If you’re scouring the internet to figure out who is married to Mariah Carey right now, I’ve got a short answer that might surprise you: nobody.
As of January 2025, the Elusive Chanteuse is officially single. Or, at the very least, she isn’t wearing anyone’s ring. After two high-profile marriages and a long-term relationship that recently bit the dust, the "Queen of Christmas" seems to be focusing on herself, her music, and her "dem kids."
It’s kinda wild when you think about it. For a woman who has written some of the most iconic love songs in history, her own romantic life has been a bit of a rollercoaster. It’s been filled with controlling executives, whirlwind Bahamas weddings, and even a billionaire who didn't quite make the cut.
The Current Status: Is She Dating Anyone?
Honestly, the rumor mill has been spinning lately. After her seven-year relationship with dancer Bryan Tanaka ended in late 2023, people were dying to know who would be next.
Enter Anderson .Paak.
Since late 2024, there’s been a ton of chatter about Mariah and the Silk Sonic star. They’ve been spotted holding hands in Aspen (Mariah’s favorite winter playground) and looking pretty cozy at award shows. While they’ve played it coy—mentioning they are "working on music"—sources close to the pair have basically confirmed they are "full-on dating."
But let’s be clear: dating isn’t marriage. And if history has taught us anything, Mariah doesn't rush into a third trip down the aisle.
💡 You might also like: Why the Jordan Is My Lawyer Bikini Still Breaks the Internet
The First Marriage: Tommy Mottola (1993–1998)
You can't talk about Mariah's history without mentioning Tommy Mottola. This was the ultimate "Cinderella" story that turned into something much darker.
Mottola was the head of Sony Music when he discovered a teenage Mariah. He was 20 years her senior. When they married in 1993, the wedding was a massive $500,000 affair inspired by Princess Diana. But behind the scenes, Mariah has described the marriage as "oppressive" and "controlling."
She famously nicknamed their mansion "Sing Sing," a reference to the maximum-security prison. She felt like a prisoner in her own home, unable to leave without permission.
- The Breaking Point: Mariah’s need for independence grew as she became a global superstar.
- The Fallout: They separated in 1997 and finalized the divorce in 1998.
That relationship shaped her early career, but it also left her with deep scars that she’s been very open about in her memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey.
The One We All Rooted For: Nick Cannon (2008–2016)
Fast forward a decade, and we get the Nick Cannon era. This one was a total shocker to the public. They met on the set of her music video for "Bye Bye" and were married in the Bahamas just weeks later.
It felt different. Nick was younger, funny, and seemed to genuinely adore her. They even famously renewed their vows every single year at Disneyland.
📖 Related: Pat Lalama Journalist Age: Why Experience Still Rules the Newsroom
The biggest highlight of this marriage? The "Dem Babies." In 2011, they welcomed twins, Moroccan and Monroe. Even though the marriage eventually crumbled—they separated in 2014 and the divorce was finalized in 2016—they’ve managed to become the gold standard for celebrity co-parenting.
Nick still speaks incredibly highly of her. He’s even joked in interviews that she’s the only woman he’d ever consider marrying again. (Though, considering he has about a dozen other kids now, that might be a crowded house!)
The Billionaire and the Dancer: Recent Chapters
After Nick, things got interesting.
The James Packer Engagement
In 2016, Mariah got engaged to Australian billionaire James Packer. He gave her a 35-carat diamond ring that was so big it probably had its own zip code. But they never made it to the altar. The relationship reportedly turned "unhappy," and they split before the year was out.
The Bryan Tanaka Years
Almost immediately after the Packer split, Mariah started dating her backup dancer, Bryan Tanaka. This wasn't just a rebound. They stayed together for seven years.
He was a constant fixture at her Christmas shows and in her Instagram posts. However, in December 2023, Tanaka confirmed they had split. Word on the street is that they wanted different things—specifically, he wanted to start a family of his own, and Mariah, who already has her teenagers, wasn't looking to head back to the diaper phase.
👉 See also: Why Sexy Pictures of Mariah Carey Are Actually a Masterclass in Branding
Why the Question "Who is Married to Mariah Carey" is Still Trending
People are fascinated by Mariah’s love life because she is a true romantic who hasn't quite found her "forever" person yet. Or maybe she has, and it’s just her.
In her book, she mentions that she hasn't actually had that many lovers. She calls it a "variety pack," but she’s much more selective than the tabloids make her out to be.
What You Should Know About Her Relationships:
- She values musical connection. Whether it's Mottola (the exec) or .Paak (the musician), she is drawn to people who understand her craft.
- Independence is non-negotiable. After the Mottola years, she will never let someone control her again.
- The kids come first. Any man in her life has to be cool with Moroccan and Monroe.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following Mariah's journey, here’s the best way to stay updated without falling for fake news:
- Watch her socials: Mariah is surprisingly active on Instagram and TikTok. If there’s a new man in the picture, he’ll usually pop up there eventually—often in a bathtub or a gown.
- Check the "Queen of Christmas" season: Most of Mariah's major life updates or relationship debuts happen around the holidays. It's when she's most visible.
- Read her memoir: If you want the real story of her marriages from her own perspective, The Meaning of Mariah Carey is the only source that matters.
Right now, the seat next to her is technically empty, but with the Anderson .Paak rumors heating up, that might not last for long. Just don't expect a wedding invitation anytime soon. She’s been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt (and the 35-carat ring).
To stay current on Mariah's world, keep an eye on official music collaborations, as her romantic life and her studio life are almost always intertwined. You can also monitor the Billboard charts, as her personal milestones often coincide with new releases or the annual "All I Want For Christmas Is You" resurgence.