If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen the blurry paparazzi shots. The hand-holding. The cozy dinner dates in Aspen. It feels like everyone is asking the same thing: who is Mariah Carey dating now that the Bryan Tanaka era has officially closed?
For seven years, Tanaka was the fixture by her side. But when Christmas 2023 rolled around and the "Queen of Christmas" was spotted solo, the Lambily knew something was up. Since then, the rumor mill hasn't just been spinning; it’s been at a full-on sprint. The name on everyone's lips? Anderson .Paak.
The Aspen Spark That Started It All
Mariah doesn’t just do "dating." She does moments.
It all started back in December 2024. While most people were worried about last-minute gift shopping, Mariah was spotted in her natural habitat—Aspen, Colorado—walking hand-in-hand with Silk Sonic’s very own Anderson .Paak.
They weren't just walking. They were glowing.
Critics and fans alike wondered if this was just a high-profile collaboration or something deeper. Honestly, looking at the way he was escorting her at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, it’s hard to argue it’s just "business." He literally helped her up the stairs to accept her Icon Award like a modern-day knight in a designer suit.
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Is Anderson .Paak the One?
Let’s look at the facts. .Paak filed for divorce from his wife, Jae Lin, in early 2024. Mariah was fresh off her split from Tanaka. The timing? Suspiciously perfect.
During an interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings in September 2025, Mariah did what Mariah does best: she played coy. When Gayle pressed her on the hand-holding, Mariah joked that Anderson is just a member of the "hand-holding club."
"He just likes to hold my hand," she told Gayle with that signature shrug. "He just grabs my hand. I don't know what he's doing."
Sure, Mariah. We’ve heard that one before. But then she went on Keke Palmer’s podcast and admitted there might be "a little love" there. For a woman who once famously said "I don't know her," admitting to "a little love" is basically a marriage proposal in Mimi-speak.
Why This Pairing Actually Makes Sense
On paper, it’s a bit of a curveball. She’s the ultimate diva; he’s the cool, soulful multi-instrumentalist who spent years drumming in the underground scene. But creatively? It’s a match made in R&B heaven.
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- The Musical Connection: They collaborated on her latest album, Here For It All, specifically the track "Play This Song."
- The Age Gap: There’s a 16-year difference, but Mariah has always gravitated toward younger, high-energy men who keep her laughing—think Nick Cannon or Bryan Tanaka.
- Parenthood: Both are navigating the world of co-parenting. Mariah has her twins, Roc and Roe, and Anderson has two sons. Sources close to the pair say they’ve bonded over the chaos of raising kids in the spotlight.
What Happened to Bryan Tanaka?
To understand who Mariah Carey is dating now, you have to look at why the last one ended.
Bryan Tanaka wasn't just a boyfriend; he was her creative director. They were together for seven years. According to reports from Page Six and People, the split happened because Tanaka wanted to start a family of his own—meaning biological children.
Mariah, at 55, is very much in the "been there, done that" phase of motherhood. Her twins are teenagers now. Starting over with diapers and 3 a.m. feedings? That wasn't on the mood board for her "Butterfly" lifestyle. They split amicably, but the silence from Tanaka’s camp since then has been deafening.
The "PR Stunt" Skepticism
Not everyone is buying the romance.
Some fans on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) are convinced this is a classic "showmance" to promote Here For It All. It’s a fair point. The timing of their most "intimate" outings conveniently lined up with the album's release cycle.
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However, they were spotted at Disneyland in July 2025—well after the initial promo push. If you’re willing to wait in the 90-degree California heat for a ride at Space Mountain just for a photo op, that’s either true love or the most dedicated PR team in history.
The Latest Status in 2026
As we move into 2026, the situation remains "classic Mariah"—vague but visually suggestive.
While she hasn't posted a "hard launch" photo on Instagram with a caption like "My King," the two are still frequently seen together at industry events and private dinners in Los Angeles. Anderson .Paak has been a constant presence, often seen wearing Mariah Carey vintage tees, which is basically the celebrity equivalent of wearing someone's varsity jacket.
What we know for sure:
- They are definitely "together" in a professional capacity.
- The chemistry in the "Play This Song" music video is palpable.
- They spend holidays together, which is the ultimate litmus test for Mariah.
Your Mariah Carey Relationship Cheat Sheet
If you’re trying to keep track of the Songbird Supreme’s heart, here is the current breakdown:
- Current Status: Romantically linked to Anderson .Paak (Status: "It's complicated but cute").
- Recent Ex: Bryan Tanaka (Split December 2023).
- The Co-Parent: Nick Cannon (Always in the picture, forever friendly).
- The Catalyst: Derek Jeter (The 90s legend she still speaks fondly of).
Whether Anderson .Paak is the "Vision of Love" she’s been looking for or just a really talented "hand-holding" partner, Mariah seems happier than she’s been in years. She’s making music that sounds like her old-school self, and she’s doing it with someone who clearly respects her legacy.
Next Steps for the Lambily:
Keep an eye on the credits of her upcoming 2026 tour dates. If Anderson .Paak is involved in the production or shows up as a surprise guest during the Vegas residency, you can bet this relationship is more than just a summer fling. Also, check her Instagram stories during the upcoming "Anniversary" (Mariah's word for birthdays) in March; that’s usually when she lets the real secrets slip.