turned whispers into headlines. While neither confirmed the relationship, actions often speak louder than words—and fans couldn’t ignore what was in front of them.
Music Meets Romance
One of the reasons this potential relationship resonates so strongly is its foundation in music. Anderson .Paak has worked closely with Carey on her 2025 album, contributing as a writer and producer. Their joint effort is already visible on the single Type Dangerous, which dropped earlier this year and has been praised for its modern yet classic Mariah sound.
Music collaborations often bring artists close, but in this case, fans are quick to point out the chemistry that seems to extend beyond the studio walls. Their creative partnership appears to have blossomed into something more personal, making their story both professional and romantic.
Mariah Carey’s Previous Relationship Timeline
To understand why this new connection is so significant, it’s worth revisiting Carey’s recent relationship history:
- Bryan Tanaka (2016–2023): Carey’s longest and most stable relationship in recent years was with her backup dancer and creative director. The two dated on and off for seven years before officially splitting in 2023. Despite ending things, Carey and Tanaka reportedly parted on good terms.
- James Packer (2015–2016): Before Tanaka, Carey was engaged to Australian billionaire James Packer. The engagement was called off before they married, but it drew heavy media attention due to Packer’s wealth and Carey’s star power.
- Nick Cannon (2008–2016): Perhaps Carey’s most high-profile relationship of the past two decades was with television host and actor Nick Cannon. The two married in 2008, welcomed twins Moroccan and Monroe in 2011, and divorced in 2016.
This context makes the connection with Anderson .Paak especially compelling—it represents a fresh start after years of long-term commitments that either fizzled or ended in public breakups.
How Fans Have Reacted
Social media platforms lit up after Carey and .Paak’s joint appearances. Fans expressed surprise at the pairing but also excitement. Many praised the way .Paak appeared to support Carey not just as a partner but as a collaborator.
On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #MariahandAnderson and #CareyPaak trended during their iHeartRadio Music Awards appearance. Fans shared photos of the duo walking together, often commenting that Carey seemed “genuinely happy and glowing.”
Others applauded the fact that Carey has chosen a partner with a strong musical background, suggesting that this shared passion could make the relationship last longer than previous ones.
The Media Buzz
Unsurprisingly, tabloids and entertainment outlets have run with the story, calling them one of the most talked-about new celebrity pairs of 2025. Headlines often ask outright: “Who is Mariah Carey dating?” and follow up with evidence pointing toward .Paak.
The coverage has emphasized:
- Their public displays of affection.
- Their collaborations on Carey’s new album.
- Their contrasting but complementary personalities.
- The 16-year age gap between Carey (56) and .Paak (40).
While some outlets frame the age difference as noteworthy, most fans dismiss it as irrelevant, pointing out that Carey has always lived life on her own terms.
A Timeline of Events So Far
| Date | Event | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| December 2024 | Aspen trip | Carey and .Paak spotted together holding hands |
| March 2025 | iHeartRadio Music Awards | .Paak escorted Carey onstage for her Icon Award |
| March 2025 | West Hollywood dinner | Paparazzi photographed them holding hands leaving a restaurant |
| June 2025 | Album release | Carey dropped Type Dangerous, co-written and produced by .Paak |
| September 2025 | Media speculation peaks | Fans and outlets strongly believe they are officially dating |
Why This Pairing Matters
- It blends personal and professional worlds. Their connection is not just romantic but also creative, strengthening their bond.
- It represents Carey’s new chapter. After years of quiet personal life, Carey is back in the spotlight with both new music and a possible romance.
- It inspires fans. Seeing Carey thrive personally and professionally gives fans a reason to celebrate her resilience.
- It modernizes her story. Carey’s collaboration with .Paak introduces her to a younger audience familiar with his work in R&B and hip-hop.
The Big Question: Are They Official?
For now, the answer remains “not confirmed.” Carey and .Paak have not publicly addressed their status, and both maintain privacy when it comes to personal matters. However, their repeated outings, affectionate gestures, and ongoing collaboration make the relationship seem undeniable.
Closing Thoughts
So, who is Mariah Carey dating in 2025? All signs point to Anderson .Paak. While the two stars have yet to make an official announcement, their public appearances, music collaborations, and undeniable chemistry suggest this is far more than just a rumor.
For fans, the pairing represents a beautiful new era for Carey—one filled with love, music, and renewed joy. Whether or not they decide to go public with their romance, the excitement around their connection shows just how deeply invested people remain in Mariah Carey’s journey.
What do you think about this pairing? Would you like to see them confirm it officially, or should they keep their love private? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.