Mariah Carey is a highly influential American singer, songwriter, producer, and actress renowned for her exceptional five-octave vocal range, melismatic singing style, and signature use of the whistle register. Her impact on popular music includes influencing vocal styles, merging hip-hop with pop, popularizing remixes, and promoting multiracial acceptance. Recognized as the "Songbird Supreme" and ranked fifth among the greatest singers of all time, Carey is also celebrated as the "Queen of Christmas" due to the enduring popularity of her Christmas music, especially "All I Want for Christmas Is You."
Mariah Carey's name was inspired by the song "They Call the Wind Maria" from the 1951 Broadway musical Paint Your Wagon.
Mariah Carey was born on March 27, 1969, in Huntington, New York.
The Jackson 5 released their hit single, "I'll Be There" in 1970. This song would later be covered by Mariah Carey during her 1992 "MTV Unplugged" performance.
Carey's film "Glitter" was set in 1983, recreating a post-disco era.
Mariah Carey graduated from Harborfields High School in Greenlawn, New York, in 1987.
In December 1988, Mariah Carey met Tommy Mottola, the head of Columbia Records, and handed him her demo tape.
On June 5, 1990, Mariah Carey made her first public appearance, singing "America the Beautiful" at the 1990 NBA Finals.
In 1990, Mariah Carey released the song "There's Got to Be a Way." Years later, in response to the murder of George Floyd, Carey sang a snippet of the song on social media while encouraging fans to demand justice.
In 1990, Mariah Carey, despite experiencing stage fright, captivated audiences with performances at MTV Unplugged and the NBA Finals. Her talent was evident as she silenced critics and earned a standing ovation from the basketball players.
Mariah Carey rose to fame in 1990 with the release of her self-titled debut album under Columbia Records.
Mariah Carey's debut hit, "Vision of Love," released in 1990, showcased her use of melisma, a vocal technique characterized by singing multiple notes on one syllable. This marked a significant moment in popularizing melisma in pop music.
On September 17, 1991, Mariah Carey released her second studio album, "Emotions", a tribute to Motown soul music. The album marked a departure from her debut as she collaborated with new producers, including Walter Afanasieff, Robert Clivillés, and David Cole.
In 1991, Mariah Carey won two Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Her debut album became the best-selling album in the United States that year.
On March 16, 1992, Mariah Carey delivered a critically acclaimed performance on "MTV Unplugged" at Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, New York. This performance, intended to showcase her vocal abilities and dispel rumors of her being a "studio worm," included a memorable cover of the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There."
On June 5, 1993, Mariah Carey married Tommy Mottola in New York City during a half-million dollar ceremony at Saint Thomas Church.
On August 31, 1993, Mariah Carey released her third studio album, "Music Box". The album, produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff, received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its pop sensibilities and others criticizing its songwriting and vocal performances.
In 1993, Mariah Carey's "Dreamlover" remix, created in collaboration with DJ David Morales, gained significant popularity. This remix helped popularize the trend of remixing R&B songs into house music.
Mariah Carey married Tommy Mottola, the head of Columbia Records, in 1993.
In 1993, Mariah Carey released "Dreamlover." David Morales created the Def Club Mix for the song, marking a turning point in the popularization of remixes in the music industry.
Mariah Carey's holiday album, "Merry Christmas," was released on November 1, 1994. The album, featuring the iconic single "All I Want for Christmas Is You," became a global sensation and remains the best-selling Christmas album of all time.
In 1994, Mariah Carey released the Christmas song "All I Want for Christmas Is You," which has become a holiday classic and the best-selling holiday song by a female artist.
From 1995 onward, Mariah Carey started to incorporate both hip-hop and house music producers to remix her songs, marking a shift in her music production approach.
In 1995, Mariah Carey released her fifth studio album, "Daydream," a pivotal point in her career as she asserted greater creative control. The album marked a shift towards R&B and hip-hop influences, receiving critical acclaim for its innovative sound and Carey's artistic growth.
In 1995, Mariah Carey's influence on the integration of R&B and hip hop continued to be recognized. Her collaboration with Ol' Dirty Bastard on the remix of "Fantasy" solidified her role as a pioneer of this musical trend.
Mariah Carey released her album Daydream in 1995, achieving global success with hit singles like "Fantasy" and "Always Be My Baby."
Starting in 1995, Mariah Carey played a key role in making it common for rappers to be featured in pop music. Her innovative approach to collaborations changed the landscape of the music industry.
Mariah Carey's collaboration with Boyz II Men, "One Sweet Day", achieved a record-breaking 16 consecutive weeks at the number one spot on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in 1996.
The novel "Push" by Sapphire was published in 1996, which was later adapted into the movie "Precious."
Mariah Carey collaborated with Boyz II Men on the song "One Sweet Day" in 1996, which became the longest-running number one song in US chart history at the time.
Alanis Morissette released "Jagged Little Pill" in 1996, which was the last album by a female solo artist to be the best-selling album of the year before Mariah Carey's "The Emancipation of Mimi" in 2005.
In 1996, Mariah Carey released the single "Always Be My Baby," which later became the theme song and a playful inspiration for the 2019 film "Always Be My Maybe."
In 1996, following the success of "Daydream," Mariah Carey embarked on her first international concert series, the "Daydream World Tour," which included performances in Japan and Europe. This same year, Carey was recognized as the highest-earning female musician by Forbes magazine, earning an estimated $32 million.
On May 30, 1997, Mariah Carey and Tommy Mottola announced their separation.
Carey contributed to the soundtrack of the film "Men in Black" in 1997.
In 1997, Mariah Carey released her album "Butterfly," marking a notable shift in her music towards more hip-hop and R&B influences. This period also saw her separation from her then-husband, Tommy Mottola, a significant life event that Carey later described as freeing.
Mariah Carey began dating baseball shortstop Derek Jeter in 1997.
Mariah Carey released her sixth studio album, "Butterfly," in 1997.
Mariah Carey released the album Butterfly in 1997, showcasing a new urban image and incorporating more hip-hop and R&B influences.
Mariah Carey's songwriting partnership with Walter Afanasieff, which began with "Music Box," came to an end in 1997 with the release of her album "Butterfly."
Carey performed alongside Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Gloria Estefan, and Carole King at the VH1 Divas benefit concert on April 14, 1998.
Mariah Carey's relationship with Derek Jeter ended in 1998. That same year, she began dating singer Luis Miguel.
In 1998, Mariah Carey made a high-profile benefit concert appearance on VH1's Divas Live special, performing alongside other female singers in support of the Save the Music Foundation.
In 1998, Mariah Carey collaborated with hip hop group Mobb Deep on the single "The Roof (Back in Time)".
In 1998, Mariah Carey and Tommy Mottola sold their home together for $20.5 million.
Mariah Carey's album "Rainbow" was released on November 2, 1999. Despite achieving her highest first-week sales to date, the album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, marking a point of tension in her relationship with Columbia Records.
In 1999, Mariah Carey was presented with a Congressional Award for contributing "to expanding opportunities for all Americans through their own personal contributions, and [setting] exceptional examples for young people through their own successes in life."
In 1999, the home Mariah Carey had previously shared with Tommy Mottola burned down.
Mariah Carey continued to explore a more R&B and hip-hop sound with the release of her album Rainbow in 1999.
Mariah Carey's 1999 song "Bliss" from the album Rainbow showcased her exceptional ability to sing in the whistle register, highlighting her powerful vocals and control.
Carey participated in the VH1 Divas concert on April 9, 2000, which paid tribute to Diana Ross.
Mariah Carey's divorce from Tommy Mottola was finalized on December 2, 2000.
Carey contributed to the soundtrack of the film "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" in 2000.
Mariah Carey participated in the Divas 2000 special, a follow-up to the successful 1998 Divas Live special.
In April 2001, Carey signed a significant $80 million record deal with Virgin Records. This marked a new chapter in her career after parting ways with Columbia Records and receiving the Billboard Artist of the Decade Award and the World Music Award for Best-Selling Pop Female Artist of the Millennium. Carey also began work on her film "Glitter," aiming to recreate the post-disco era of the 1980s.
Carey experienced a public breakdown in July 2001, marked by erratic behavior and disturbing messages posted on her website. This resulted in a hiatus from music as she prioritized her well-being.
Mariah Carey's relationship with singer Luis Miguel ended in 2001.
In 2001, Mariah Carey faced personal challenges that were heavily scrutinized by the media. Her public breakdown during the promotion of her film "Glitter" became a subject of tabloid attention, highlighting the pressures and vulnerabilities of fame.
Mariah Carey was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder in 2001 and initially kept the diagnosis private.
In 2001, after eleven successful years at Columbia Records, Mariah Carey left the label and signed a new record deal with Virgin Records.
In 2001, Mariah Carey faced career challenges with the release of her film Glitter and its accompanying soundtrack, which did not perform well commercially.
In 2001, The Village Voice commented on Mariah Carey's musical influence, suggesting that her style served as a template for teen-pop artists.
In December 2002, Mariah Carey released her ninth studio album, "Charmbracelet," which she considered a fresh start. The album received moderate commercial success, but Carey's vocals faced criticism for their quality.
Carey made her film debut in 2002 in "WiseGirls" alongside Mira Sorvino and Melora Walters. The same year, Carey's father passed away from cancer.
Ashanti topped the Billboard charts in 2002 while also being a featured artist on the number two single.
In 2003, Mariah Carey was dubbed the "Songbird Supreme" by the Guinness World Records for her exceptional vocal range and ability to sing in the whistle register. She was also voted as the top singer of the past two decades in an MTV2 online poll.
During the week of September 25, 2005, Mariah Carey became the first woman to occupy the top two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously with "We Belong Together" at number one and "Shake It Off" at number two.
Mariah Carey released her tenth studio album, "The Emancipation of Mimi" in 2005, which topped the US charts. This was her first number-one album since "Butterfly" in 1997 and was well-received by critics.
Mariah Carey made a significant comeback in 2005 with the release of her album The Emancipation of Mimi, which became one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.
In 2005, Mariah Carey performed for Live 8 in London and at the Hurricane Katrina relief telethon "Shelter from the Storm".
In 2005, Mariah Carey experienced a remarkable career resurgence with the release of her album "The Emancipation of Mimi." This comeback was widely celebrated as one of the greatest in music history, demonstrating her resilience and enduring talent.
In 2005, Entertainment Weekly highlighted two remixes of Mariah Carey's song "Fantasy" as some of her greatest recordings. One was a remix by David Morales, which won a National Dance Music Award, and the other was produced by Sean Combs and featured rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard.
In 2005, "The Emancipation of Mimi" was the best-selling album in the US. It also became the first album by a solo female artist to achieve this since Alanis Morissette's "Jagged Little Pill" in 1996.
In November 2006, Mariah Carey was awarded the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Wish Idol for her "extraordinary generosity and her many wish granting achievements."
In 2006, Mariah Carey embraced brand marketing opportunities, partnering with Intel Centrino personal computers for endorsements and launching her own jewelry and accessories line called Glamorized, targeted towards teenagers, in Claire's and Icing stores across America.
In 2006, Mariah Carey stated, "I do believe that I have been born again in a lot of ways. I think what I've changed are my priorities and my relationships with God."
Mariah Carey received eight Grammy nominations in 2006 for "The Emancipation of Mimi." This was the highest number of nominations she had received for a single album in a year.
In 2007, Mariah Carey received two more Grammy nominations for "The Ultra Platinum Edition" of "The Emancipation of Mimi."
In 2007, Mariah Carey ventured into the fragrance industry by releasing her own signature scent called "M," expanding her brand and creative expression into the world of beauty and personal care.
In early 2007, Mariah Carey started working on her eleventh studio album, "E=MC²." The album's lead single, "Touch My Body," reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 two weeks before the album release. This made Carey the solo artist with the most number-one singles in US history, surpassing Elvis Presley.
On April 30, 2008, Mariah Carey married Nick Cannon in the Bahamas.
In August 2008, Mariah Carey and other singers recorded the charity single, "Just Stand Up" produced by Babyface and L. A. Reid, to support Stand Up to Cancer.
Mariah Carey had planned an extensive tour to promote her album "E=MC², " but it was canceled in December 2008 due to her pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage.
In 2008, Mariah Carey was named Hunger Ambassador of the World Hunger Relief Movement.
In 2008, Time Magazine recognized Mariah Carey as one of the 100 Most Influential Artists and Entertainers in the World, cementing her status as a global icon.
In 2008, various media outlets and music critics recognized Mariah Carey's significant impact on the popularization of melisma in contemporary music. Her vocal abilities, particularly her use of melisma, inspired a generation of singers and influenced singing competitions like American Idol, shaping the vocal styles of many aspiring artists.
In 2008, Mariah Carey performed in a New Year's Eve concert for the family of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
In 2008, Mariah Carey expanded her fragrance line by releasing "Luscious Pink," continuing her successful partnership with Elizabeth Arden.
In 2008, Mariah Carey's impactful single "We Belong Together" was recognized by Billboard as it earned the ninth spot on their esteemed list of "The Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Songs."
On January 20, 2009, Mariah Carey performed "Hero" at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball for President Barack Obama.
Mariah Carey performed her rendition of "I'll Be There" with Trey Lorenz at Michael Jackson's memorial service on July 7, 2009.
On September 25, 2009, Mariah Carey released her twelfth studio album, "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel." The album received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its innovation while others criticized Carey's vocal performance. Despite reaching number three on the Billboard 200, it became her lowest-selling studio album.
In 2009, Mariah Carey's cover of Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is" set a record on the Brasil Hot 100 chart by staying at the number one position for an impressive 27 weeks, highlighting her international appeal and success.
Mariah Carey appeared in the movie adaptation of "Push," titled "Precious," which was released in 2009. The film and Carey's performance received generally positive reviews from critics.
Mariah Carey made her acting debut in the critically acclaimed film Precious in 2009.
Mariah Carey released the track "It's a Wrap" in 2009.
In 2009, Mariah Carey introduced another fragrance to her collection called "Forever," further solidifying her presence in the fragrance market.
In 2009, Carey released "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel," her twelfth studio album, In the album's booklet, Carey referred to "Butterfly" as her most significant work, signifying a turning point in her life and career.
Mariah Carey embarked on her seventh concert tour, Angels Advocate Tour, on December 31, 2009. The tour, which focused on the United States and Canada, concluded on September 26, 2010.
Mariah Carey won the Breakthrough Actress Performance Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January 2010 for her role in the movie "Precious."
In February 2010, Mariah Carey's song, "100%", was used as one of the theme songs for the 2010 Winter Olympics, with all money proceeds going to Team USA.
Initially slated for a March 30, 2010 release, Mariah Carey's remix album "Angels Advocate", intended as a companion to "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel", was ultimately cancelled.
On September 26, 2010, Mariah Carey concluded her Angels Advocate Tour after visiting various cities across the United States and Canada. The tour was in support of her album "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel."
Mariah Carey's second Christmas album, "Merry Christmas II You", was released on November 2, 2010. It featured a mix of six new songs and a remix of her classic "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Debuting at number four on the Billboard 200, it also made history as only the second Christmas album to top the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
On November 19, 2010, Billboard magazine honored Mariah Carey by ranking her number four on their prestigious list of "Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years."
On November 29, 2010, Mariah Carey expanded her entrepreneurial ventures by launching her own collection on HSN, featuring a variety of products including jewelry, shoes, and fragrances, showcasing her brand and design aesthetics.
During February 2011, Mariah Carey collaborated with two other musical icons. She recorded a duet, "When Do The Bells Ring For Me?", with Tony Bennett for his "Duets II" album. Additionally, Carey re-recorded her iconic "All I Want for Christmas Is You" with Justin Bieber for his holiday album, "Under the Mistletoe".
In March 2011, Mariah Carey's representative stated that royalties for the song "Save the Day", written for her fourteenth studio album, would be donated to charities that create awareness for human rights.
On April 30, 2011, Mariah Carey gave birth to fraternal twins Moroccan and Monroe, via Caesarean section.
In November 2011, Mariah Carey was named the "brand ambassador" for Jenny Craig, demonstrating her influence and impact in the realm of health and wellness.
The Billboard Holiday 100 chart was launched in 2011. Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" has since dominated the chart, holding the number one spot for a record-breaking 44 weeks out of the chart's 49 total weeks of existence.
On March 1, 2012, Mariah Carey marked her return to performing after pregnancy with a show at New York City's Gotham Hall. In addition, she gave a three-song performance at a special fundraising event for President Barack Obama's re-election campaign at New York's Plaza Hotel, debuting a new song, "Bring It On Home", written specifically for the event.
Mariah Carey released the standalone single, "Triumphant (Get 'Em)", featuring Rick Ross and Meek Mill, in August 2012.
In 2012, Mariah Carey's enduring impact on music was celebrated as she was ranked second on VH1's list of the "100 Greatest Women in Music", highlighting her significant contributions to the industry.
Mariah Carey recorded and released the song "Almost Home" in February 2013 for the soundtrack of Disney's film "Oz the Great and Powerful". The music video was directed by renowned photographer David LaChapelle.
By April 2013, Mariah Carey had amassed a dedicated following on Twitter, further solidifying her status as a pop culture icon. Her fans, known as the "Lambily," played a significant role in popularizing terms like "skinny legend," showcasing the devotion and creativity within her fanbase.
On May 6, 2013, Mariah Carey released "Beautiful," the lead single from her forthcoming fourteenth studio album. The song, featuring Miguel, peaked at number 15 on the Hot 100.
On May 15, 2013, Mariah Carey taped a performance of "Beautiful" and a medley of her biggest hits for the "American Idol" finale, which aired the following day.
In 2013, Mariah Carey broadened her career horizons by venturing into both film and television. She appeared in Lee Daniels' film "The Butler" and lent her voice to a guest role on the adult animated series "American Dad!", playing a redneck character.
In 2013, Mariah Carey performed in a concert for Angola's "father-daughter kleptocracy," drawing criticism from human rights activists who accused her of accepting "dictator cash".
Mariah Carey appeared in the historical drama film The Butler in 2013.
Mariah Carey's fourteenth studio album, "Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse", was released on May 27, 2014. It featured collaborations with various producers including DJ Clue?, Randy Jackson, Q-Tip, R. Kelly, David Morales, Afanasieff, Dupri, The-Dream, and Da Brat.
In August 2014, Nick Cannon confirmed he and Mariah Carey had separated.
In October 2014, Mariah Carey announced her plan for an annual residency show titled "All I Want For Christmas Is You, A Night of Joy & Festivity", initially set to take place at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.
On December 12, 2014, Nick Cannon filed for divorce from Mariah Carey.
Mariah Carey launched her annual residency show, "All I Want For Christmas Is You, A Night of Joy & Festivity", on December 15, 2014, at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.
In 2014, critics and fans continued to analyze Mariah Carey's performance style, noting her signature hand gestures and focus on vocal delivery. Some attributed her static stage presence to stage fright, while others emphasized her emphasis on vocal quality and the power of her songs.
On January 30, 2015, Mariah Carey departed Universal Music Group's Def Jam Recordings to rejoin L.A. Reid and Sony Music under Epic Records. In conjunction with this move, she also revealed her upcoming residency, #1 to Infinity, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Mariah Carey announced her "The Sweet Sweet Fantasy Tour" in December 2015, which was set to commence in March 2016. Spanning 27 dates, it marked Carey's major return to mainland Europe after a 13-year gap and included four shows in South Africa.
By 2015, Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" had become a holiday classic, solidifying her title as the "Queen of Christmas." The song's enduring popularity and association with the holiday season demonstrated her lasting impact on popular culture.
In 2015, Mariah Carey began dating Australian billionaire James Packer.
In 2015, Mariah Carey starred in the Christmas television movie A Christmas Melody.
In 2015, Mariah Carey was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
In 2015, commentators delved into Mariah Carey's enduring appeal, noting her embrace of "uber-feminine" imagery and her ability to connect with a sense of timelessness. Her unique persona and artistic choices solidified her status as a true original in the pop music landscape.
On January 21, 2016, Mariah Carey announced her engagement to Australian billionaire James Packer.
Mariah Carey began filming "Mariah's World", a docu-series for the E! network, on March 15, 2016. The series, which premiered on December 4, 2016, provided a behind-the-scenes look at her "Sweet Sweet Fantasy" tour and wedding preparations.
Mariah Carey kicked off her "The Sweet Sweet Fantasy Tour" in March 2016. The tour, which included 27 shows across Europe and South Africa, marked her first major European tour in 13 years.
By October 2016, Mariah Carey and James Packer had called off their engagement. In October 2016, she began dating American choreographer Bryan Tanaka.
"Mariah's World," a docu-series following Mariah Carey's "Sweet Sweet Fantasy" tour and wedding planning, premiered on the E! network on December 4, 2016.
On December 5, 2016, Mariah Carey joined Vanessa Williams, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, and Teyana Taylor for VH1's "Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night" benefit concert.
Mariah Carey's divorce from Nick Cannon was finalized in 2016.
Mariah Carey participated in a 2016 holiday edition of VH1's Divas Live.
Mariah Carey's performance on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" in Times Square on December 31, 2016, was marred by technical issues, resulting in a widely discussed incident. Carey attributed her performance struggles to malfunctioning in-ear monitors, which left her unable to hear the music. The incident prompted conflicting accounts of responsibility from Carey's representatives and Dick Clark Productions.
In 2016, Mariah Carey was recognized for her support of the LGBTQ+ community with the GLAAD Ally Award. This honor underscored her connection with her gay fanbase and her advocacy for equality and acceptance.
On February 3, 2017, Mariah Carey released her single "I Don't," featuring YG.
In July 2017, Mariah Carey made a cameo in the comedy film Girls Trip and embarked on the All the Hits Tour with Lionel Richie.
By October 2017, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" from Mariah Carey's "Merry Christmas" album had become the 11th best-selling single in the history of modern music, solidifying its status as a holiday classic.
In October 2017, Mariah Carey released the soundtrack single "The Star" for the movie of the same name. The song would later be nominated for Best Original Song at the 75th Golden Globe Awards.
On November 14, 2017, Mariah Carey released her animated Christmas film Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You, which included the original song "Lil' Snowman".
Mariah Carey returned to perform on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve on December 31, 2017, after technical issues affected her previous performance.
Mariah Carey's 2017 performance at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve was unfortunately plagued by technical difficulties. However, she made a triumphant return the following year, showcasing her resilience and captivating the audience once again.
In 2017, Mariah Carey was awarded with PETA's Angel for Animals Award for promoting animal adoption through her animated movie All I Want for Christmas Is You.
Mariah Carey lent her voice to the animated film The Lego Batman Movie in 2017.
In April 2018, Mariah Carey opened up about taking therapy sessions and medication for her struggle with bipolar II disorder.
Mariah Carey launched her Las Vegas residency, The Butterfly Returns, in July 2018.
In September 2018, Mariah Carey announced plans to release her fifteenth studio album.
On September 21, 2018, Mariah Carey headlined the iHeartRadio Music Festival and performed her new song, "GTFO."
Mariah Carey released her fifteenth studio album, Caution, on November 16, 2018, to critical acclaim.
In 2018, Mariah Carey's immense popularity in Asia–Pacific was acknowledged by Sony Music Asia–Pacific, as they presented her with a certificate of achievement for reaching 1.6 billion sales units in the region.
In 2018, Mariah Carey appeared in a lighthearted advertisement for Hostelworld, showcasing her personality and connecting with audiences through a popular travel platform.
In 2018, Mariah Carey achieved a unique feat by becoming the first artist to replace herself at the top spot on Billboard's Top R&B Albums chart. Her album "Caution" was dethroned by her own holiday album "Merry Christmas," demonstrating her continued dominance in the genre.
Mariah Carey began her Caution World Tour in February 2019 in support of her album of the same name.
On August 25, 2019, Mariah Carey secured a lucrative $12 million contract with the Walkers crisps brand, joining their Christmas campaign and starring in a commercial for the company, showcasing her global appeal and marketing influence.
On September 18, 2019, Mariah Carey released "In the Mix," the theme song for the ABC sitcom Mixed-ish.
On November 1, 2019, Mariah Carey re-released her holiday album Merry Christmas for its 25th anniversary.
On November 24, 2019, Mariah Carey's beloved Christmas classic "All I Want for Christmas Is You" reached new heights by securing three Guinness World Records, solidifying its status as a holiday phenomenon.
On December 5, 2019, Mariah Carey announced the production of a mini-documentary titled Mariah Carey Is Christmas! to chart the creation and cultural impact of her song "All I Want for Christmas Is You."
After eight legs and fifty-six shows presented across various countries, Mariah Carey concluded her "All I Want For Christmas Is You" residency show on December 15, 2019.
In 2019, "One Sweet Day"'s long-held record for most weeks at number one on the Hot 100 was surpassed by Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road".
Mariah Carey's sustained musical success received widespread recognition in 2019, with commentators pointing out her longevity and influence on pop music. Her impact is evident in how her music has been covered, sampled, or used by other artists, and even served as inspiration for films like "Always Be My Maybe."
In 2019, various media outlets acknowledged Mariah Carey as a modern holiday icon, highlighting her festive outfits and the enduring popularity of her song "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Due to the song's popularity and its association with retail workers' experiences, Carey began a social media tradition of announcing "it's time" to play the song every November 1st.
In 2019, Mariah Carey's influence on the popularization of remixes was highlighted. Her dedication to creating various remix versions, catering to different music genres, inspired other artists to follow suit, as noted by producer David Morales who worked with Carey on her 1993 single "Dreamlover."
In 2019, Mariah Carey was honored by Variety's Power of Women for her work with The Fresh Air Fund's Camp Mariah.
In 2019, Billboard named Mariah Carey the top-charting female solo artist, based on her album and song chart success.
In 2019, 25 years after its release, Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time. This achievement marked the beginning of the song's annual ascent to the top spot each December, making it the first song in history to hold the top position in multiple chart years and the longest-running holiday number-one song.
Mariah Carey was honored with the Billboard Icon Award in 2019, solidifying her status as a music icon and acknowledging her lasting influence on the music industry.
In January 2020, Mariah Carey's induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame was announced.
On July 17, 2020, Mariah Carey released The Live Debut - 1990, a live EP commemorating the 30th anniversary of her debut album.
Mariah Carey released her compilation album, The Rarities, on October 2, 2020. The album featured rare and previously unreleased songs Carey had recorded throughout her career.
On December 4, 2020, Mariah Carey premiered her Christmas special, Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special, on Apple TV+, along with an accompanying soundtrack. She also released a new version of her 2010 song "Oh Santa!" featuring Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson.
In December 2020, Mariah Carey ventured into the culinary world by partnering with Virtual Dining Concepts and restaurateur Robert Earl to launch her own biscuit line called Mariah's Cookies, offering a delectable treat inspired by her personal tastes.
In her 2020 memoir, "The Meaning of Mariah Carey," Mariah Carey revealed her secret contributions to the alternative rock album "Someone's Ugly Daughter" by the band Chick. She had contributed writing, production, vocals, and art direction to the project but kept her involvement secret due to her record label's reluctance to release the album with her as the lead vocalist.
In 2020, Mariah Carey released her memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, offering insights into her personal life and career.
In 2020, Mariah Carey released "Save the Day," a song she had previously pledged to donate the royalties of to human rights charities.
In 2020, Billboard honored Mariah Carey's impact on music videos, ranking her among the 100 Greatest Music Video Artists of All Time. They acknowledged her evolution from girl-next-door to a captivating storyteller through her visually stunning and diverse videography.
In 2020, Mariah Carey cemented her place in music history as the first solo artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 in four different decades, spanning from the 1990s to the 2020s.
In March 2021, despite initially expressing reservations about the title "Queen of Christmas," Mariah Carey attempted to trademark the phrase. This move faced criticism from singers Darlene Love and Elizabeth Chan.
In July 2021, Mariah Carey was featured on Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis' debut studio album, Jam & Lewis: Volume One, on the track "Somewhat Loved."
Mariah Carey released her single "Fall in Love at Christmas" with Khalid and Kirk Franklin on November 5, 2021.
In 2021, Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" hit a significant milestone by achieving one billion streams on Spotify, becoming her first song and the first holiday song to reach this impressive streaming count.
In a 2021 interview with the Daily Express, Mariah Carey highlighted the importance of vocal care, emphasizing the role of timing, vocal rest, and adequate sleep in maintaining her vocal health.
Mariah Carey's iconic holiday song "All I Want for Christmas Is You" received further recognition in 2021 when Billboard magazine named it the greatest holiday song of all time.
Mariah Carey's innovative approach to music video storytelling was recognized in 2021 with the Special Achievement Innovator Award from the African American Film Critics Association. This award highlighted her creative vision and influence on the visual aspects of music.
In 2021, Mariah Carey diversified her business ventures by introducing a new line of alcohol called Black Irish, paying homage to her heritage, and partnering with McDonald's to promote a limited-time menu, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and brand collaborations.
In 2021, Mariah Carey's legacy was further solidified as her album "The Emancipation of Mimi" and her song "Fantasy" were included in Rolling Stone magazine's updated lists of "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time" and "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time," respectively.
Mariah Carey announced her children's picture book, The Christmas Princess, on January 12, 2022, co-written with Michaela Angela Davis and illustrated by Fuuji Takashi.
In March 2022, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) recognized Mariah Carey's achievements as the best-selling female albums artist in the United States, with 72 million units sold, and one of the top-selling digital singles artists. She is also one of the few artists to have both diamond-certified albums and singles.
On September 16, 2022, Mariah Carey released an expanded version of her album Butterfly for its 25th anniversary.
In November 2022, The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board rejected Mariah Carey's application to trademark the phrase "Queen of Christmas."
Mariah Carey's musical, Some Like It Hot, premiered on December 11, 2022, at the Shubert Theatre in Manhattan, New York.
Mariah Carey's television special Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to All!, adapted from her shows in New York City, aired on CBS on December 20, 2022.
On December 24, 2022, Mariah Carey's festive hit "All I Want for Christmas Is You" shattered streaming records on Spotify, garnering over 20 million plays in a single day, proving its enduring popularity during the holiday season.
In 2022, Mariah Carey engaged in educational initiatives by recording nine video lessons for MasterClass titled "Mariah Carey Teaches the Voice as an Instrument" and revisited her musical collaborations by re-recording "The Roof (Back in Time)" alongside Brandy.
In February 2023, Carey's 2009 song "It's a Wrap" gained popularity on TikTok, leading her to release an EP for the track, including a new sped-up version.
On September 8, 2023, Mariah Carey released a deluxe version of her album Music Box to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
On November 19, 2023, Mariah Carey was honored with the Billboard Music Award for Chart Achievement.
On December 17, 2023, Mariah Carey wrapped up her 16-date concert tour, Merry Christmas One and All!, at Madison Square Garden.
On December 26, 2023, Bryan Tanaka confirmed that he and Mariah Carey had parted ways after seven years of dating.
In 2023, Mariah Carey became one of the first recipients of the BRIT Billion Award for surpassing one billion streams in the United Kingdom, a testament to her global impact and enduring popularity.
In 2023, Mariah Carey was ranked as the fifth greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.
In 2023, Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" was recognized for its lasting cultural impact as it was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry, solidifying its place in American musical history.
In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine named Mariah Carey the fifth-greatest singer of all time and recognized her as the "architect of modern pop", solidifying her legacy and influence on the music industry.
On February 2, 2024, The Recording Academy announced that Mariah Carey would receive the Grammy Global Impact Award. This award recognizes Black music creators for their impact on the music industry and their inspiring legacy.
On February 16, 2024, Mariah Carey was featured on a remix of Ariana Grande's single "Yes, And?", which was included in a special edition of Grande's album Eternal Sunshine.
On April 12, 2024, Mariah Carey kicked off her new residency show, titled The Celebration of Mimi, at the Dolby Live in Las Vegas.