View source for Mariah Carey

{{Short description|American singer-songwriter (born 1969)}} 
{{For|the album|Mariah Carey (album){{!}}''Mariah Carey'' (album)}}
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{{Use American English|date=April 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Mariah Carey
| image              = Mariah Carey Library of Congress 2023 1 Cropped 3.png<!-- NOTE: Do not replace Mariah Carey Library of Congress 2023 1 Cropped 3.png unless it is with a photo under a public domain or free license (meaning NOT fair use). Any fair use photos (i.e. 'promotional photos') violate the Fair Use Policy and will be deleted. See [[Wikipedia:Fair]] use criteria -->
| alt                = Mariah Carey smiling in a black dress in front of a Christmas tree
| caption            = Carey in 2023
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1969|3|27}}{{efn|name=Birth date}}<!--NOTE: This is sourced in the Early life section. Do not change without gaining consensus on the talk page beforehand.-->
| birth_place        = [[Huntington, New York]], US<!-- Per [[MOS:U.S.]], "the use or non-use of periods (full stops) should also be consistent with other country abbreviations in the same article (thus 'the US, UK, and USSR', not 'the U.S., UK, and USSR')." -->
| occupation         = {{Hlist|Singer-songwriter|record producer|actress}}
| years_active       = 1988–present
| works              = {{Hlist|[[Mariah Carey albums discography|Albums]]|[[Mariah Carey singles discography|singles]]|[[List of songs recorded by Mariah Carey|songs]]|[[Mariah Carey videography|videography]]|[[List of Mariah Carey live performances|performances]]}}
| spouse             = {{ubl|{{Marriage|[[Tommy Mottola]]|1993|1998|end=divorced}}|{{marriage|[[Nick Cannon]]|2008|2016|end=divorced}}}}
| children           = 2
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by Mariah Carey|Full list]]
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| genre              = {{Hlist|[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]|[[Pop music|pop]]|[[hip-hop]]|[[Soul music|soul]]}}<!-- Primary genres only, Christmas music only admitted on Christmas albums and specials -->
| instruments        = Vocals
| past_member_of     = Chick
| label              = {{Hlist|[[Columbia Records|Columbia]]|[[Crave Records|Crave]]|[[Virgin Records|Virgin]]|[[Monarc Entertainment|MonarC]]|[[The Island Def Jam Music Group|Island Def Jam]]|[[Island Records|Island]]|[[Def Jam]]|[[Epic Records|Epic]]|[[Gamma (media company)|Gamma]]<!--Recently signed-->}}<!--Mariah Carey is not signed to Roc Nation label, but with the management team, to check to click on artists on the Roc Nation site and click management and she is seen there. However, on artists she is suddenly nowhere to be found.-->
}}
| website            = {{URL|mariahcarey.com}}
| signature          = Mariah Carey's signature.svg
}}

'''Mariah Carey''' ({{IPAc-en|m|ə|ˈ|r|aɪ|ə|audio=LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-Mariah Carey.wav}} {{respell|mə|RY|ə}};<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7PLGJjd9vQ&t=1s |title= Can Mariah Carey Remember Tricky Questions About Her Long Career? {{!}} All About Me |date=December 22, 2021 |last=Carey |first=Mariah |magazine=[[Harper's Bazaar]] |access-date=May 25, 2024 |via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>{{rp|0:01}} born March 27, 1969){{efn|name=Birth date}}<!--NOTE: This is sourced in the Early life section. Do not change without gaining consensus on the talk page beforehand.--> is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress.<!--Per MOS:ROLEBIO, please do not stuff this lead sentence with her lesser-known occupations. The infobox lists the rest.--> Dubbed the "[[Honorific nicknames in popular music|Songbird Supreme]]", Carey is known for her five-octave [[vocal range]], [[melisma]]tic singing style, signature use of the [[whistle register]], and [[diva]] persona. [[Cultural impact of Mariah Carey|An influential figure in popular culture]], she was ranked as the fifth-[[Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers of All Time|greatest singer of all time]] by ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' in 2023.

Carey rose to fame with her [[Mariah Carey (album)|eponymous debut album]] (1990) and became the only artist to have their first five singles reach number one in the US, from "[[Vision of Love]]" to the [[Emotions (Mariah Carey song)|title track]] of her second album [[Emotions (Mariah Carey album)|''Emotions'']] (1991). She achieved international success with the [[List of best-selling albums|best-selling albums]] ''[[Music Box (Mariah Carey album)|Music Box]]'' (1993) and ''[[Daydream (Mariah Carey album)|Daydream]]'' (1995). The remix to "[[Fantasy (Mariah Carey song)|Fantasy]]", with [[Ol' Dirty Bastard]], introduced her new image and [[hip hop music|hip hop]]-inflected sound, which she later embraced on ''[[Butterfly (Mariah Carey album)|Butterfly]]'' (1997) and ''[[Rainbow (Mariah Carey album)|Rainbow]]'' (1999). With [[List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones#Most consecutive years charting a number-one song|eleven consecutive years of US number-one singles]], Carey was named by ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' as the [[Billboard Decade-End#1990s|Artist of the Decade]]. Following a career decline, she made a comeback with ''[[The Emancipation of Mimi]]'' (2005), her [[List of best-selling albums of the 21st century|21st-century bestseller]].

Carey's life and career have received [[Public image of Mariah Carey|widespread media coverage]]. She has been dubbed the "Queen of Christmas" due to the enduring popularity of her [[Christmas music|holiday music]], particularly ''[[Merry Christmas (Mariah Carey album)|Merry Christmas]]'' (1994), one of the [[List of best-selling Christmas albums in the United States|best-selling holiday albums]]. Its lead single, "[[All I Want for Christmas Is You]]", is the [[List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones#Most weeks at number one|longest-running number-one song]] on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and the [[List of best-selling singles|best-selling holiday single]] by a woman. Outside of music, she co-founded the youth program [[The Fresh Air Fund#Summer camping for New York City children|Camp Mariah]] in 1994; [[Mariah Carey videography#Filmography|starred in films]] such as ''[[Glitter (film)|Glitter]]'' (2001), ''[[Precious (film)|Precious]]'' (2009), ''[[The Butler]]'' (2013), and ''[[The Lego Batman Movie]]'' (2017); and served as a judge on ''[[American Idol]]'' (2013). Her 2020 memoir, ''[[The Meaning of Mariah Carey]]'', reached number one on [[The New York Times Best Seller list|''The New York Times'' Best Seller list]].

Carey is one of the [[List of best-selling music artists#200 million to 249 million records|best-selling music artists of all time]], with estimated sales of over 220 million records. She has the most ''Billboard'' Hot 100 number-one singles of [[List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones#Most number-one songs|a solo artist]] (19), [[List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones#Songwriters with the most number-one songs|a female songwriter]] (18), and [[List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones#Producers with the most number-one songs|a female producer]] (15), spending a [[List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones#Most cumulative weeks at number one|record 101 weeks atop the chart]]. "[[One Sweet Day]]" and "[[We Belong Together]]" were ranked by ''Billboard'' as the most successful songs of the [[List of Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles of the 1990s|1990s]] and [[List of Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles of the 2000s|2000s]], respectively. [[List of awards and nominations received by Mariah Carey|Her accolades]] include five [[Grammy Award]]s, a [[Grammy Global Impact Award]], 10 [[American Music Awards]], 19 [[World Music Awards]], 14 [[Billboard Music Awards|''Billboard'' Music Awards]], the [[Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award]], and an induction into the [[Songwriters Hall of Fame]]. One of the [[List of highest-certified music artists in the United States|highest-certified artists in the US]], Carey has four diamond [[RIAA certification|certifications]] from the [[Recording Industry Association of America]]. 

== Early life ==
Carey was born on March 27, 1969,<!--NOTE: Once again, do not change without gaining consensus on talk page beforehand. If you find another source that may change the consensus, please discuss more on the talk page.-->{{efn|name=Birth date|While some sources give a birth year of 1970,<ref>{{multiref2|{{cite news |last=Holden |first=Stephen |title=The Pop Life – Mariah Carey's Debut |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/13/arts/the-pop-life-987890.html |access-date=March 27, 2019 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=June 13, 1990 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101111434/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/13/arts/the-pop-life-987890.html |archive-date=January 1, 2018 |quote=The 20-year-old singer... |ref=none}}|{{harvnb|Nickson|1998}}|{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001}}|{{cite magazine |last=Eliscu |first=Jenny |title=Mariah After Midnight |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mariah-after-midnight-2-102924/ |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=March 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327221424/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mariah-after-midnight-2-102924/ |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |date=February 23, 2006 |quote=When Patricia Carey gave birth to a seven-pound baby girl at 7:27 A.M. on March 27th, 1970... |ref=none}}}}</ref> a birth announcement in Carey's hometown newspaper ''[[Long Islander News|The Long-Islander]]'' indicates 1969,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn83031119/1969-04-10/ed-1/seq-15/|title=Recent Births Are Announced |newspaper=[[Long Islander News|The Long-Islander]]|date=April 10, 1969|page=2{{hyphen}}3|access-date=February 16, 2021|quote=Recent births at Huntington Hospital have been announced as follows{{nbsp}}... March 27 Mariah, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Carey, Huntington|via=NYS Historic Newspapers|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303103838/https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn83031119/1969-04-10/ed-1/seq-15/|archive-date=March 3, 2021}}</ref> as do others.<ref>{{multiref2|{{cite news |title=Short Takes: Mariah Carey Doing OK at 21 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-01-21-ca-641-story.html |access-date=March 27, 2019 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=January 21, 1991 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327220743/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-01-21-ca-641-story.html |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |quote=At age 21, she seems...}}|{{cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sR4Ch1dMe8IC&q=who%27s+who+in+america+mariah+carey+1969&pg=PA275|title=The International Who's Who 2004|edition=67|publisher=[[Europa Publications]]|location=London|year=2003|editor-first=Elizabeth|editor-last=Sleeman|chapter=Carey, Mariah|isbn=978-1-85743-217-6|quote=b. 1969, Long Island, NY|url=https://archive.org/details/internationalwho2004ond |ref=none}}|{{cite magazine |title=Mariah Carey – Biography |url=http://www.people.com/people/mariah_carey/biography/ |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |access-date=March 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817222020/http://www.people.com/people/mariah_carey/biography/ |archive-date=August 17, 2016|quote=Date of Birth: March 27, 1969}}}}</ref>}} in [[Huntington (CDP), New York|Huntington, New York]], on [[Long Island]].<ref name="6G76Y">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/fanfare/li-music-hall-of-fame-recognizes-local-talent-1.884107|title=LI Music Hall of Fame recognizes local talent|date=October 22, 2008|first=Glenn|last=Gamboa|magazine=[[Newsday]]|quote=Born in Huntington, raised in Greenlawn.|access-date = September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014201804/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/fanfare/li-music-hall-of-fame-recognizes-local-talent-1.884107|archive-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref><ref name="nick1"/> Her name is derived from the song "[[They Call the Wind Maria]]", originally from the 1951 Broadway musical ''[[Paint Your Wagon (musical)|Paint Your Wagon]]''.<ref name="b3WSA">{{cite news|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/person/10883/Mariah-Carey/biography|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017180104/http://movies.nytimes.com/person/10883/Mariah-Carey/biography|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 17, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Jason|last=Buchanan|date=2013|title=Mariah Carey|access-date=August 14, 2011}}</ref><ref name="zDki9">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.people.com/people/mariah_carey|title=Celebrity Central: Top 25 Celebrities: Mariah Carey|magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]]|access-date=August 14, 2011|archive-date=August 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812025400/http://www.people.com/people/mariah_carey|url-status=live}}</ref> She is the youngest of three children born to Patricia (née Hickey), a former opera singer and vocal coach of Irish descent, and Alfred Roy Carey, an aeronautical engineer of both African-American and Afro-Venezuelan lineage. The last name "Carey" was adopted by her Venezuelan grandfather, Roberto Núñez,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Holnes |first1=Darrel Alejandro |last2=Klimek |first2=Chris |last3=Drehle |first3=David Von |last4=Coleman |first4=Chloe |date=December 29, 2022 |title=Mariah Carey, queen of the American Dream |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/12/29/mariah-carey-christmas-music-american-dream/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=June 12, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230100044/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/12/29/mariah-carey-christmas-music-american-dream/ |url-status=live }}</ref> after he emigrated to New York.<ref name="nick2">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|p=7}}</ref><ref name="nick1">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=8}}</ref> 

Patricia's family disowned her for marrying a black man. Racial tensions prevented the Carey family from integrating into their community. While they lived in Huntington, their neighbors poisoned the family dog and set fire to their car.<ref name="nick2"/> After her parents' divorce, Carey had little contact with her father and spent much of her time at home alone and began singing at age three, often imitating her mother's take on [[Verdi]]'s opera ''[[Rigoletto]]'' in Italian. Her older sister Alison moved in with their father while Mariah and her elder brother Morgan lived with their mother.<ref name="nick3">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=9}}</ref><ref name="nick4">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=10–11}}</ref>

During her years in elementary school, Carey excelled in [[the arts]], such as [[music]] and [[literature]]. She began writing [[poetry]] and [[lyrics]] while attending [[Harborfields High School]] in [[Greenlawn, New York]],<ref name="nick7">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=16}}</ref> where she graduated in 1987.<ref name="people1993">{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/archive/cover-story-how-sweet-it-is-vol-42-no-21|date=November 22, 1993|volume=42|issue=21|title=How Sweet It Is|first=Steve|last=Dougherty|magazine=People|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235235/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0%2C%2C20106787%2C00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Carey began vocal training under her mother's guidance. Though she was a classically trained opera singer, Patricia Carey never pressured her daughter to pursue a career in classical opera, with Mariah Carey stating that "I respect opera like crazy, but it didn't influence me."<ref name="nick7"/><ref name="nick8">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=17}}</ref> In high school, Mariah Carey was often absent because of her work as a [[demo (music)|demo]] singer.<ref name="nick8"/> Working in the Long Island music scene gave her opportunities to work with musicians such as [[Gavin Christopher]] and [[Ben Margulies]], with whom she co-wrote material for her demo tape. After moving to New York City, she worked part-time jobs to pay the rent and completed 500 hours of [[Cosmetology|beauty school]].<ref name="nick9">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=18}}</ref> Carey moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan with four female students as roommates.<ref name="nick10">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=19}}</ref> She landed a gig singing backup for [[freestyle music|freestyle]] singer [[Brenda K. Starr]].<ref name="nick13">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=22}}</ref><ref name="nick14">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=61}}</ref>

== Career ==
=== 1988–1992: Eponymous debut album, ''Emotions'' and ''MTV Unplugged'' ===
[[File:Mariah Carey 1990 cropped.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Carey exiting [[Shepherd's Bush Empire]] after promoting her single "Vision of Love" on ''[[Wogan]]'' in 1990]]
In December 1988, Carey accompanied Starr to a music executive's party and handed her demo tape to the head of [[Columbia Records]], [[Tommy Mottola]].<ref name="nick17">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=25}}</ref><ref name="nick16">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=26}}</ref> After listening to the tape during the ride home, he immediately requested the driver turn around. She had already left the event, and Mottola spent two weeks looking for her. Another record label expressed interest and a bidding war ensued. He signed Carey to Columbia and enlisted producers [[Ric Wake]], [[Narada Michael Walden]], and [[Rhett Lawrence]] for her first album.<ref name="nick17"/>

On June 5, 1990, Carey made her first public appearance at the [[1990 NBA Finals]], singing "[[America the Beautiful]]". The highlight was the whistle note toward the song's conclusion, sparking CBS Sports anchor [[Pat O'Brien (radio and television personality)|Pat O'Brien]] to declare, "The [[The Palace of Auburn Hills|palace]] now has a queen."<ref name="eZTkj">{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-SEB-81746#:~:text=Her%20obscurity%20faded%20forever%20on,Pat%20O'Brien%20to%20declare|title=A Look Back: 7 All-Star NBA Musical Performances|last=Anderson|first=Trevor|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=June 16, 2014|access-date=July 20, 2020|archive-date=July 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720151615/https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-SEB-81746#:~:text=Her%20obscurity%20faded%20forever%20on,Pat%20O'Brien%20to%20declare|url-status=live}}</ref> Columbia marketed Carey as the main female artist on their roster<ref name="nick18">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=28–29}}</ref> and spent over $1&nbsp;million promoting Carey's debut studio album, ''[[Mariah Carey (album)|Mariah Carey]]''.<ref name="nick19">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=33}}</ref> The album topped the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] for eleven consecutive weeks, after Carey's exposure at the [[33rd Annual Grammy Awards]], where she won the award for [[Best New Artist]], and [[Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]] for her first single "[[Vision of Love]]".<ref name="eZTkj1">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/461628961.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+21%2C+1991&author=AP&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Major+Grammy+winners&pqatl=google|title=Major Grammy Winners|last=Bartha|first=Agatha|newspaper=[[Toronto Star]]|date=February 12, 1991|access-date=August 18, 2011|archive-date=July 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725002927/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/461628961.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+21%2C+1991&author=AP&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Major+Grammy+winners&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="jtml6">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/USAToday/access/56149786.html?dids=56149786%3A56149786&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=May+13%2C+1991&author=David+Landis&pub=USA+TODAY+%28pre-1997+Fulltext%29&desc=%60BATHGATE%27+WAIT&pqatl=google|title='Bathgate' Wait|last=Landis|first=David|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=May 13, 1991|access-date=August 14, 2011|quote=R.E.M.'s Out of Time has knocked Mariah Carey off the top of the Billboard album chart after 11 weeks.|archive-date=July 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724230951/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/USAToday/access/56149786.html?dids=56149786%3A56149786&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=May+13%2C+1991&author=David+Landis&pub=USA+TODAY+%28pre-1997+Fulltext%29&desc=%60BATHGATE%27+WAIT&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref> It became her first US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart-topper, followed by the album's follow-up singles "[[Love Takes Time]]", "[[Someday (Mariah Carey song)|Someday]]", and "[[I Don't Wanna Cry]]".<ref name="Hot 100">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/mariah-carey/chart-history/hot-100|title=Mariah Carey Album & Song Chart History|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 14, 2010|archive-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121091052/https://www.billboard.com/artist/mariah-carey/chart-history/hot-100/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Mariah Carey'' was the [[List of best-selling albums by year in the United States|best-selling album in the United States in 1991]],<ref name="yjtgw">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/73919427.html?dids=73919427:73919427&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+01%2C+1992&author=Richard+Harrington&pub=The+Washington+Post+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=1991%27s+Chart-Toppers%3A+Garth%2C+Mariah+%26+CC&pqatl=google|title=1991's Chart-Toppers: Garth, Mariah & CC|last=Harrington|first=Richard|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=January 1, 1992|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=July 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724233654/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/73919427.html?dids=73919427:73919427&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+01%2C+1992&author=Richard+Harrington&pub=The+Washington+Post+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=1991%27s+Chart-Toppers%3A+Garth%2C+Mariah+%26+CC&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref> and achieved worldwide sales of 15 million copies.<ref name="bet">{{cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/gywvi0/mariah-celebrates-twenty-years|title=Mariah Celebrates Twenty Years|last=Cane|first=Clay|publisher=[[BET]]|date=June 12, 2010|access-date=August 15, 2010|archive-date=July 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716065832/http://www.bet.com/news/celebrities/2010/06/11/mariahtwenty.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' named Carey the [[Billboard's Greatest Pop Stars|Greatest Pop Star of 1991]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 26, 2024 |title=Billboard’s Greatest Pop Star of 1991: Mariah Carey |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/mariah-carey-best-pop-star-1991-1235824806/ |access-date=February 12, 2026 |publisher=Billboard}}</ref>

Carey co-wrote, co-produced, and recorded her second studio effort, ''[[Emotions (Mariah Carey album)|Emotions]]'', during 1991.<ref name="nick21">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=50–51}}</ref><ref name="nick22">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=52}}</ref> She described it as a homage to [[Motown]] [[soul music]] and employed the help of [[Walter Afanasieff]], who only had a small role on her debut, as well as [[Robert Clivillés]] and [[David Cole (record producer)|David Cole]], from the [[dance music|dance]] group [[C+C Music Factory]].<ref name="nick23">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=53}}</ref> Carey's relationship with Margulies deteriorated over a songwriting royalties dispute. After he filed a lawsuit against Columbia's parent company, [[Sony Music Entertainment]], the songwriting duo parted ways.<ref name="nick22"/> ''Emotions'' was released on September 17, 1991. Its [[Emotions (Mariah Carey song)|title track]] served as the album's lead single and became Carey's fifth chart topper on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, making her the first artist whose first five singles reached the chart's summit.<ref name="people">{{Cite magazine |title=A Complete Guide to All of Mariah Carey's Number One Hits |magazine=People |url=https://people.com/music/mariah-carey-number-one-hits-complete-guide/ |access-date=July 7, 2020 |archive-date=January 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115111523/https://people.com/music/mariah-carey-number-one-hits-complete-guide/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album spawned two more singles, "[[Can't Let Go (Mariah Carey song)|Can't Let Go]]" and "[[Make It Happen (Mariah Carey song)|Make It Happen]]", both of which peaked within the top five in the United States.<ref name="Hot 100"/> Though critics praised the album's content and described it as a more mature effort, ''Emotions'' was criticized as calculated and lacking originality.<ref name="nick25">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=59}}</ref> While the album managed sales of eight million copies globally, ''Emotions'' failed to reach the commercial and critical heights of its predecessor.<ref name="sales">{{cite web|url=http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/International/Arch/SR/MariahCarey/SICP-8076/index.html|title=Mariah Carey: Emotions|language=ja|publisher=[[Sony Music Entertainment Japan]]|access-date=March 19, 2011|archive-date=October 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014224133/http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/International/Arch/SR/MariahCarey/SICP-8076/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Carey did not embark on a world tour to promote the album.<ref name="shapiro1">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=68}}</ref> Although she attributed this to [[stage fright]] and the vocally challenging nature of her material, speculation grew that Carey was a "studio worm" and incapable of producing the perfect pitch and five-[[octave]] [[vocal range]] for which she was known.<ref name="nycc">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/14/arts/pop-music-the-marketing-muscle-behind-mariah-carey.html|title=Pop Music; The Marketing Muscle Behind Mariah Carey|last=Goodman|first=Fred|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 14, 1991|access-date=August 14, 2011|archive-date=February 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214113621/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/14/arts/pop-music-the-marketing-muscle-behind-mariah-carey.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="shapiro2">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=69}}</ref> In hopes of ending any speculation of her being a manufactured artist, Carey booked an appearance on ''[[MTV Unplugged]]''.<ref name="nick26">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=71}}</ref> Days prior to the show's taping, Carey and Afanasieff chose to add a cover of [[the Jackson 5]]'s 1970 song "[[I'll Be There (The Jackson 5 song)|I'll Be There]]" to the set-list. On March 16, 1992, she played and recorded an intimate seven-song show at [[Kaufman Astoria Studios]] in Queens, New York.<ref name="nickson27">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|p=72}}</ref> The acclaimed [[revue]] was aired more than three times as often as the average episode,<ref name="nickson28">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=77–78}}</ref> with critics heralding it as a "vocal tour de force".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,312805,00.html|title=Carey On|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=March 30, 2011|date=December 25, 1992|archive-date=December 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091222095520/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,312805,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Carey's [[I'll Be There (Mariah Carey recording)|live version of "I'll Be There"]] became her sixth number-one single on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart. Sony capitalized on this success and released an [[extended play]] (EP) of [[MTV Unplugged (Mariah Carey EP)|her performance]]. It earned a triple-Platinum certification by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA)<ref name="riaa">{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=2&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=mariah%20carey&format=ALBUM&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25|title=RIAA Gold & Platinum > Mariah Carey|publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]|access-date=January 14, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826033505/https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=2&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=mariah%20carey&format=ALBUM&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25|archive-date=August 26, 2013}}</ref> and earned Gold and Platinum certifications in several European markets.<ref name="nickson29">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|p=79}}</ref>

=== 1993–1996: ''Music Box'', ''Merry Christmas'' and ''Daydream'' ===
Following years{{specify}} of dating,<ref name="Davis2020p.129" /> Carey and Mottola got married on June 5, 1993.<ref name="shapiro6" /> After ''Emotions'' failed to achieve the commercial heights of her debut album, Carey's subsequent release was to be marketed as [[adult contemporary]] and pop-friendly. ''[[Music Box (Mariah Carey album)|Music Box]]'' was produced by Carey and Afanasieff, and it began a songwriting partnership that would extend until 1997's ''[[Butterfly (Mariah Carey album)|Butterfly]]''.<ref name="soul">{{cite web|url=http://www.soulculture.co.uk/features/interviews/mariah-careys-music-box-lp-1993-revisited-with-co-writer-walter-afanasieff-return-to-the-classics/|title=Mariah Carey's Music Box LP (1993) Revisited With Co-Writer Walter Afanasieff : Return to the Classics|last=Williams|first=Chris|work=Soul Culture|date=July 3, 2011|access-date=July 14, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710042900/http://www.soulculture.co.uk/features/interviews/mariah-careys-music-box-lp-1993-revisited-with-co-writer-walter-afanasieff-return-to-the-classics/|archive-date=July 10, 2011}}</ref> The album was released on August 31, 1993, to mixed reviews from music critics. Carey's songwriting was derided as clichéd and her vocal performances were described as less emotive and lazier in their delivery. In his review of the album, [[AllMusic]]'s Ron Wynn concluded: "sometimes excessive spirit is preferable to an absence of passion".<ref name="F0iAt">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r186574|title=Music Box|last=Wynn|first=Ron|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=August 17, 2010|archive-date=September 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923063728/https://www.allmusic.com/album/music-box-mw0000620196|url-status=live}}</ref> In promotion of the album, Carey embarked on her debut tour, a six-date concert series, the [[Music Box Tour]].<ref name="shapiro9">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=81}}</ref> ''Music Box''{{'}}s first and second singles, "[[Dreamlover (song)|Dreamlover]]" and "[[Hero (Mariah Carey song)|Hero]]", became Carey's seventh and eighth chart-toppers in the United States, while [[Without You (Mariah Carey recording)|her cover]] of [[Badfinger]]'s "[[Without You (Badfinger song)|Without You]]" became her first number-one single in Germany,<ref name="ger">{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-2772|title=Mariah Carey –'Without You'|language=de|publisher=Offizielle Deutsche Charts|access-date=December 5, 2018|archive-date=June 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615110659/https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-2772|url-status=live}}</ref> Sweden<ref name="swe">{{cite web|url=https://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Mariah+Carey&titel=Without+You&cat=s|title=Mariah Carey – 'Without You' (song)|publisher=Swedishcharts.com|access-date=December 5, 2018|archive-date=December 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206102220/https://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Mariah+Carey&titel=Without+You&cat=s|url-status=live}}</ref> and the United Kingdom.<ref name="without">{{cite web|url=http://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Mariah+Carey&titel=Without+You&cat=s|title=Mariah Carey – Without You|publisher=[[Ö3 Austria Top 40]]|language=de|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=August 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813045152/http://www.austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Mariah+Carey&titel=Without+You&cat=s|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Music Box'' remains Carey's best-seller and one of the [[best-selling albums]], with worldwide sales of over 28 million copies.<ref name="bet"/>

In mid-1994, Carey and [[Luther Vandross]] recorded and released a cover of [[Lionel Richie]] and [[Diana Ross]]'s "[[Endless Love (song)|Endless Love]]".<ref name="shapiro11">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=86–87}}</ref> ''[[Merry Christmas (Mariah Carey album)|Merry Christmas]]'', released on November 1, 1994, became the [[List of best-selling Christmas/holiday albums in the United States|best-selling Christmas album]], with global sales of over 15 million copies.<ref name="newyorker">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/archive/2006/04/03/060403crmu_music|title=Mariah Carey's Record-Breaking Career|last=Frere-Jones|first=Sasha|date=April 6, 2006|access-date=November 10, 2011|magazine=[[The New Yorker]]|archive-date=October 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013180454/http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2006/04/03/060403crmu_music|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="mimisales2">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandjazzmusic/3648757/Let-the-yule-duel-begin.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandjazzmusic/3648757/Let-the-yule-duel-begin.html |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Let the Yuel Duel Begin|last=Thompson|first=Tom|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=April 19, 2008|access-date=May 10, 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="national">{{cite news|url=http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/sounds-of-the-season?pageCount=0|title=Sounds of the Season|last=Hancox|first=Dan|newspaper=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]|date=November 26, 2010|access-date=December 10, 2010|archive-date=October 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007224410/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/sounds-of-the-season?pageCount=0|url-status=dead}}</ref> The lead single, "[[All I Want for Christmas Is You]]", became a holiday [[Standard (music)|standard]] and continues to surge in popularity each holiday season.<ref name="RSS">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/photos/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-christmas-songs-20101216/mariah-carey-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-0150435|title=The Greatest Rock and Roll Christmas Songs|last=Greene|first=Andy|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=December 20, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222174247/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/photos/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-christmas-songs-20101216/mariah-carey-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-0150435|archive-date=December 22, 2010}}</ref> By October 2017, it had become the [[List of best-selling singles|11th best-selling single]] in history with over 16 million copies sold worldwide.<ref>{{cite news|first=Lowenna|last=Waters|title=10 of the best Mariah Carey songs|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=October 10, 2017|access-date=December 29, 2018|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/best-mariah-carey-songs/want-christmas-you_mariah-carey/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/best-mariah-carey-songs/want-christmas-you_mariah-carey/ |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> It additionally became the longest-running number-one single of all-time on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 (22 weeks) and the [[Billboard Global 200|''Billboard'' Global 200]] (19 weeks) charts.<ref name=22Christmas>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/mariah-carey-hot-100-christmas-22nd-week/|title=Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' Rules Hot 100 in Record Week for Holiday Hits|last=Trust|first=Gary|magazine=Billboard|date=December 29, 2025|access-date=December 29, 2025|archive-date=December 29, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251229184006/https://www.billboard.com/lists/mariah-carey-hot-100-christmas-22nd-week/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Trust|first=Gary|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/wham-last-christmas-global-200-number-one-1236137915/|title=Wham!'s 'Last Christmas' Hits No. 1 on Billboard Global 200 for First Time|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=December 15, 2025|access-date=December 15, 2025|archive-date=December 15, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251215215358/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/wham-last-christmas-global-200-number-one-1236137915/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Mariah Carey One Sweet Day Madison Square 1995.jpg|thumb|Carey performing "[[One Sweet Day]]" with [[Boyz II Men]] at [[Madison Square Garden]] in October 1995]]
Carey's fifth studio album, ''[[Daydream (Mariah Carey album)|Daydream]]'', found her consolidating creative control over her career, leading to tensions with Columbia.<ref name="shapiro12" /> Songs from her prior two albums had been primarily shaped by Mottola's conceptualization of what Carey should sound like, as innocent and wholesome tracks dominated by her vocal performance.<ref>{{harvnb|Rambarran|2023|p=28}}</ref> ''Daydream'' featured a departure from her allegiance to pop and gravitated heavily towards [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] and [[hip hop]].<ref name="shapiro12">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=91}}</ref> Critically, the album was described as Carey's best to date. ''The New York Times'' named it one of 1995's best albums and wrote it "brings R&B candy-making to a new peak of textural refinement ... Carey's songwriting has taken a leap forward and become more relaxed, sexier and less reliant on thudding clichés."<ref name="SummerMariah">{{cite news|title=The Summer Buzz: Cicadas and Mariah Carey|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/04/arts/music/04note.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=August 10, 2005|access-date=August 14, 2011|last=Sanneh|first=Kalefa|archive-date=May 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510132505/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/04/arts/music/04note.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Its lead single, "[[Fantasy (Mariah Carey song)|Fantasy]]", became the first single by a female artist to debut at number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100,<ref name="nickson35">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|p=134}}</ref> and the second song overall after [[Michael Jackson]]'s "[[You Are Not Alone]]".<ref name="No 1 debuts">{{cite news|last=Trust|first=Gary|url=https://www.billboard.com/photos/billboard-hot-100-number-1-song-debuts-426225/1-1-michael-jackson/|title=Here Are All the Hits That Have Debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100|newspaper=Billboard|date=February 2, 2026|access-date=February 13, 2026}}</ref> "[[One Sweet Day]]", a collaboration with R&B group [[Boyz II Men]], served as the second single from ''Daydream'' and remained atop the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 for 16 consecutive weeks, becoming the longest-running number-one song in the chart's history at the time.<ref name="nickson36">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|p=145}}</ref> It also opened at the top spot, making Carey the first act to achieve the feat twice,<ref name="No  1 debuts"/> and was later named as the "Song of the Decade" in the magazine's original issue.<ref>{{cite web|last=Leight |first=Elias |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6297023/billboard-hot-100-1990 |title=Hot 100: Billboard Hits of the 1990s &#124; Billboard – Billboard |publisher=Billboard.com |date=October 30, 2014 |accessdate=April 14, 2026}}</ref> The album's third single, "[[Always Be My Baby]]", became Carey's eleventh chart-topper, tying her with [[Madonna]] and [[Whitney Houston]] for the most number-one singles among female artists at the time.

''Daydream'' became Carey's biggest-selling album in the United States,<ref name="syQhG">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/2020-vision-mariah-marks-milestone/|title='20/20': Mariah Marks Milestone|last=Trust|first=Gary|magazine=Billboard|date=June 2, 2010|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=September 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915192600/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/957957/2020-vision-mariah-marks-milestone|url-status=live}}</ref> continued Carey's dominance in Asian music markets and sold in excess of 2.2 million copies in Japan alone and over 20 million copies globally.<ref name="daydreamjapan">{{cite web|title=Top > Discography > Daydream|url=http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/MariahCarey/discography/SICP-30795|publisher=[[Sony Music Entertainment Japan]]|access-date=December 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230231043/http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/MariahCarey/discography/SICP-30795|archive-date=December 30, 2018|language=ja|date=June 24, 2015|quote=Over 25 million copies worldwide have been sold so far, and 2.2 million copies have been sold in Japan.}}</ref><ref name="DaydreamLyrics">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2015/10/01/lyrics-mariah-carey-daydream/|title=How well do you know the lyrics to Mariah Carey's 'Daydream'?|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Wright|first=Matthew|access-date=May 23, 2017|date=October 1, 2015|archive-date=August 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808075043/http://ew.com/article/2015/10/01/lyrics-mariah-carey-daydream/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Daydream'' and its singles were nominated in six categories at the [[38th Grammy Awards]].<ref name="shapiro16">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=95}}</ref> Though considered a favorite to win the top awards of the evening, Carey was shut out, prompting her to comment "What can you do? I will never be disappointed again."<ref name="shapiro17">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=96}}</ref> In early 1996, she embarked on her first international string of concerts, the [[Daydream World Tour]]. Its seven dates spanned three in Japan and four throughout Europe.<ref name="nickson100">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|p=153}}</ref> ''[[Forbes]]'' named Carey the [[Forbes list of the world's highest-paid musicians#Female|top-earning female musician of 1996]], collecting an estimated $32 million.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gerhart |first=Ann |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1996/09/09/yoga-teacher-makes-peace-in-cleveland-park/62b3c7f2-2c00-400c-9123-3c59377d7475/ |title=Yoga Teacher Makes Peace In Cleveland Park |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=September 9, 1996 |access-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730025641/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1996/09/09/yoga-teacher-makes-peace-in-cleveland-park/62b3c7f2-2c00-400c-9123-3c59377d7475/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

During the recording of ''Daydream'', Carey also worked on the alternative rock album ''[[Someone's Ugly Daughter]]'' as part of the duo Chick, contributing writing, production, vocals and art direction. It was released during September 1995. As Columbia Records refused to release the album with her lead vocals, Carey's friend Clarissa Dane was brought in to become the face of Chick, and her vocals were layered on top of Carey's, masking her voice.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Story Behind Mariah Carey's Secret '90s Alt-Rock Album|url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/the-story-behind-mariah-careys-secret-90s-alt-rock-album/|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|access-date=July 11, 2021|date=May 21, 2021|quote=Behind-the-scenes collaborators detail the making of the icon's liberating side project, Chick's Someone's Ugly Daughter.|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711141418/https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/the-story-behind-mariah-careys-secret-90s-alt-rock-album/|url-status=live}}</ref> Her contributions were secret until 2020.<ref name="Minsker-2020">{{Cite web|last=Minsker|first=Evan|title=Mariah Carey Reveals Secret Work on 1995 Alternative Rock Album|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/mariah-carey-reveals-secret-appearance-on-1995-alternative-rock-album/|date=September 27, 2020|access-date=September 29, 2020|website=Pitchfork|archive-date=September 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928190041/https://pitchfork.com/news/mariah-carey-reveals-secret-appearance-on-1995-alternative-rock-album/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 1997–2000: New image with ''Butterfly'' and ''Rainbow'' ===
Carey's subsequent musical releases followed the trend that began with ''Daydream''. Her music began relying less on pop and adult contemporary-tinged balladry and instead incorporating heavy elements of hip hop and R&B. On ''[[Butterfly (Mariah Carey album)|Butterfly]]'', she collaborated with a bevy of producers other than Afanasieff, such as [[Sean Combs]], [[Q-Tip (musician)|Q-Tip]] and [[Missy Elliott]].<ref name="nickson40">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|p=157}}</ref> ''Butterfly'' was released on September 10, 1997,<ref name="1997-09-10">{{cite web|url=https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/MariahCarey/discography/SRCS-8500|title=バタフライ|trans-title=Butterfly|language=ja|publisher=[[Sony Music Japan]]|access-date=October 1, 2022|archive-date=October 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001234356/https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/MariahCarey/discography/SRCS-8500|url-status=live}}</ref> and introduced a more subdued style of singing, with critics noting Carey's incorporation of [[Breathy voice|breathy vocals]].<ref name="L2U7u">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YzkdAAAAIBAJ&pg=6616,590422&dq=mariah+carey+breathy+voice&hl=en|title=Carey's 'Butterfly' Shows but Thin|last=Tainen|first=Dave|newspaper=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]|date=September 16, 1997|access-date=August 19, 2011}}</ref> Some viewed her lack of propensity to use her upper range as a sign of maturity,<ref name="buff">{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=BN&p_theme=bn&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF9A6859F16A45&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=In Brief|last=Demone|first=Larry|newspaper=[[The Buffalo News]]|date=March 7, 1997|access-date=August 5, 2011|archive-date=May 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510041425/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=BN&p_theme=bn&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF9A6859F16A45&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|url-status=live}}</ref> while others questioned whether it forebode waning vocal prowess.<ref name="Iox35">{{cite magazine|last=Juzwiak|first=Rich|title=Mariah Carey – Butterfly|magazine=Slant Magazine|date=April 15, 2005|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/mariah-carey-butterfly/330|access-date=December 20, 2010|archive-date=February 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110203182919/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/mariah-carey-butterfly/330|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="shapiro18">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=104}}</ref> The music video for the album's lead single, "[[Honey (Mariah Carey song)|Honey]]", her first since separating from Mottola, introduced a more overtly sexual image.<ref name="shapiro19">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=101}}</ref> ''Butterfly'' became Carey's best-reviewed album, with attention placed on the album's exploration of more mature lyrical themes. In their review of the album, ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' wrote it was "not as if Carey has totally dispensed with her old saccharine, Houston-style balladry ... but the predominant mood of ''Butterfly'' is one of coolly erotic reverie."<ref name="UjjXX">{{cite magazine|last=Hoskyns|first=Barney|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/butterfly-19971030|title=Mariah Carey – Butterfly|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 12, 1997|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=August 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827203908/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/butterfly-19971030|url-status=dead}}</ref> AllMusic editor [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] described Carey's vocals as "sultrier and more controlled than ever," and felt the album "illustrates that Carey continues to improve and refine her music, which makes her a rarity among her '90s peers.'"<ref name="all">{{cite web|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r314312/review|title=Butterfly|publisher=AllMusic|date=April 12, 2008|access-date=August 9, 2011|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115113609/https://www.allmusic.com/album/butterfly-mw0000594785|url-status=live}}</ref> "Honey" and "[[My All]]", the album's fifth single, both topped the Hot 100, making Carey the female artist with the most number-one singles in the chart's history. The former became Carey's [[List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones#Most number-one debuts|third number-one debut]], a record held until 2020.<ref name="No  1 debuts"/> Though a commercial success, ''Butterfly'' failed to reach the commercial heights of her previous albums, ''Music Box'' and ''Daydream''.<ref name="shapiro20">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=102}}</ref>

After concluding her [[Butterfly World Tour]], Carey participated in the [[VH1 Divas]] [[benefit concert]] on April 14, 1998, where she sang alongside [[Aretha Franklin]], [[Celine Dion]], [[Shania Twain]], [[Gloria Estefan]], and [[Carole King]].<ref name="divas">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/USAToday/access/28692993.html?dids=28692993%3A28692993&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Apr+16%2C+1998&author=Bruce+Haring&pub=USA+TODAY&desc=VH1+display+of+%27Divas%27+makes+all+feel+%27Natural%27&pqatl=google|title=VH! Display of Divas Makes Me Feel 'Natural'|last=Haring|first=Bruce|newspaper=USA Today|date=April 16, 1998|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=July 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725032117/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/USAToday/access/28692993.html?dids=28692993%3A28692993&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Apr+16%2C+1998&author=Bruce+Haring&pub=USA+TODAY&desc=VH1+display+of+%27Divas%27+makes+all+feel+%27Natural%27&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref> Carey began conceptualizing a film project ''All That Glitters'', later re-titled to simply ''[[Glitter (film)|Glitter]]'' (2001),<ref name="boston">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/bostonherald/access/80313960.html?dids=80313960%3A80313960&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Sep+11%2C+2001&author=SARAH+RODMAN&pub=Boston+Herald&desc=Music%3B+All+that+litters+%60Glitter%27%3B+Carey+displays+newfound+maturity+-+when+you+can+hear+her+among+the+guest+stars&pqatl=google|title=All That Litters, 'Glitter'|last=Rodman|first=Sarah|newspaper=[[Boston Herald]]|date=September 11, 2001|access-date=February 5, 2011|archive-date=July 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725010353/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/bostonherald/access/80313960.html?dids=80313960%3A80313960&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Sep+11%2C+2001&author=SARAH+RODMAN&pub=Boston+Herald&desc=Music%3B+All+that+litters+%60Glitter%27%3B+Carey+displays+newfound+maturity+-+when+you+can+hear+her+among+the+guest+stars&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref> and wrote songs for other projects, such as ''[[Men in Black (1997 film)|Men in Black]]'' (1997) and ''[[Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000 film)|How the Grinch Stole Christmas]]'' (2000). After ''Glitter'' fell into [[developmental hell]], Carey postponed the project and began writing material for a new album.<ref name="shapiro21">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=114}}</ref> [[Sony Music]] executives insisted she prepare a greatest hits collection in time for the holiday season.<ref name="shapiro22">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=115}}</ref> The album, titled ''[[Number 1's (Mariah Carey album)|#1's]]'' (1998), featured a cover of Brenda K. Starr's "[[I Still Believe (Brenda K. Starr song)|I Still Believe]]" and a duet with Whitney Houston, "[[When You Believe]]", which was included on the soundtrack for ''[[The Prince of Egypt]]'' (1998).<ref name="shapiro23">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=116}}</ref> ''#1's'' became a phenomenon in Japan, selling over one million copies in its opening week, making Carey the only international artist to accomplish this feat. It sold over 3.25&nbsp;million copies in Japan in its first three months and holds the record as the [[List of best-selling albums in Japan|best-selling album]] by a non-Asian artist.<ref name="japansales">{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yg0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA49|last=McClure|first=Steve|title=International News|magazine=Billboard|date=January 23, 1999|access-date=October 3, 2010}}</ref>

[[File:Mariah Carey in Cannes, 2000.png|thumb|left|upright=0.85|Carey being interviewed in [[Cannes]] in 2000]]
With only one album left to fulfill her contract with Sony, and with a desire to separate herself professionally from the record label her ex-husband still headed, Carey completed the album in three months in mid-1999.<ref name="shapiro6">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=75}}</ref> Titled ''[[Rainbow (Mariah Carey album)|Rainbow]]'', the album found Carey exploring with producers whom she had not worked with before. ''Rainbow'' became Carey's first album to not feature a collaboration with her longtime writing partner, Walter Afanasieff. She instead chose to work with [[David Foster]] and [[Diane Warren]]. "[[Heartbreaker (Mariah Carey song)|Heartbreaker]]" (featuring [[Jay-Z]]) and "[[Thank God I Found You]]" (featuring [[Joe (singer)|Joe]] and [[98 Degrees]]) both topped the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, while [[Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now) (Mariah Carey recording)|her rendition]] of [[Phil Collins]]' "[[Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)]]" with Irish boy band [[Westlife]] became her second number-one song on the UK charts. ''Rainbow'' was released on November 2, 1999, to the highest first-week sales of her career at the time, and debuted at number two on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref name="shapiro30">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=133}}</ref>

Carey's tense relationship with Columbia grew increasingly fractious; she began posting messages on her website, sharing inside information with fans on the dispute, as well as instructing them to request "[[Can't Take That Away (Mariah's Theme)]]" on radio stations.<ref name="shapiro28">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=134}}</ref> Ultimately, the song was only given a very limited and low-promotion release.<ref name="shapiro29">{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|pp=135}}</ref> Critical reception of ''Rainbow'' was generally positive, with the general consensus finding: "what began on ''Butterfly'' as a departure ends up on ''Rainbow'' a progression – perhaps the first compelling proof of Carey's true colors as an artist."<ref name=ew>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1999/11/12/rainbow/|title=Mariah Carey – Rainbow|last=Smith|first=Danyel|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=November 12, 1999|access-date=March 8, 2011|archive-date=May 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521001925/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,271534,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Though a commercial success, ''Rainbow'' became Carey's lowest selling album at that point in her career.<ref name="Fox2008">{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/mariah-careys-biography|title=Mariah Carey's Biography|last=Friedman|first=Roger|publisher=[[Fox News]]|date=April 3, 2008|access-date=August 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528231038/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,205054,00.html|archive-date=May 28, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> For her success in the 1990s, Carey received [[Billboard Decade-End#1990s|''Billboard''{{'}}s Artist of the Decade Award]] and the [[World Music Awards|World Music Award for Best-Selling Pop Female Artist of the Millennium]].<ref name="bestselling">{{cite web|url=http://www.montecarloresort.com/awards/00/w00res00.htm|title=Winners of the World Music Awards|publisher=[[Société des bains de mer de Monaco]]|access-date=August 18, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010211191148/http://www.montecarloresort.com/awards/00/w00res00.htm|archive-date=February 11, 2001}}</ref>

=== 2001–2004: Personal and professional setbacks, ''Glitter'' and ''Charmbracelet'' ===
After parting from Columbia Records, Carey signed an unprecedented $80&nbsp;million five-album recording contract with [[Virgin Records]] ([[EMI Records]]) in April 2001.<ref name="emi">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/77060/virgin-mariah-call-it-quits|title=Virgin, Mariah Call It Quits|magazine=Billboard|date=January 23, 2002|quote=In a brief statement released today (Jan. 23), the label's EMI parent announced the multi-album contract, which would have paid the singer a reported $100 million, was amicably settled for $28 million.|access-date=December 28, 2020|archive-date=May 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511135544/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/77060/virgin-mariah-call-it-quits|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="contract"/> ''[[Glitter (soundtrack)|Glitter]]'' was a musical departure, recreating a 1980s [[post-disco]] era to accompany the film, set in 1983. Carey was given full conceptual and creative control over the project.<ref name="emi"/> She said that Columbia had regarded her as a commodity, with her separation from Mottola exacerbating her relations with label executives. Carey's three-year relationship with Latin singer [[Luis Miguel]] ended.<ref name="Luis Miguel Relationship">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/1335645/Let-me-sort-myself-out-singer-Carey-tells-fans.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/1335645/Let-me-sort-myself-out-singer-Carey-tells-fans.html |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Let Me Sort Myself Out, Singer Carey Tells Fans|last=Davies|first=Hugh|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=July 28, 2001|access-date=August 19, 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In July 2001, Carey suffered a physical and emotional breakdown. She began posting disturbing messages on her website and behaved erratically in live promotional outings.<ref name="nyc">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/24/us/record-label-pays-dearly-to-dismiss-mariah-carey.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128055201/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/24/us/record-label-pays-dearly-to-dismiss-mariah-carey.html |archive-date=January 28, 2011 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=Record Label Pays Dearly To Dismiss Mariah Carey|last=Pareles|first=Jon|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 22, 2002|access-date=February 5, 2011}}</ref> On July 19, Carey made a surprise appearance on the [[MTV]] program ''[[Total Request Live]]'' (TRL). As the show's host [[Carson Daly]] began taping following a commercial break, she came out pushing an ice cream cart while wearing a large men's shirt and began a [[striptease]] that revealed a tight ensemble.<ref name="hospital" /> She credited exhaustion for the appearance going awry.<ref>{{harvnb|Rambarran|2023|p=29}}</ref> Days later, Carey posted irregular voice notes on her website.<ref name="hospital">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1445424/mariah-carey-hospitalized.jhtml|title=Mariah Carey Hospitalized For 'Extreme Exhaustion'|publisher=MTV News|access-date=March 29, 2011|date=October 13, 2005|first=Jennifer|last=Vineyard|archive-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623213507/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1445424/mariah-carey-hospitalized.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> On July 26, she was hospitalized due to exhaustion and a "physical and emotional breakdown". Carey was admitted to a hospital in Connecticut and remained under doctor's care for two weeks, followed by an extended absence from the public.<ref name="respect">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/USAToday/access/77238866.html?dids=77238866%3A77238866&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Aug+09%2C+2001&author=Elysa+Gardner+and+Kelly+Carter&pub=USA+TODAY&desc=Mystery+shadows+Carey%27s+career+Pressures+linger+after+singer%27s+breakdown&pqatl=google|title=Mystery Shadows Carey's Career, Pressures Linger After Singer's Breakdown|last=Gardner|first=Elysa|newspaper=USA Today|date=September 9, 2001|access-date=June 16, 2011|archive-date=July 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724232939/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/USAToday/access/77238866.html?dids=77238866%3A77238866&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Aug+09%2C+2001&author=Elysa+Gardner+and+Kelly+Carter&pub=USA+TODAY&desc=Mystery+shadows+Carey%27s+career+Pressures+linger+after+singer%27s+breakdown&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Virgin Records and [[20th Century Fox]] delayed the release of ''Glitter'' and its soundtrack;<ref name="hospital2">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1445918/mariah-carey-had-breakdown.jhtml|title=Mariah Carey Had 'Breakdown,' Her Publicist Says|publisher=MTV News|access-date=March 29, 2011|date=October 13, 2005|first=Jennifer|last=Vineyard|archive-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623213637/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1445918/mariah-carey-had-breakdown.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="daily2">{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/delay-dull-carey-glitter-article-1.931571|title=Delay May Dull Carey's 'Glitter'|last=Hutchinson|first=Bill|newspaper=[[New York Daily News]]|date=September 11, 2001|access-date=February 5, 2011|archive-date=November 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122170157/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/delay-dull-carey-glitter-article-1.931571|url-status=live}}</ref> both were critically panned and commercially unsuccessful.<ref name="V1ZD9">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/3671906/Mariah-Carey-Come-in-and-smell-the-perfume.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/3671906/Mariah-Carey-Come-in-and-smell-the-perfume.html |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Mariah Carey: Come in and Smell the Perfume|last=Patterson|first=Sylvia|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=March 17, 2000|access-date=August 19, 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The soundtrack became Carey's lowest-selling album to that point. The lead single, "[[Loverboy (Mariah Carey song)|Loverboy]]", was subject to controversy following confirmed reports that Mottola stole the idea of sampling the singer's original planned sample in favor of [[Jennifer Lopez]]'s song "[[I'm Real]]", forcing Carey to change the song's composition.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mariah 'Ripped Off' Twice on Same Record|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/mariah-ripped-off-twice-on-same-record|work=[[Fox News Channel|Fox News]]|publisher=[[News Corporation (1980–2013)|News Corporation]]|date=April 4, 2002|access-date=May 28, 2011|archive-date=July 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719135529/https://www.foxnews.com/story/mariah-ripped-off-twice-on-same-record|url-status=live}}</ref> "Loverboy" peaked at number two on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, ending Carey's streak after [[List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones#Most consecutive years charting a number-one song|eleven consecutive years atop the chart]].<ref name="Hot 100"/> The ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]'' condemned ''Glitter'' as "an absolute mess that'll go down as an annoying blemish on [her] career".<ref name="kLewn">{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EF07AA04681F07C&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Mariah Carey's 'Glitter' is a Far Cry from Golden|last=Johnson|first=Kevin C.|newspaper=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]|date=September 16, 2001|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=October 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025155511/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EF07AA04681F07C&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|url-status=live}}</ref> She attributed the poor performance to her state of mind, its postponement and the soundtrack having been released on [[September 11 attacks|September 11]].<ref name="ONvmI">{{cite web|title=Carey Blames 9/11 For 'Glitter' Flop|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/news/a199302/carey-blames-911-for-glitter-flop.html|last=Reynolds|first=Simon|date=January 26, 2010|access-date=April 13, 2011|archive-date=February 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201061932/http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/news/a199302/carey-blames-911-for-glitter-flop.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the following decades, the ''Glitter'' soundtrack has developed a [[cult following]] and began to attract reappraisal from critics, with ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' referring to the album as "the perfect '80s tribute".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2015/06/in-defense-of-mariah-carey|title=It's Time We Embrace the Mariah Carey That Is, Not the Mariah Carey That Was|magazine=Complex|date=June 12, 2015 |access-date=November 15, 2018|archive-date=November 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115195621/https://www.complex.com/music/2015/06/in-defense-of-mariah-carey|url-status=live}}</ref>

Carey's record deal with Virgin Records was bought out for $28 million.<ref name="emi"/><ref name="contract">{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F115C6D597A4809&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Mariah Carries on With Record Deal, Recovery|last=Zwecker|first=Bill|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=January 22, 2002|access-date=June 16, 2011|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224050700/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F115C6D597A4809&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|url-status=live}}</ref> Carey described her time at Virgin "a complete and total stress-fest."<ref name="NTJYI">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4690602.stm|title=The Fall and Rise of Mariah Carey|last=Adams|first=Josh|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=February 6, 2006|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=May 11, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511051402/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4690602.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> She signed a contract with [[The Island Def Jam Music Group]], valued at more than $24 million,<ref name="xVDsg">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/09/business/mariah-carey-and-universal-agree-to-terms-of-record-deal.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090610015420/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/09/business/mariah-carey-and-universal-agree-to-terms-of-record-deal.html |archive-date=June 10, 2009 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=Mariah Carey And Universal Agree to Terms of Record Deal|last=Holson|first=Lisa|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 21, 2002|access-date=August 19, 2011}}</ref> and launched the record label [[Monarc Entertainment|MonarC]]. Her father, Alfred Roy, with whom she had had little contact since childhood, died of cancer that year.<ref name="BDtis">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2005/edition_06-05-2005/featured_0|title=I Didn't Feel Worthy of Happiness|last=Dotson|first=Rader|magazine=[[Parade (magazine)|Parade]]|date=May 5, 2005|access-date=August 19, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224100859/http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2005/edition_06-05-2005/featured_0|archive-date=December 24, 2010}}</ref> The song "Sunflowers for Alfred Roy" from ''Charmbracelet'' is dedicated to his memory.<ref name="interviewm">{{cite magazine |last=Sischy |first=Ingrid |date=September 2007 |title=Mariah Carey: The Naked Truth from the World's Biggest Diva |magazine=[[Interview (magazine)|Interview]] |page=162 |issn=0149-8932}}</ref> In 2002, Carey performed "[[The Star-Spangled Banner]]" at the [[Super Bowl XXXVI]]; ''Rolling Stone'' and ''Billboard'' have both retrospectively ranked it among Super Bowl's best renditions of the national anthem.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 9, 2025 |title=The 30 Most Memorable Super Bowl National Anthems |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-super-bowl-national-anthems-10706/ |access-date=February 12, 2026 |publisher=Rolling Stone}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=February 13, 2023 |title=Top 11 Super Bowl National Anthem Performances |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-super-bowl-national-anthem-performances/ |access-date=February 12, 2026 |publisher=Billboard}}</ref> She was also cast in the independent film ''[[WiseGirls]]'' alongside [[Mira Sorvino]] and [[Melora Walters]], who co-starred as waitresses at a mobster-operated restaurant. It premiered at the [[Sundance Film Festival]], and received negative reviews, though Carey's performance was praised. Roger Friedman of [[Fox News]] described her as "a [[Thelma Ritter]] for the new millennium", and wrote, "Her line delivery is sharp and she manages to get the right laughs."<ref name="07m02">{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/mariah-makes-good-in-mob-movie|last=Friedman|first=Roger|title=Mariah Makes Good in Mob Movie|publisher=[[Fox News]]|date=January 14, 2002|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314071924/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,42928,00.html|archive-date=March 14, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Mariah Carey 2003 tour 1.jpg|thumb|right|Carey performing "[[Hero (Mariah Carey song)|Hero]]" during her [[Charmbracelet World Tour]] in September 2003]]
In December 2002, Carey released her ninth studio album, ''[[Charmbracelet]]'', which she said marked "a new lease on life" for her.<ref name="stand">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/dcovfri.htm|title=Mariah Carey, 'Standing Again'|last=Gardner|first=Elysa|newspaper=USA Today|date=November 28, 2002|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=October 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016211921/http://www.usatoday.com/life/dcovfri.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Sales of ''Charmbracelet'' were moderate and the quality of Carey's vocals came under criticism. Joan Anderson from ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' declared the album "the worst of her career, and revealed a voice [that is] no longer capable of either gravity-defying gymnastics or soft coos",<ref name="7HMqX">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/boston/access/403302181.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Sep+10%2C+2003&author=Joan+Anderman%2C+Globe+Staff&pub=Boston+Globe&desc=FOR+CAREY%2C+THE+GLORY%27S+GONE+BUT+THE+GLITTER+LIVES+ON&pqatl=google|title=For Carey, the Glory's Gone but the Glitter Lives On|last=Anderman|first=Joan|newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]]|date=September 10, 2003|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=July 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724215412/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/boston/access/403302181.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Sep+10%2C+2003&author=Joan+Anderman%2C+Globe+Staff&pub=Boston+Globe&desc=FOR+CAREY%2C+THE+GLORY%27S+GONE+BUT+THE+GLITTER+LIVES+ON&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref> while AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote, "Mariah's voice is shot, sounding in tatters throughout the record. She can no longer coo or softly croon nor can she perform her trademark gravity-defying vocal runs."<ref name="lswjd">{{cite web|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/charmbracelet-r617273/review|title=Charmbracelet|publisher=AllMusic|date=December 3, 2002|access-date=June 13, 2011|archive-date=February 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211232245/http://www.allmusic.com/album/charmbracelet-r617273/review|url-status=live}}</ref> To support the album, Carey embarked on the [[Charmbracelet World Tour]], spanning North America and East Asia over three months.<ref name="vh2">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1471917/mariah-carey-scraps-arena-tour-opts-to-get-more-intimate/|title=Mariah Carey Scraps Arena Tour, Opts To Get More Intimate|last=Patel|first=Joseph|publisher=MTV News|access-date=November 22, 2015|archive-date=November 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127111204/http://www.mtv.com/news/1471917/mariah-carey-scraps-arena-tour-opts-to-get-more-intimate/|url-status=dead}}</ref> While smaller venues were booked throughout the tour's stateside leg, Carey performed in stadiums in Asia and Europe.<ref name="wiauS">{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SJ&s_site=mercurynews&p_multi=SJ&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=1002404456D02378&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Mariah's Malaysia Concert Ill-timed, Says Muslim Leader|newspaper=[[San Jose Mercury News]]|date=January 16, 2004|access-date=June 15, 2011|archive-date=August 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150818174341/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SJ&s_site=mercurynews&p_multi=SJ&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=1002404456D02378&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|url-status=live}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, it was her first tour to feature shows outside London.<ref name="Rjd4H">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2932336.stm|title=Mariah Adds UK To World Tour|publisher=BBC News|date=May 31, 2003|access-date=February 3, 2011|archive-date=August 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802144702/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2932336.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> The tour garnered generally positive reviews, with many praising the production and Carey's vocals.<ref name="asilo">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9LhjAAAAIBAJ&pg=1866,15841802&dq=mariah+carey+manila&hl=en|title=Mariah Carey Thrills Euphoric Manila Crowd|last=Asilo|first=Rito P.|newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]|date=November 23, 2003|access-date=June 13, 2011|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928211237/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9LhjAAAAIBAJ&pg=1866,15841802&dq=mariah+carey+manila&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2003, Carey featured on [[Busta Rhymes]]' "[[I Know What You Want]]".<ref name="busta">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/busta-rhymes-mariah-carey-where-i-belong-9476510/|title=Busta Rhymes Reunites With Mariah Carey on 'Where I Belong'|access-date=November 8, 2020|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=February 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212034902/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9476510/busta-rhymes-mariah-carey-where-i-belong/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2005–2007: Resurgence with ''The Emancipation of Mimi'' ===
[[File:Mariah Carey & L.A. Reid 2005.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Carey, pictured with former [[The Island Def Jam Music Group]] head [[L.A. Reid]], at the release party for ''[[The Emancipation of Mimi]]'' in 2005]]

Carey's tenth studio album, ''[[The Emancipation of Mimi]]'' in 2005, was produced with [[the Neptunes]], [[Kanye West]] and Carey's longtime collaborator, [[Jermaine Dupri]]. She described the album as "very much like a party record".<ref name="viber">{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FCcEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA139|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101072137/https://books.google.com/books?id=FCcEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA139|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 1, 2016|title=Revolutions|last=Ehrlich|first=Dimitri|magazine=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=May 5, 2005|access-date=February 5, 2011}}</ref> ''The Emancipation of Mimi'' topped the charts in the United States, becoming her fifth number-one album and first since ''Butterfly'' (1997), and was warmly accepted by critics. Caroline Sullivan of ''[[The Guardian]]'' defined it as "cool, focused and urban [... some of] the first Mariah Carey tunes in years which I wouldn't have to be paid to listen to again,"<ref name="C7SHn">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/apr/01/popandrock.shopping2|title=Mariah Carey, The Emancipation of Mimi|last=Sullivan|first=Caroline|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=April 1, 2005|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=March 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314080201/http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2005/apr/01/popandrock.shopping2|url-status=live}}</ref> while ''[[USA Today]]''{{'}}s Elysa Gardner wrote, "The [songs] truly reflect the renewed confidence of a songbird who has taken her shots and kept on flying."<ref name="hTNKe">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2005-04-11-listen-up_x.htm|title=Mariah Rebounds, Garbage is Sweet, Will Smith Gets Lost|last=Gardner|first=Elysa|newspaper=USA Today|date=April 13, 2005|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=May 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524034213/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2005-04-11-listen-up_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

The album's second single, "[[We Belong Together]]", became a "career re-defining"<ref name="promo">{{cite web|url=http://business.highbeam.com/436102/article-1G1-141877770/jermaine-dupri-wins-rb-song-grammy-virgin-urban-music|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611092331/http://business.highbeam.com/436102/article-1G1-141877770/jermaine-dupri-wins-rb-song-grammy-virgin-urban-music|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 11, 2012|title=Jermaine Dupri Wins R&B Song Grammy; Virgin Urban Music President Dupri Shares Songwriting Honors With Mariah Carey and So So Def/Virgin Artist Johnta Austin|publisher=[[Business Wire]]|date=April 16, 2006|access-date=August 19, 2011}}</ref> song for Carey, after a relatively unsuccessful period and a point when many critics had considered her career over.<ref name="MimiAllMusic">{{cite web|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r729111|title=The Emancipation of Mimi|publisher=AllMusic|date=April 12, 2005|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=January 20, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120225840/http://www.allmusic.com/album/r729111|url-status=live}}</ref> Music critics heralded the song as her "return to form," as well as the "return of The Voice,"<ref name="slanter">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/mariah-carey-the-emancipation-of-mimi/560|title=Mariah Carey: The Emancipation Of Mimi|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|magazine=Slant Magazine|date=April 5, 2005|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=October 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027201414/http://slantmagazine.com/music/review/mariah-carey-the-emancipation-of-mimi/560|url-status=live}}</ref> while many felt it would revive "faith" in Carey's potential as a [[ballad]]eer.<ref name="viber"/> "We Belong Together" broke several records in the United States and became Carey's sixteenth chart topper on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. After staying at number one for fourteen non-consecutive weeks, it became the second-longest-running number one song in US chart history at the time, behind Carey's "One Sweet Day".<ref name="records">{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sBMEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA75|title=The Billboard Hot 100|last=Pietroluongo|first=Silvio|magazine=Billboard|date=September 24, 2005|access-date=September 27, 2011}}</ref> "We Belong Together" topped the [[Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 2005|Year-End Hot 100 Chart of 2005]], a first for Carey.<ref name="US_yearend">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2005/hsititl.jsp|title=2005 Year End Charts – Hot 100 Songs|magazine=Billboard|date=November 5, 2005|access-date=July 27, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122230023/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2005/hsititl.jsp|archive-date=January 22, 2010}}</ref> By the end of the 2000s, ''Billboard'' listed it as the "Song of the Decade", making Carey the only artist to achieve the feat twice.<ref name="2010sales">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/specials/hot100/charts/top100-titles-10.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925233024/http://www.billboard.com/specials/hot100/charts/top100-titles-10.shtml|archive-date=September 25, 2011|title=The Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Songs (10-01)|magazine=Billboard|date=September 24, 2010|access-date=September 27, 2011}}</ref> The song broke several airplay records, and according to Nielsen BDS, and gathered both the largest one-day and one-week audiences in history.<ref name="QmzjW">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/ask-billboard-katy-perry-christina-aguilera-lady-gaga/|last=Trust|first=Gary|title=Ask Billboard: Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga|magazine=Billboard|date=June 25, 2010|access-date=August 18, 2011|archive-date=September 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925124902/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/957598/ask-billboard-katy-perry-christina-aguilera-lady-gaga|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the week of September 25, 2005, Carey set another record, becoming the first woman to occupy the first two spots atop the Hot 100, as "We Belong Together" remained at number one, and her next single, "[[Shake It Off (Mariah Carey song)|Shake It Off]]", moved into the number two spot ([[Ashanti (singer)|Ashanti]] had topped the chart in 2002 while being a featured singer on the number two single).<ref name="records"/> The album was re-released as ''The Ultra Platinum Edition'', from which "[[Don't Forget About Us]]" became her seventeenth number-one in the United States.<ref name="Vineyard1">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1511489/mariah-emancipating-mimi-again.jhtml|title=Mariah Carey Emancipating Mimi Again, With Bonus Tracks|publisher=MTV News|access-date=February 24, 2011|date=November 18, 2005|first=Jennifer|last=Vineyard|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107051515/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1511489/mariah-emancipating-mimi-again.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/ae/music/article/Mariah-Carey-ties-Elvis-on-Billboard-chart-1190827.php?source=mypi|title=Mariah Carey Ties Elvis Record On Billboard Chart|last=Sue|first=Jennifer|newspaper=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]|date=December 25, 2005|access-date=July 18, 2011|archive-date=October 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018070122/http://www.seattlepi.com/ae/music/article/Mariah-Carey-ties-Elvis-on-Billboard-chart-1190827.php?source=mypi|url-status=live}}</ref>

''The Emancipation of Mimi'' earned ten [[Grammy Award]] nominations: eight in 2006 for the original release, the most received by Carey in a single year, and two in 2007 for the ''Ultra Platinum Edition''. Carey won [[Best Contemporary R&B Album]] for ''The Emancipation of Mimi'' and [[Best Female R&B Vocal Performance]] and [[Best R&B Song]] for "We Belong Together".<ref name="usaawards">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/awards/grammys/2005-12-08-grammy-nominations_x.htm?loc=interstitialskip|title=Carey, West, Legend Lead The Grammy pack|last=Gundersen|first=Edna|newspaper=USA Today|date=December 8, 2005|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=January 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114012858/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/awards/grammys/2005-12-08-grammy-nominations_x.htm?loc=interstitialskip|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Emancipation of Mimi'' was 2005's best-selling album in the United States, with nearly five million units sold. It was the first album by a solo female artist to become the year's best-selling album within the country since [[Alanis Morissette]]'s ''[[Jagged Little Pill]]'' in 1996<ref name="ABrS6">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2005/12/29/sorry_fiddy_mar/|title=Mariah Carey Has the Year's Top-selling CD|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Ryan|first=Amy|date=December 29, 2005|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=September 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918201318/https://ew.com/article/2005/12/29/sorry_fiddy_mar/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and made Carey the second woman after Whitney Houston with a top-selling album in two separate years.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 26, 2016 |title=The biggest hit album the year you were born |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/best-selling-albums-by-year-2016-6 |access-date=February 12, 2026 |publisher=Business Insider}}</ref> At the end of 2005, the [[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry]] (IFPI) reported that ''The Emancipation of Mimi'' had sold more than 7.7&nbsp;million copies globally, and was the second-best-selling album of the year after [[Coldplay]]'s ''[[X&Y]]''.<ref name="world2005">{{cite web|url=http://www.musikindustrie.de/uploads/media/top50-2005.pdf|title=Top 50 Global Best Selling Albums for 2005|publisher={{Lang|de|[[Bundesverband Musikindustrie]]|italic=no}}|access-date=August 19, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410040338/http://www.musikindustrie.de/uploads/media/top50-2005.pdf|archive-date=April 10, 2011}}</ref><ref name="c4e1v">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4865716.stm|title=Coldplay Top 2005's Global Charts|publisher=BBC News|date=March 31, 2006|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=October 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001023147/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4865716.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Cnpo6">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/coldplay-tops-worldwide-sales-for-2005-1.601418|title=Coldplay Tops Worldwide Sales for 2005|publisher=CBC News|date=March 31, 2006|access-date=August 19, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617025339/http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2006/03/31/musicsales-coldplay.html|archive-date=June 17, 2008}}</ref> It has since sold 12 million copies worldwide.<ref name="TelegraphCD2008">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3672721/Pop-CDs-of-the-week-Mariah-Carey-Pete-Molinari-and-more....html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3672721/Pop-CDs-of-the-week-Mariah-Carey-Pete-Molinari-and-more....html |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Pop CDs of the week: Mariah Carey, Pete Molinari and more..|last=Thompson|first=Ben|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=April 19, 2008|access-date=August 19, 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In support of the album, Carey embarked on her first headlining tour in three years, named [[The Adventures of Mimi]] after a "Carey-centric fan's" music diary.<ref name="H9Z0G">{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/mariah-carey-takes-madonna-new-tour-wbna14190642|title=Mariah Carey Takes on Madonna with New Tour|last=Popkin|first=Helen|website=Today|date=June 6, 2006|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=January 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108043435/https://www.today.com/popculture/mariah-carey-takes-madonna-new-tour-wbna14190642|url-status=live}}</ref> The tour spanned 40 dates, with 32 in the United States and Canada, two in Africa, and six in Japan.<ref name="mtvnews8">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1532213/mariah-carey-plots-mimis-touring-adventure.jhtml|title=Mariah Carey Plots Mimi's Touring Adventure|last=Vineyard|first=Jennifer|publisher=MTV News|date=May 22, 2006|access-date=August 18, 2011|archive-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623214117/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1532213/mariah-carey-plots-mimis-touring-adventure.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> It received warm reception from music critics and concert goers, many of which lauded Carey's vocals.<ref name="outshines">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1537972/mariah-carey-tour-kickoff-all-about-voice.jhtml|title=Mariah Carey Tour Kickoff: The Voice Outshines Costume Changes, Video Clips|last=Vineyard|first=Jennifer|publisher=MTV News|date=August 30, 2006|access-date=August 18, 2011|archive-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623213753/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1537972/mariah-carey-tour-kickoff-all-about-voice.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="aLu19">{{cite magazine|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/1105356491.html?dids=1105356491:1105356491&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug+24%2C+2006&author=RAFER+GUZMN.+STAFF+WRITER&pub=Newsday+(Combined+editions)&desc=Mimi+hits+the+Garden%2C+just+like+that&pqatl=google|title=Mimi Hits the Garden, Just Like That|last=Rafer|first=Guzman|magazine=Newsday|date=September 10, 2006|access-date=August 18, 2011|archive-date=July 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725034317/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/1105356491.html?dids=1105356491:1105356491&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug+24%2C+2006&author=RAFER+GUZMN.+STAFF+WRITER&pub=Newsday+(Combined+editions)&desc=Mimi+hits+the+Garden%2C+just+like+that&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== 2008–2009: ''E=MC²'', ''Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel'', and ''Precious'' ===
In early 2007, Carey began to work on her eleventh studio album, ''[[E=MC² (Mariah Carey album)|E=MC²]]''. Although the album was well received by some critics,<ref name="WA6Sk">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/apr/11/popandrock.alexispetridis|title=Mariah Carey: E=MC²|last=Macpherson|first=Alex|newspaper=The Guardian|date=April 16, 2008|access-date=August 5, 2011|archive-date=March 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314080211/http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/apr/11/popandrock.alexispetridis|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/emc2|title=''E=MC2'' – Mariah Carey|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=August 9, 2011|archive-date=June 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624042051/http://www.metacritic.com/music/emc2|url-status=live}}</ref> others criticized it for being very similar to the formula used on ''The Emancipation of Mimi''.<ref name="angels">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-et-mariah12apr12,1,6445816.story|title=CD: Mariah Carey's 'E=MC2'|last=Richard|first=David|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=April 8, 2008|access-date=August 9, 2011|archive-date=May 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522151202/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-et-mariah12apr12,1,6445816.story|url-status=live}}</ref> Two weeks before the album's release, "[[Touch My Body]]", the record's lead single, reached the top position on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, becoming Carey's eighteenth number one and making her the solo artist with the most number one singles in history, pushing her past [[Elvis Presley]] according to the magazine's revised methodology.<ref name="mpEdo">{{cite news|url=http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/23918924/ns/today-entertainment/t/mariah-carey-surpasses-elvis-no-s/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003081203/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/23918924/ns/today-entertainment/t/mariah-carey-surpasses-elvis-no-s/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 3, 2012|title=Elvis is Spotted – Rolling in His Grave|last=Guthrie|first=Marisa|publisher=Associated Press|via=MSN|date=April 4, 2008|access-date=August 6, 2011}}</ref> Additionally, it gave Carey her 79th week atop the Hot 100, tying her with Presley as the artist with the most weeks at number one in the chart's history."<ref name="OGmfQ">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7327843.stm|title=Mariah Breaks Elvis Chart Record|publisher=BBC News|date=April 4, 2008|access-date=August 6, 2011|archive-date=April 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405084117/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7327843.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Mariah Carey by David Shankbone.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Carey at the 2008 [[Tribeca Film Festival]]]]

''E=MC²'' debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200 with 463,000 copies sold, the biggest opening week sales of her career.<ref name="MonsterBillboard">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045786/mariah-debuts-at-no-1-after-monster-first-week|title=Mariah Debuts at No. 1 After Monster First Week|last=Trust|first=Gary|magazine=Billboard|date=April 14, 2008|access-date=August 9, 2011|archive-date=July 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704063405/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045786/mariah-debuts-at-no-1-after-monster-first-week|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008, Carey also played one of the lead roles in ''[[Tennessee (film)|Tennessee]]''.<ref name="wTYWf">{{cite news|last=Farber|first=Stephen|title=Mariah Carey surprisingly effective in "Tennessee"|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-film-tennessee-idUSN0154359820080501|access-date=December 2, 2014|publisher=Reuters|date=May 1, 2008|archive-date=January 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101072138/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-film-tennessee-idUSN0154359820080501|url-status=live}}</ref> Since the album's release, Carey had planned to embark on an extensive tour in support of ''E=MC²''.<ref name="mtvvid2">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1591425/mariah-carey-planning-elaborate-tour.jhtml|title=Mariah Carey Plans 'Elaborate' Tour; Hopes For End To VMA Losing Streak, Rocky-Marriage Rumors|last=Vineyard|first=Jennier|publisher=[[MTV News]]|date=April 9, 2008|access-date=May 10, 2011|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107172057/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1591425/mariah-carey-planning-elaborate-tour.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, the tour was suddenly cancelled in early December 2008.<ref name="preg">{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_mariah-carey-is-definitely-pregnant_1217181|title=Mariah Carey is Definitely Pregnant|last=Wales|first=Jason|work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|date=December 28, 2008|access-date=August 9, 2011|archive-date=February 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208062743/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_mariah-carey-is-definitely-pregnant_1217181|url-status=live}}</ref> Carey later stated that she had been pregnant during that time period and suffered a miscarriage, prompting the tour's cancellation.<ref name="42n3G">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/952446/mariah-carey-confirms-im-pregnant|title=Mariah Carey Confirms: I'm Pregnant|last=Herrera|first=Monica|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=November 28, 2008|access-date=August 9, 2011|archive-date=July 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703121018/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/952446/mariah-carey-confirms-im-pregnant|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="derschowitz1">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mariah-carey-im-pregnant/|title=Mariah Carey: I'm Pregnant|last=Derschowitz|first=Jessica|publisher=[[CBS News]]|date=November 24, 2008|access-date=August 9, 2011|archive-date=February 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208025206/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mariah-carey-im-pregnant/|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 20, 2009, Carey performed "Hero" at the [[First inauguration of Barack Obama|Neighborhood Inaugural Ball]] after [[Barack Obama]] was sworn as the first African-American president of the United States.<ref name="SEA2N">{{cite news|title=Music for Many Firsts at Inauguration Events|last=Pareles|first=Jon|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/arts/music/22conc.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122195341/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/arts/music/22conc.html |archive-date=January 22, 2009 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 22, 2009|access-date=August 19, 2011}}</ref> On July 7, 2009, Carey—alongside [[Trey Lorenz]]—performed her version of "I'll Be There" at the [[Michael Jackson memorial service|memorial service]] for Michael Jackson.<ref name="reuters">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-jackson-idUSTRE5615KN20090706|title=Mariah Carey Among Jackson Memorial Participants|last=Dubozinskis|first=Alex|publisher=[[Reuters]]|date=July 6, 2009|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605034657/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-jackson-idUSTRE5615KN20090706|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2009, she appeared as a [[social work]]er in ''[[Precious (film)|Precious]]'', the movie adaptation of the 1996 novel ''Push'' by [[Sapphire (author)|Sapphire]]. The film garnered mostly positive reviews from critics, also for Carey's performance.<ref name="psG6u">{{cite news|url=http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2009/10/avatar-james-cameron-movie-news-story-article.html|title=Dark horse nominees: Will the Oscars nominate 'Avatar'?|last=O'Niel|first=Tom|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=October 19, 2009|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=February 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225053630/http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2009/10/avatar-james-cameron-movie-news-story-article.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' described her acting as "pitch-perfect".<ref name="q3pCq">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/87257/precious-based-on-the-novel-push-by-sapphire.html?cpage=2&ccat=11|title=Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire Movie Review From The Sundance Film Festival|last=Anderson|first=John|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=January 18, 2009|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=July 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729202814/http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/87257/precious-based-on-the-novel-push-by-sapphire.html?cpage=2&ccat=11|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2010, Carey won the Breakthrough Actress Performance Award for her role in ''Precious'' at the [[Palm Springs International Film Festival]].<ref name="Carey">{{cite news|title=Weeks After Tipsy Awards Speech, Mariah Carey Pops Cork on her Own Liquor Brand, Angel Champagne|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/01/16/2010-01-16_mariah_launches_new_liquor_label.html|newspaper=New York Daily News|date=January 17, 2010|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=January 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121181857/http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/01/16/2010-01-16_mariah_launches_new_liquor_label.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 25, 2009, Carey's twelfth studio album, ''[[Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel]]'', was released. Reception for the album was mostly mixed; Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic called it "her most interesting album in a decade,"<ref name="29pfs">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r1616570/review|title=Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|publisher=AllMusic|date=September 29, 2009|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=January 20, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120232410/http://www.allmusic.com/album/r1616570/review|url-status=live}}</ref> while Jon Caramanica from ''[[The New York Times]]'' criticized Carey's vocal performances, complaining she overused softer vocal registers at the expense of her more powerful lower and upper registers.<ref name="bixu7">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/28/arts/music/28choi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424080556/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/28/arts/music/28choi.html |archive-date=April 24, 2017 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|newspaper=The New York Times|title=New CDs|date=September 29, 2009|access-date=August 19, 2011}}</ref> Commercially, the album debuted at number three on the ''Billboard'' 200 with first week sales of 168,000 copies.<ref name="f4xsP">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267159/barbra-streisand-surprises-with-ninth-no-1-on-billboard-200|title=Barbra Streisand Surprises With Ninth # 1 on Billboard 200|magazine=Billboard|first=Keith|last=Caulfield|date=September 29, 2009|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=October 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004032940/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267159/barbra-streisand-surprises-with-ninth-no-1-on-billboard-200|url-status=live}}</ref> "[[Obsessed (Mariah Carey song)|Obsessed]]" served as the lead single and peaked at number seven in the US, becoming Carey's 27th top-ten entry within the nation and tying her with [[Elton John]] and [[Janet Jackson]] for having the fifth most top-tens.<ref name="recs">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/268060/hannah-montana-mariah-carey-hit-the-billboard-hot-100|last=Ben-Yehuda|first=Ayala|title=Mariah Carey Hit The Billboard Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|date=July 16, 2009|access-date=August 16, 2009|archive-date=June 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606050403/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/268060/hannah-montana-mariah-carey-hit-the-billboard-hot-100|url-status=live}}</ref> Its follow-up single, a cover of [[Foreigner (band)|Foreigner]]'s "[[I Want to Know What Love Is]]", broke airplay records in Brazil. The song spent 27 weeks atop the [[Brasil Hot 100]], making it the longest running number-one song in the chart's history.<ref name="dCRom">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/08/22/mariah-carey-does-it-big-in-brazil/|title=Mariah Carey Does It Big in Brazil|magazine=[[Rap-Up]]|access-date=August 19, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828092029/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/08/22/mariah-carey-does-it-big-in-brazil/|archive-date=August 28, 2010}}</ref> "[[It's a Wrap]]", another track from the album, [[sleeper hit|experienced a revival]] on [[TikTok]] in February 2023.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Rowley |first=Glenn |date=February 10, 2023 |title=Mariah Carey Drops 'It's a Wrap' EP After Song's Viral Revival |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/mariah-carey-its-a-wrap-ep-stream-1235251750/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316114612/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/mariah-carey-its-a-wrap-ep-stream-1235251750/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On December 31, 2009, Carey embarked on her seventh concert tour, [[Angels Advocate Tour]], which visited the United States and Canada and ended on September 26, 2010.<ref name="rnhjk">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/mariah-carey-announces-angels-advocate-release-date-1884367.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204091352/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/mariah-carey-announces-angels-advocate-release-date-1884367.html|archive-date=February 4, 2010|title=Mariah Carey Announces 'Angels Advocate' Release Date|last=Martin|first=Devin|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|url-status=dead|date=January 30, 2010}}</ref><ref name="aqkAa">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a278887/mariah-carey-falls-on-stage.html|title=Mariah Carey Falls on Stage|publisher=Digital Spy|date=September 21, 2009|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=September 30, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100930155222/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a278887/mariah-carey-falls-on-stage.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A planned [[remix]] album of ''Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel'', titled ''Angels Advocate'', was slated for a March 30, 2010, release but was eventually cancelled after Island Def Jam decided to instead distribute "[[Up Out My Face]]" with Nicki Minaj and "[[Angels Cry (song)|Angels Cry]]" with Ne-Yo as stand-alone releases.<ref name="DKViH">{{cite magazine|last=Vozick|first=Simon|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2010/03/23/mariah-carey-angels-advocate-cancelled/|title=Mariah Carey: 'Angels Advocate' Remix Album Cancelled|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=March 23, 2010|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=August 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821005126/http://music-mix.ew.com/2010/03/23/mariah-carey-angels-advocate-cancelled/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2010–2014: ''Merry Christmas II You'' and ''Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse'' ===
Following the cancellation of ''Angels Advocate'', it was announced that Carey would return to the studio to start work on her thirteenth studio album.<ref name="return">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com.au/news/a4d4fa76-vh1-mariahs-album-ditched/|title=Mariah's Album Ditched|publisher=MTV|date=March 22, 2010|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=March 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110330041936/http://www.mtv.com.au/news/a4d4fa76-vh1-mariahs-album-ditched/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was later revealed that it would be her second Christmas album, and follow-up to ''Merry Christmas''.<ref name="mimisales2"/> The release date for the album, titled ''[[Merry Christmas II You]]'', was November 2, 2010.<ref name="4m0RV">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/08/19/mariah-carey-touches-down-in-brazil/|title=Mariah Carey Touches Down in Brazil|magazine=Rap-Up|date=August 19, 2010|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=April 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419185100/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/08/19/mariah-carey-touches-down-in-brazil/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Merry Christmas II You'' debuted at number four on the ''Billboard'' 200 and number one on the [[R&B/Hip-Hop Albums]] chart, making it only the second Christmas album to top this chart.<ref name="0uhZV">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/rbhip-hop-chart-juice-kanye-west-nicki-minaj-and-ne-yo-949857/|title=R&B/Hip-Hop Chart Juice: Kanye West, Nicki Minaj and Ne-Yo|last=Ramirez|first=Rauly|magazine=Billboard|date=December 10, 2010|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=July 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723061423/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/949857/rbhip-hop-chart-juice-kanye-west-nicki-minaj-and-ne-yo|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2011, she recorded a duet with [[Tony Bennett]] for his ''[[Duets II (Tony Bennett album)|Duets II]]'' album, titled "When Do The Bells Ring For Me?",<ref name="6rU9i">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a332887/amy-winehouse-lady-gaga-on-tony-bennetts-duets-ii-tracklisting.html|title=Amy Winehouse, Lady GaGa on Tony Bennett's 'Duets II' Tracklisting|last=Corner|first=Lewis|publisher=Digital Spy|date=August 2, 2011|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=January 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118113647/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a332887/amy-winehouse-lady-gaga-on-tony-bennetts-duets-ii-tracklisting.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and re-recorded "All I Want for Christmas Is You" with [[Justin Bieber]] as a duet for his Christmas album, ''[[Under the Mistletoe]]''.<ref name="PUwC1">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1672005/justin-bieber-christmas-mariah-carey.jhtml|title=Justin Bieber Confirms Mariah Carey Christmas Collabo|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|publisher=MTV News|date=October 5, 2011|access-date=November 10, 2011|archive-date=October 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005233549/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1672005/justin-bieber-christmas-mariah-carey.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="gB0XL">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/10/04/mariah-carey-remakes-christmas-classic-with-justin-bieber/|title=Mariah Carey Remakes Christmas Classic With Mariah Carey|magazine=Rap-Up|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=October 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007191902/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/10/04/mariah-carey-remakes-christmas-classic-with-justin-bieber/|url-status=live}}</ref> In November that year, Carey was included in the remix to the mixtape single "Warning" by [[Uncle Murda]]; the remix also features [[50 Cent]] and [[Young Jeezy]].<ref name="7H38K">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/10/31/new-music-uncle-murda-f-mariah-carey-50-cent-young-jeezy-warning-remix/|title=Mariah Carey Guests on Uncle Murda's 'Warning'|magazine=Rap-Up|access-date=November 11, 2011|archive-date=November 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102165335/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/10/31/new-music-uncle-murda-f-mariah-carey-50-cent-young-jeezy-warning-remix|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, Carey released a duet with [[John Legend]] titled "[[When Christmas Comes]]", originally part of ''Merry Christmas II You''.<ref name="gF4Fd">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/11/09/mariah-carey-and-john-legend-to-throw-house-party-in-christmas-video/|title=Mariah Carey and John Legend Duet on 'When Christmas Comes'|magazine=Rap-Up|access-date=November 11, 2011|archive-date=November 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112105650/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/11/09/mariah-carey-and-john-legend-to-throw-house-party-in-christmas-video/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:MariahGMA.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Carey performing on ''[[Good Morning America]]'' in May 2013]]

On March 1, 2012, Carey performed at New York City's Gotham Hall; her first time performing since her pregnancy.<ref name="ZTMwo">{{cite web|url=http://idolator.com/6205511/mariah-carey-gotham-hall-concert-photos|title=Mariah Carey Shakes It Off at Gotham Hall|date=March 2, 2012|access-date=March 5, 2012|publisher=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]}}</ref><ref name="NkhRe">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/touring/backbeat-mariah-carey-dazzles-during-first-1006348162.story|title=Backbeat: Mariah Carey Dazzles During First Post-Pregnancy Performance in New York|last1=Ramirez|first1=Erika|last2=Hampp|first2=Andrew|date=March 2, 2012|access-date=March 5, 2012|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=March 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304194203/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/touring/backbeat-mariah-carey-dazzles-during-first-1006348162.story|url-status=dead}}</ref> She also performed a three-song set at a special fundraiser for US President Barack Obama held in New York's Plaza Hotel. A new song titled "Bring It On Home", which Carey wrote for the event to show her support for Obama's re-election campaign, was also performed.<ref name="QHmRC">{{cite web|first=Alison|last=Rowley|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/celebrity/news/a387828/mariah-carey-performs-pro-obama-song-bring-it-on-home-at-fundraiser.html|title=Mariah Carey performs pro-Obama song 'Bring It On Home' at fundraiser|publisher=Digital Spy|date=June 17, 2012|access-date=August 14, 2012|archive-date=May 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509113754/http://www.digitalspy.com/celebrity/news/a387828/mariah-carey-performs-pro-obama-song-bring-it-on-home-at-fundraiser.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2012, she released a stand-alone single, "[[Triumphant (Get 'Em)]]", featuring rappers [[Rick Ross]] and [[Meek Mill]].<ref name="zlh9a">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/07/21/mariah-carey-taps-rick-ross-and-meek-mill-for-new-single-triumphant/|title=Mariah Carey Taps Rick Ross and Meek Mill for New Single 'Triumphant'|magazine=Rap-Up|date=July 21, 2012|access-date=August 14, 2012|archive-date=August 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824224308/http://www.rap-up.com/2012/07/21/mariah-carey-taps-rick-ross-and-meek-mill-for-new-single-triumphant/|url-status=live}}</ref> Carey joined the judging panel of the [[American Idol (season 12)|twelfth season]] of ''[[American Idol]]'', [[List of highest-paid American television stars#Network primetime salaries per season|earning a reported $18 million for the season]].<ref name="highestpaid">{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/mariah-carey-highest-paid-judge-16188867.html|title=Mariah Carey 'Highest Paid Judge'|newspaper=[[The Belfast Telegraph]]|date=July 24, 2012|access-date=July 28, 2012|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20121223120229/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/mariah-carey-highest-paid-judge-16188867.html|archive-date= 2012-12-23|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="HGhls">{{Cite magazine|url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/07/23/mariah-carey-american-idol/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|title=Mariah Carey Joins 'American Idol'|date=July 23, 2012|access-date=July 23, 2012|archive-date=July 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724205653/http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/07/23/mariah-carey-american-idol/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2013, Carey appeared in [[Lee Daniels]]' film ''[[The Butler]]''<ref name="UXZgN">{{cite web|last=Brooks|first=Brian|url=https://movies.yahoo.com/news/mariah-carey-joins-butler-lionsgate-aims-time-again-203039567.html|title=Mariah Carey Joins The Butler; Lionsgate Aims for Time and Again: Biz Break|publisher=Yahoo! Movies|date=July 26, 2012|access-date=June 1, 2013|archive-date=October 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017110722/http://movies.yahoo.com/news/mariah-carey-joins-butler-lionsgate-aims-time-again-203039567.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and had a guest role voicing as a [[redneck]] character on the adult animated series ''[[American Dad!]]''.<ref name="6IGLQ">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurweb.com/2013/08/mariah-carey-to-voice-redneck-on-american-dad/|title=Mariah Carey to Voice Redneck on 'American Dad'|publisher=EURweb|date=August 2, 2013|access-date=August 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130804060509/http://www.eurweb.com/2013/08/mariah-carey-to-voice-redneck-on-american-dad/ |archive-date=August 4, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In February 2013, she released "[[Almost Home (Mariah Carey song)|Almost Home]]", for the soundtrack of [[The Walt Disney Studios (division)|The Walt Disney Studios]] film ''[[Oz the Great and Powerful]]''.<ref name="4KW72">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1537996/mariah-carey-records-new-song-for-disneys-oz-the-great-and-powerful|title=Mariah Carey Records New Song for Disney's 'Oz The Great and Powerful'|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 14, 2013|archive-date=February 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209064956/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1537996/mariah-carey-records-new-song-for-disneys-oz-the-great-and-powerful|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="dxIiW">{{cite news|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1702187/mariah-carey-almost-home-oz-song.jhtml|title=Mariah Carey Goes 'Almost Home' On New 'Oz' Track|publisher=MTV News|date=February 19, 2013|access-date=June 1, 2013|archive-date=February 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130222010838/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1702187/mariah-carey-almost-home-oz-song.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref>

For her 14th album, ''[[Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse]]'', Carey worked with producers including [[DJ Clue?]], [[Randy Jackson]], [[R. Kelly]], [[David Morales]] and [[The-Dream]]. The lead single, "[[Beautiful (Mariah Carey song)|Beautiful]]", featuring singer [[Miguel (singer)|Miguel]], was released on May 6, 2013, and peaked at number 15 on the Hot 100.<ref name="64VX5">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/09/video-mariah-carey-f-miguel-beautiful/|title=Video: Mariah Carey f/ Miguel – '#Beautiful'|magazine=Rap-Up|date=May 9, 2013|access-date=June 1, 2013|archive-date=July 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704231519/http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/09/video-mariah-carey-f-miguel-beautiful/|url-status=live}}</ref> Carey taped a performance of "Beautiful" along with a medley of her greatest hits on May 15, 2013. This taping aired on the ''American Idol'' season finale the following day.<ref name="EY7gS">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/16/video-mariah-carey-performs-medley-on-american-idol-finale/|title=Mariah Carey Performs Medley on 'American Idol' Finale|magazine=Rap-Up|date=May 16, 2013|access-date=June 1, 2013|archive-date=October 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008201935/http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/16/video-mariah-carey-performs-medley-on-american-idol-finale/|url-status=live}}</ref> After multiple delays, the album was released on May 27, 2014, and it debuted at number three on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref name="hgG0W">{{cite magazine|last=Hampp|first=Andrew|title=Mariah Carey Announces 14th Album, 'Me. I Am Mariah...The Elusive Chanteuse'|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/mariah-carey-announces-14th-album-me-i-am-mariahthe-elusive-6070396/|magazine=Billboard|date=May 1, 2014|access-date=September 10, 2014|archive-date=August 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140824054648/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6070396/mariah-carey-announces-14th-album-me-i-am-mariahthe-elusive|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2014, Carey announced an annual residency show [[All I Want for Christmas Is You: A Night of Joy and Festivity]]. Originally performed at the [[Beacon Theatre (New York City)|Beacon Theatre]] in New York City, the residency began on December 15, 2014, and ended in 2019.<ref name="jTVtt">{{cite web|url=http://mariahcarey.com/news/title/mariah-announces-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-concerts-in-nyc/|title=Mariah announces All I Want For Christmas Is You Concerts in NYC|publisher=mariahcarey.com|access-date=June 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927164543/http://mariahcarey.com/news/title/mariah-announces-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-concerts-in-nyc|archive-date=September 27, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Laura|last=Emde|url=https://www.boston.com/culture/concert-reviews/2023/12/12/review-setlist-mariah-carey-td-garden/|title=Review & setlist: All Boston needs for Christmas is Mariah Carey at TD Garden|website=[[Boston.com]]|date=December 12, 2023|access-date=July 16, 2024|archive-date=December 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222183438/https://www.boston.com/culture/concert-reviews/2023/12/12/review-setlist-mariah-carey-td-garden/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2015–2017: #1 to Infinity, television and film projects ===
On January 30, 2015, it was announced that Carey had left [[Universal Music Group]]'s Def Jam Recordings to reunite with L.A. Reid and Sony Music via [[Epic Records]].<ref name="O7cwL">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2015/01/30/mariah-carey-reunites-with-la-reid-at-epic-records/|title=Mariah Carey reunites with L.A. Reid at Epic Records|magazine=[[Rap-Up]]|date=January 30, 2015|access-date=January 30, 2015|archive-date=January 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131221035/http://www.rap-up.com/2015/01/30/mariah-carey-reunites-with-la-reid-at-epic-records/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="7bGX3">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6457962/mariah-carey-epic-records-deal-la-reid-sony-music|title=The Inside Story of How Mariah Carey and L.A. Reid Reunited (at a Fraction of Her Former $80 Million Deal)|magazine=Billboard|date=January 30, 2015|access-date=January 30, 2015|first1=Shirley|last1=Halperin|first2=Andrew|last2=Hampp|archive-date=July 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710050913/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6457962/mariah-carey-epic-records-deal-la-reid-sony-music|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="9kecx">{{cite news|title=Mariah Carey announces Las Vegas residency|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/mariah-carey-announces-las-vegas-residency/|access-date=February 1, 2015|publisher=[[Fox News]]|date=January 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116092047/http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2015/01/15/mariah-carey-announces-las-vegas-residency/|archive-date=January 16, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Carey also announced her new [[Number 1 to Infinity (concert residency)|#1 to Infinity]] residency at [[The Colosseum at Caesars Palace]] in [[Las Vegas]] the same month.<ref name="OytFb">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mariah-carey-announces-caesars-palace-residency-6436789/|title=Mariah Carey Announces Caesars Palace Residency|magazine=Billboard|date=January 15, 2015|access-date=April 23, 2015|archive-date=April 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408072810/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6436789/mariah-carey-announces-caesars-palace-residency|url-status=live}}</ref> To coincide with the residency, Carey released ''[[Number 1 to Infinity|#1 to Infinity]]'', a [[greatest hits]] [[compilation album]] containing all of her eighteen ''Billboard'' Hot 100 number one singles at the time, along with a new recording, "[[Infinity (Mariah Carey song)|Infinity]]", which was released as a single on April 27.<ref name="PzgG0">{{cite magazine|last=Hampp|first=Andrew|title=Mariah Carey Announces Release Date, Tracklist For '#1 To Infinity'|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/mariah-carey-release-date-tracklist-1-to-infinity-6531609/|access-date=April 23, 2015|magazine=Billboard|date=April 13, 2015|archive-date=April 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417001629/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6531609/mariah-carey-release-date-tracklist-1-to-infinity|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015 Carey made her [[directorial debut]] in the [[Hallmark Channel]] Christmas film ''[[A Christmas Melody]]'', in which she also performed as one of the main characters.<ref name="ID3nD">{{cite news|last=Motsinger|first=Carol|title=1746 43 3 Mariah Carey Christmas movie filming in Cincinnati|url=http://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/movies/2015/10/07/mariah-carey-christmas-movie-filming-cincinnati/73507388/|access-date=October 7, 2015|newspaper=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]]|date=October 7, 2015|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016011611/http://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/movies/2015/10/07/mariah-carey-christmas-movie-filming-cincinnati/73507388/|url-status=live}}</ref> She also hosted a live special with the same network, ''Mariah Carey's Merriest Christmas'', following the premiere for the film.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mariah-carey-merriest-christmas-hallmark-6792641/|title=Mariah Carey Announces 'Mariah Carey's Merriest Christmas' on Hallmark|accessdate=September 22, 2025|magazine=Billboard|date=December 8, 2025|last=Strecker|first=Erin|archive-date=June 12, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250612021318/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mariah-carey-merriest-christmas-hallmark-6792641/|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2015, Carey announced [[The Sweet Sweet Fantasy Tour]] which spanned a total of 27-dates beginning in March 2016, marking Carey's first major tour of mainland Europe in 13 years. Four stops included shows in South Africa.<ref name="gqfpe">{{cite web|url=http://www.mariahcarey.com/tour|title=Tours|publisher=mariahcarey.com|access-date=January 6, 2016|archive-date=September 20, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030920042246/http://www.mariahcarey.com/tour|url-status=dead}}</ref> The tour grossed $30.3&nbsp;million.<ref name="Pollstar 2016 Year End">{{cite magazine|title=2016 Year End Top 100 Worldwide Tours|url=https://www.pollstarpro.com/files/Charts2016/2016YearEndTop100WorldwideTours.pdf#page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513071726/https://www.pollstarpro.com/files/Charts2016/2016YearEndTop100WorldwideTours.pdf#page=2|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 13, 2017|magazine=Pollstar|access-date=July 15, 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Mariah Carey 2016 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Carey attending [[Elton John]]'s [[Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party|AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party]] in February 2016]]

On March 15, 2016, Carey announced that she was filming ''[[Mariah's World]]'', a [[docu-series]] for the [[E!]] network documenting her Sweet Sweet Fantasy tour and her wedding planning process. Carey told ''The New York Times'', "I thought it would be a good opportunity to kind of, like, show my personality and who I am, even though I feel like my real fans have an idea of who I am... A lot of people have misperceptions about this and that."<ref name="ptMfl">{{Cite news|last=Koblin|first=John|title=Mariah Carey to star in a series for E!|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/16/arts/television/mariah-carey-to-star-in-a-series-for-e.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur&_r=0|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=August 13, 2017|date=March 15, 2016|archive-date=August 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801130740/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/16/arts/television/mariah-carey-to-star-in-a-series-for-e.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur&_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref> The series premiered on December 4, 2016.<ref name="mlAXm">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-mariahs-world-mariah-carey-e-20160803-snap-htmlstory.html|title=It's 'Mariah's World' and everyone else is just living in it|date=August 3, 2016|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|first=Libby|last=Hill|access-date=June 2, 2017|archive-date=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917203122/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-mariahs-world-mariah-carey-e-20160803-snap-htmlstory.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Carey guest starred on the musical drama ''[[Empire (2015 TV series)|Empire]]'' and sang the song "Infamous" featuring [[Jussie Smollett]].<ref name="LegLR">{{cite news|last=Bentley|first=Jean|title=Empire Needed Much More Mariah Carey|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/800128/empire-needed-much-more-mariah-carey|publisher=E!|access-date=October 6, 2016|date=October 6, 2016|archive-date=October 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006090148/http://www.eonline.com/news/800128/empire-needed-much-more-mariah-carey|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 5, 2016, Carey participated in the ''[[VH1 Divas#VH1 Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night|VH1 Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night]]'' benefit concert, alongside [[Vanessa Williams]], [[Chaka Khan]], [[Patti LaBelle]], and [[Teyana Taylor]].<ref name="vh1.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.vh1.com/news/9a8h2a/mariah-carey-vh1-divas-holiday|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701083541/https://www.vh1.com/news/9a8h2a/mariah-carey-vh1-divas-holiday|url-status=live|archive-date=July 1, 2022|title=Mariah Carey to Perform at VH1 Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night|publisher=[[VH1]]|first=Jasmine|last=Washington|date=November 3, 2016|access-date=December 25, 2016}}</ref> On December 31, 2016, Carey's performance on ''[[Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve]]'' in [[Times Square]] received worldwide attention after technical difficulties caused her [[in-ear monitor]]s to malfunction, resulting in what ''The New York Times'' referred to as a "performance train wreck".<ref name="5eqQz">{{Cite news|title=Mariah Carey's New Year's Eve Nightmare in Times Square|first=Patrick|last=Healy|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/01/arts/music/mariah-carey-new-years-eve-times-square.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101113504/http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/01/arts/music/mariah-carey-new-years-eve-times-square.html |archive-date=January 1, 2017 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 1, 2017|access-date=January 1, 2017}}</ref> She said her inability to hear the music without in-ear auditory feedback caused the mishap.<ref name="6gRlu">{{cite magazine|title=Mariah Carey Team: Here's What Really Happened|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|url=https://www.yahoo.com/tv/mariah-carey-team-heres-what-really-happened-223218030.html|via=Yahoo!|date=January 2, 2017|access-date=January 3, 2017|archive-date=January 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103023529/https://www.yahoo.com/tv/mariah-carey-team-heres-what-really-happened-223218030.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Carey's representatives and [[Dick Clark Productions]] placed blame on each other.<ref name="NbZL3">{{cite magazine|title=Mariah Carey's Rep Says 'Rockin' Eve' Producers 'Set Her Up to Fail'|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/mariah-carey-rep-technical-problems-bungle-new-years-show-dick-clark-7640608/|magazine=Billboard|date=January 1, 2017|access-date=January 1, 2017|first=Michele Amabile|last=Angermiller|archive-date=January 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102013500/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7640608/mariah-carey-rep-technical-problems-bungle-new-years-show-dick-clark|url-status=live}}</ref>

On February 3, 2017, Carey released the single "[[I Don't (Mariah Carey song)|I Don't]]" featuring [[YG (rapper)|YG]].<ref name="Billboard Artwork">{{cite magazine|last=Platton|first=Adelle|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/mariah-carey-yg-i-dont-cover-art-7676270/|title=Mariah Carey Reveals Cover Art for YG-Assisted 'I Don't'|magazine=Billboard|date=January 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205122048/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7676270/mariah-carey-yg-i-dont-cover-art|url-status=live|archive-date=February 5, 2017}}</ref> Later that month, she voiced the Mayor of Gotham City in the animated film ''[[The Lego Batman Movie]]''.<ref name="CareyCast">{{cite magazine|last=Galuppo|first=Mia|title=Mariah Carey Joins 'The Lego Batman Movie'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/mariah-carey-joins-lego-batman-838356|access-date=November 10, 2015|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 9, 2015|archive-date=November 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112003943/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/mariah-carey-joins-lego-batman-838356|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2017, Carey made a cameo in the comedy film ''[[Girls Trip]]''<ref name="OxmbP">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/07/12/girls-trip-ew-review/|title=''Girls Trip'' is raucous, raunchy fun: EW review|first=Devan|last=Coggan|date=July 12, 2017|access-date=August 13, 2017|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-date=August 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812193821/http://ew.com/movies/2017/07/12/girls-trip-ew-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> and embarked on a tour with Lionel Richie, titled, [[All the Hits Tour (Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey)|All the Hits Tour]].<ref name="MAqsy">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7718051/lionel-richie-mariah-carey-rescheduled-concert-dates|title=Lionel Richie & Mariah Carey Announce Rescheduled Tour Dates|first=Dave|last=Brooks|date=March 9, 2017|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 13, 2017|archive-date=August 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814045318/http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7718051/lionel-richie-mariah-carey-rescheduled-concert-dates|url-status=live}}</ref> She was also featured in the official remix for [[French Montana]]'s single "[[Unforgettable (French Montana song)|Unforgettable]]", alongside [[Swae Lee]].<ref name="jwRwY">{{cite magazine|last=Lamarre|first=Carl|title=Mariah Carey Adds Her Sweet Touch to French Montana's Acoustic 'Unforgettable (Remix)': Listen|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/french-montana-unforgettable-remix-mariah-carey-7942002/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=October 23, 2017|archive-date=August 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829004935/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7942002/french-montana-unforgettable-remix-mariah-carey|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2017, Carey released a new soundtrack single, "[[The Star (Mariah Carey song)|The Star]]", for the [[The Star (2017 film)|movie of the same name]].<ref name="1H5vo">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7881128/mariah-carey-the-star-movie-trailer-new-song|title=Mariah Carey Offers Up a Taste of New Christmas Song in 'The Star' Teaser Trailer|magazine=Billboard|first=Liza|last=Shcherbakova|date=July 26, 2017|access-date=August 12, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730094403/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7881128/mariah-carey-the-star-movie-trailer-new-song|url-status=live}}</ref> She also voiced a hen named Rebecca in the film.<ref>{{cite news|title=WATCH: Mariah Carey's 'The Star' video released|url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/251206/watch-mariah-careys-star-video-released|newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]|date=November 19, 2017|access-date=July 16, 2024|archive-date=July 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717024048/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/251206/watch-mariah-careys-star-video-released|url-status=live}}</ref> The song was nominated for the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song|Best Original Song]] at the [[75th Golden Globe Awards]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/golden-globe-nominations-2018-nominees-full-list-1202634435/|title=Golden Globe Nominations: Complete List|last=Rubin|first=Rebecca|date=December 11, 2017|magazine=Variety|access-date=January 1, 2018|archive-date=December 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214021531/http://variety.com/2017/film/news/golden-globe-nominations-2018-nominees-full-list-1202634435/|url-status=live}}</ref> Carey additionally developed an animated Christmas film, ''[[All I Want for Christmas Is You (film)|Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You]]'', for which she recorded an original song called "Lil' Snowman". The film was released [[direct-to-video]] on November 14, 2017.<ref name="ws5Lf">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/mariah-careys-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-to-become-film-w473081|title=Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' to Become Animated Film|first=Brittany|last=Spanos|date=March 21, 2017|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=August 12, 2017|archive-date=November 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129102541/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/mariah-careys-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-to-become-film-w473081|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="f7onU">{{cite magazine|last=Holub|first=Christian|title=Watch the first trailer for Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You movie|url=https://ew.com/music/2017/09/06/mariah-carey-christmas-movie-trailer/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=October 23, 2017|archive-date=October 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023230143/http://ew.com/music/2017/09/06/mariah-carey-christmas-movie-trailer/|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 31, 2017, Carey returned to perform on ''Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve'' after the technical difficulties that hindered her previous performance, in what ''The New York Times'' described as a "made-for-television act of pop culture redemption".<ref>{{cite news|last=Deb|first=Sopan|title=Mariah Carey Redeems Herself on New Year's Eve in Times Square|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/01/arts/mariah-carey-new-years-eve.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101060656/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/01/arts/mariah-carey-new-years-eve.html |archive-date=January 1, 2018 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|access-date=September 17, 2018|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 1, 2018}}</ref>

=== 2018–2024: ''Caution'', ''The Meaning of Mariah Carey'', and anniversary album reissues ===
In July 2018, Carey embarked on a new Las Vegas residency, [[the Butterfly Returns]], which received critical acclaim.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Carr|first=Mary Kate|title=Mariah Carey announces new Las Vegas residency 'The Butterfly Returns'|url=https://ew.com/music/2018/04/30/mariah-carey-las-vegas-residency-the-butterfly-returns/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=September 17, 2018|date=April 30, 2018|archive-date=March 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306183138/https://ew.com/music/2018/04/30/mariah-carey-las-vegas-residency-the-butterfly-returns/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Sheckells|first=Melinda|title=Mariah Carey Kicks Off Her 'The Butterfly Returns' Vegas Residency With Strong Opening Weekend|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/mariah-carey-las-vegas-residency-the-butterfly-returns-review-8464350/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 17, 2018|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308212554/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8464350/mariah-carey-las-vegas-residency-the-butterfly-returns-review|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the residency, she embarked on her [[Mariah Carey: Live in Concert]] tour in Asia and returned to Europe with her All I Want for Christmas Is You concert series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mariah Carey adds Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to 2018 Asia tour|url=https://asialive365.com/mariah-carey-kl-singapore-2018/|website=Asia Live 365|access-date=September 17, 2018|date=April 20, 2018|archive-date=July 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710053009/https://asialive365.com/mariah-carey-kl-singapore-2018/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ellwood-Hughes|first=Pip|title=Mariah Carey is bringing her All I Want for Christmas Is You Tour back to Europe this December|url=https://www.entertainment-focus.com/music-section/music-news/mariah-carey-is-bringing-her-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-tour-back-to-europe-this-december/|website=Entertainment Focus|access-date=September 17, 2018|date=June 4, 2018|archive-date=July 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710051242/https://www.entertainment-focus.com/music-section/music-news/mariah-carey-is-bringing-her-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-tour-back-to-europe-this-december/|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2018, Carey announced plans to release her fifteenth studio album later in the year.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Gillespie|first=Katherine|title=Mariah Carey Is Releasing New Music|url=http://www.papermag.com/mariah-carey-new-song-gtfo-2604261274.html|magazine=[[Paper (magazine)|Paper]]|access-date=September 17, 2018|date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=March 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307192758/https://www.papermag.com/mariah-carey-new-song-gtfo-2604261274.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=LEGENDARY GLOBAL ICON MARIAH CAREY RETURNS WITH NEW MUSIC|url=https://www.epicrecords.com/legendary-global-icon-mariah-carey-returns-with-new-music/|publisher=[[Epic Records]]|access-date=September 17, 2018|date=September 13, 2018|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308150813/https://www.epicrecords.com/legendary-global-icon-mariah-carey-returns-with-new-music/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The album's lead single, "[[With You (Mariah Carey song)|With You]]", was released in October and it became Carey's highest-charting non-holiday song on the US [[Adult Contemporary (chart)|Adult Contemporary]] chart since "We Belong Together" in 2005. The album, titled ''[[Caution (Mariah Carey album)|Caution]]'', was released on November 16, 2018, and received universal acclaim from critics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/caution/mariah-carey|title=''Caution'' by Mariah Carey Critic Reviews and Tracks|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=January 1, 2019|archive-date=November 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117104856/https://www.metacritic.com/music/caution/mariah-carey|url-status=live}}</ref> By December 2018, the album had been featured on numerous year-end lists by music critics and publications.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/feature/critics-pick-top-10-best-albums-of-2018|title=Best of 2018: Music Critic Top Ten Lists|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=January 1, 2019|archive-date=January 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190118141439/https://www.metacritic.com/feature/critics-pick-top-10-best-albums-of-2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:MariahRAH270519-51 (49620845103) (cropped).jpg|left|thumb|upright|Carey performing on her [[Caution World Tour]] in [[Amsterdam]], June 2019]]
In February 2019, Carey commenced the [[Caution World Tour]] in support of the album.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Kelly |first=Tetris |title=Mariah Carey Kicks Off Caution World Tour With Resplendent Dallas Show: Watch Highlights |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/concerts/8500711/mariah-carey-caution-world-tour-dallas-concert-opening-night |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 20, 2019 |date=March 2019 |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715164131/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/concerts/8500711/mariah-carey-caution-world-tour-dallas-concert-opening-night |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 18, 2019, she released "[[In the Mix (Mariah Carey song)|In the Mix]]", the theme song for the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] sitcom ''[[Mixed-ish]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8530291/mariah-carey-mixed-ish-theme-song-in-the-mix-music-video|title=Mariah Carey Unveils 'Mixed-Ish' Theme Song, 'In the Mix': Watch the Music Video|date=September 17, 2019|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 25, 2020|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028153137/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8530291/mariah-carey-mixed-ish-theme-song-in-the-mix-music-video|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 1, 2019, Carey re-released her holiday album ''Merry Christmas'' for its 25th anniversary.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/mariah-carey-christmas-deluxe-album-video-unreleased-footage-8542005/|title=It's November 1st, and Mariah Carey Has Decided 'It's Time' For Christmas With a Few Early Presents For Fans|date=November 1, 2019|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 25, 2020|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027153156/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8542005/mariah-carey-christmas-deluxe-album-video-unreleased-footage|url-status=live}}</ref> In December, a mini-documentary titled ''Mariah Carey Is Christmas!'', charting the creation and subsequent cultural legacy of "All I Want for Christmas Is You", premiered on Amazon Music.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mariah-carey-all-i-want-for-christmas-amazon-documentary-921853/|title=Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' Gets Its Own Amazon Documentary|last=Shaffer|first=Claire|date=December 4, 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=March 9, 2020|archive-date=November 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105013416/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mariah-carey-all-i-want-for-christmas-amazon-documentary-921853/|url-status=live}}</ref> Peaking at number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 the same year, the song became Carey's nineteenth chart-topper in the US.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8547157/mariah-carey-number-one-hot-100-four-decades-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you|title=Mariah Carey Is First Artist No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 in Four Decades|date=December 30, 2019|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 9, 2020|archive-date=December 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231213359/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8547157/mariah-carey-number-one-hot-100-four-decades-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you|url-status=live}}</ref>

Carey celebrated the 30th anniversary of her debut album through 2020, in a promotional campaign billed "#MC30", with weekly releases including digital EPs, vinyls, bonus cuts, live performances and unreleased footage.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rowley |first=Glenn |title=Mariah Carey Shares Cryptic Teaser For 30th Anniversary Celebration of Debut Album |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/mariah-carey-shares-debut-album-anniversary-teaser-9418743/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=August 23, 2020 |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929023858/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9418743/mariah-carey-shares-debut-album-anniversary-teaser |url-status=live }}</ref> A live EP, ''[[The Live Debut – 1990]]'', was released on July 17, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last=Haylock |first=Zoe |title=Mariah Carey Launches a Weekly Celebration of Mariah Carey |url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/07/mariah-carey-new-live-album-mc30.html |website=Vulture |date=July 17, 2020 |access-date=August 23, 2020 |archive-date=August 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822073718/https://www.vulture.com/2020/07/mariah-carey-new-live-album-mc30.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Her memoir, ''[[The Meaning of Mariah Carey]]'' which was co-written with [[Michaela Angela Davis]], was published in September of the same year.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Macpherson|first=Alex|date=September 29, 2020|title=The Meaning of Mariah Carey review – fascinating memoir by a misunderstood star|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/sep/29/the-meaning-of-mariah-carey-review-fascinating-memoir-by-a-misunderstood-star|access-date=October 3, 2020|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003025108/https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/sep/29/the-meaning-of-mariah-carey-review-fascinating-memoir-by-a-misunderstood-star|url-status=live}}</ref> The memoir reached number one on [[The New York Times Best Seller list|''The New York Times'' Best Seller list]] after its first week of release.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=October 8, 2020 |title=Mariah Carey Has a Lot of No. 1s, But This One Has Her 'Stunned, Humbled & Grateful' |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/mariah-carey-celebrates-memoir-meaning-of-mariah-new-york-times-best-seller/ |access-date=April 12, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=March 31, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250331082404/https://www.billboard.com/pro/mariah-carey-celebrates-memoir-meaning-of-mariah-new-york-times-best-seller/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 2, 2020, Carey released a compilation album titled ''[[The Rarities (Mariah Carey album)|The Rarities]]'', which includes rare and unreleased songs that Carey recorded at various stages of her career.<ref name="SAVETHEDAYMARIAH">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/mariah-carey-the-rarities-stream-it-now-9458773/|title=Mariah Carey Unveils 'The Rarities': Stream It Now|access-date=November 5, 2020|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=October 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027185549/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9458773/mariah-carey-the-rarities-stream-it-now/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the end of October, Carey was featured on Busta Rhymes' single "[[Where I Belong (Busta Rhymes song)|Where I Belong]]".<ref name="busta"/> Carey's 2020 [[Christmas special]], ''[[Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special]]'', premiered on December 4, 2020, on [[Apple TV+]] along with a soundtrack. A new version of Carey's 2010 song "[[Oh Santa!]]", featuring [[Ariana Grande]] and [[Jennifer Hudson]], was released as a single the same day.<ref name="ChristmasSpecial2020">{{Cite web|title="Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special" debuts Friday, December 4 on Apple TV+|url=https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2020/11/mariah-careys-magical-christmas-special-debuts-friday-december-4-on-apple-tv-together-with-the-full-companion-soundtrack-exclusively-on-apple-music|publisher=[[Apple TV+]] Press|access-date=November 20, 2020|date=November 18, 2020|archive-date=November 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118140644/https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2020/11/mariah-careys-magical-christmas-special-debuts-friday-december-4-on-apple-tv-together-with-the-full-companion-soundtrack-exclusively-on-apple-music/|url-status=live}}</ref> "All I Want for Christmas Is You" topped the UK chart for the first time that month, becoming her third number one in the nation,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/all-the-number-1-singles__7931/|title=All The Number 1 Singles|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|date=July 12, 2024|access-date=July 16, 2024|archive-date=March 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326223222/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/all-the-number-1-singles__7931/|url-status=live}}</ref> with an unprecedented 69 weeks in its top 40 before reaching the summit.<ref>{{cite web|first=Rob|last=Copsey|title=Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas is You finally reaches UK Number 1, sets Official Chart record|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/mariah-careys-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-finally-reaches-uk-number-1-sets-official-chart-record__31838/|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=December 11, 2020|access-date=July 16, 2024|archive-date=December 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201225142433/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/mariah-careys-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-finally-reaches-uk-number-1-sets-official-chart-record__31838/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2021, Carey was featured on the track "[[Somewhat Loved]]" from [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis]]' debut studio album ''[[Jam & Lewis: Volume One]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Heran |last=Mamo |title=Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Are Reuniting With Mariah Carey for a New Single |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9581383/jimmy-jam-terry-lewis-somewhat-loved-mariah-carey-announced |magazine=Billboard |date=June 2, 2021 |access-date=June 2, 2021 |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602184122/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9581383/jimmy-jam-terry-lewis-somewhat-loved-mariah-carey-announced/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 5, 2021, Carey released "[[Fall in Love at Christmas]]", featuring [[Khalid (American singer)|Khalid]] and [[Kirk Franklin]], for her second Christmas special, ''Mariah's Christmas: The Magic Continues''.<ref name="NMEMCFILAC">{{Cite magazine|date=November 2, 2021|first=Tom|last=Skinner|title=Mariah Carey announces new festive single with Khalid, 'Fall In Love At Christmas'|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/mariah-carey-khalid-christmas-collaboration-single-preview-3085082|access-date=November 2, 2021|magazine=NME|archive-date=November 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102111923/https://www.nme.com/news/music/mariah-carey-khalid-christmas-collaboration-single-preview-3085082|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2022, Carey was featured alongside [[DJ Khaled]] on the remix of [[Latto]]'s single "[[Big Energy]]", which interpolates Carey's 1995 single "Fantasy".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Rowley |first=Glenn |date=March 28, 2022 |title=Mariah Carey Teams Up With Latto on 'Big Energy' Remix: Listen to It Here |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/mariah-carey-latto-big-energy-remix-listen-1235050060/ |access-date=December 27, 2022 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227101929/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/mariah-carey-latto-big-energy-remix-listen-1235050060/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that year, she recorded nine video lessons for [[MasterClass]] titled "Mariah Carey Teaches the Voice as an Instrument", for which she re-recorded the 1998 single "[[The Roof (Back in Time)]]" alongside [[Brandy Norwood|Brandy]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mariah-carey-masterclass-watch-online-1336683/|title=Mimi's MasterClass: Mariah Carey Takes Fans Inside Her Studio for New Online Series|access-date=April 16, 2022|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=April 14, 2022|archive-date=October 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002134252/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mariah-carey-masterclass-watch-online-1336683/|url-status=live}}</ref> The collaboration was included on an expanded version of ''Butterfly'', released for the 25th anniversary of the album on September 16.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://retropopmagazine.com/mariah-carey-teases-butterfly-25th-anniversary-celebrations/|title=Mariah Carey teases 'Butterfly' 25th anniversary celebrations: 'Coming soon'|access-date=September 18, 2022|magazine=Retro Pop|date=July 31, 2022|archive-date=September 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920171351/https://retropopmagazine.com/mariah-carey-teases-butterfly-25th-anniversary-celebrations/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mariah-carey-butterfly-25th-anniversary-1235139166/|title=Mariah Carey Rolls Out Surprises for 25th Anniversary of 'Butterfly'|access-date=September 18, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=September 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915030612/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mariah-carey-butterfly-25th-anniversary-1235139166/|url-status=live}}</ref> In November, Carey released a children's picture book titled ''[[The Christmas Princess (book)|The Christmas Princess]]'', co-written with Michaela Angela Davis and illustrated by Fuuji Takashi.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Daly |first=Rhian |date=January 12, 2022 |title=Mariah Carey announces first children's book 'The Christmas Princess' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/mariah-carey-announces-first-childrens-book-the-christmas-princess-3136291 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |magazine=[[NME]] |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218123054/https://www.nme.com/news/music/mariah-carey-announces-first-childrens-book-the-christmas-princess-3136291 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Chan |first=Tim |date=November 25, 2022 |title=It's Time! Mariah Carey Officially Rings in Christmas With Launch of New Children's Book |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/books/mariah-carey-the-christmas-princess-childrens-book-1234622356/ |access-date=December 27, 2022 |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227101927/https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/books/mariah-carey-the-christmas-princess-childrens-book-1234622356/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She also served as a co-producer of ''[[Some Like It Hot (musical)|Some Like It Hot]]'' on [[Broadway theatre]], which earned her a nomination for the [[Tony Award for Best Musical]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Rowley |first=Glenn |date=May 2, 2023 |title=Mariah Carey Celebrates Tony Nomination for 'Some Like It Hot' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/mariah-carey-some-like-it-hot-tony-nomination-reaction-1235319859/ |access-date=May 2, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=May 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502205057/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/mariah-carey-some-like-it-hot-tony-nomination-reaction-1235319859/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On September 8, 2023, Carey released a deluxe version of ''Music Box'' in celebration of the album's thirtieth anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.legacyrecordings.com/2023/09/08/mariah-careys-music-box-30th-anniversary-expanded-edition-limited-edition-collectors-cassette-available-now/|title=Mariah Carey's 'Music Box: 30th Anniversary Expanded Edition' & Limited Edition Collector's Cassette Available Now|publisher=Legacy Recordings|date=September 8, 2023|access-date=October 14, 2024|archive-date=September 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912225520/https://www.legacyrecordings.com/2023/09/08/mariah-careys-music-box-30th-anniversary-expanded-edition-limited-edition-collectors-cassette-available-now/|url-status=live}}</ref> She embarked on her 16-date concert tour, [[Merry Christmas One and All!]], which ran from November 15 to December 17, 2023, in the United States.<ref name="WKYC">{{cite news|last1=DeNatale|first1=David|last2=Kirk|first2=Alexander|date=October 30, 2023|title=Mariah Carey to Make Stop in Cleveland for 'Merry Christmas One and All' Tour|url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/entertainment/music/merry-christmas-one-and-all-mariah-carey-holiday-concert-cleveland/95-d3dd0343-a405-45f1-a48b-1ee53f120cf4|publisher=[[WKYC]]|access-date=October 31, 2023}}</ref> The tour grossed approximately $30 million and sold more than 200,000 tickets.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Frankenberg |first=Eric |date=January 19, 2024 |title=Mariah Carey's 2023 Holiday Tour Scored Her Best Concert Attendance in 25 Years |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/mariah-carey-merry-christmas-one-and-all-tour-2023-earns-30-million/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202013032/https://www.billboard.com/pro/mariah-carey-merry-christmas-one-and-all-tour-2023-earns-30-million/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2024, Carey appeared on the remixes of Ariana Grande's "[[Yes, And?]]"<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=March 11, 2024 |title=Ariana Grande Releases 'Slightly Deluxe' Edition of 'Eternal Sunshine' With Mariah Carey, Troye Sivan Features |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/ariana-grande-slightly-deluxe-edition-eternal-sunshine-mariah-carey-troye-sivan-1235629656/ |access-date=March 13, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=March 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311145032/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/ariana-grande-slightly-deluxe-edition-eternal-sunshine-mariah-carey-troye-sivan-1235629656/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Muni Long]]'s "[[Made for Me]]".<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/muni-long-mariah-carey-made-for-me-remix-listen-1235689606/|title=Muni Long Adds Mariah Carey on 'Made For Me' Remix: Stream It Now|access-date=May 25, 2024|magazine=Billboard|date=May 21, 2024|last=Mamo|first=Heran|archive-date=May 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524152859/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/muni-long-mariah-carey-made-for-me-remix-listen-1235689606/|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 12, she began a new residency at the [[Dolby Live]] in [[Las Vegas]] titled [[The Celebration of Mimi]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a60443131/mariah-carey-stylist-wilfredo-rosado-vegas-residency-costumes/|title=How Mariah Carey Is Capturing the Story of Her Career Through Costuming|access-date=April 13, 2024|date=April 13, 2024|magazine=Harper's Bazaar|last=Calfee|first=Joel|archive-date=April 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413155342/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a60443131/mariah-carey-stylist-wilfredo-rosado-vegas-residency-costumes/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/mariah-carey-adds-8-dates-mimi-las-vegas-residency-1235653777/|title=Mariah Carey Adds Dates to Her 'Celebration of Mimi Live in Las Vegas' Residency Run|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 13, 2024|date=April 13, 2024|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|archive-date=April 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411163807/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/mariah-carey-adds-8-dates-mimi-las-vegas-residency-1235653777/|url-status=live}}</ref> In June, Carey released an expanded edition of ''Rainbow'' to coincide with its twenty-fifth anniversary.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mariah-carey-rainbow-25th-anniversary-1235040454/|title=Mariah Carey Searches for the End of Her 'Rainbow' With New Songs From 25th Anniversary Release|access-date=June 15, 2024|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=June 14, 2024|last=Paul|first=Larisha|archive-date=June 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614230900/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mariah-carey-rainbow-25th-anniversary-1235040454/|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 6, 2024, she embarked on [[Mariah Carey's Christmas Time]] tour, concluding after 18 shows on December 17.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/mariah-carey-christmas-tour-2024-holidays-1236093926/|title=Mariah Carey Returning With 2024 Christmas Tour in 20 Cities|access-date=August 3, 2024|magazine=Variety|date=August 2, 2024|last=Willman|first=Chris|archive-date=August 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828174002/https://variety.com/2024/music/news/mariah-carey-christmas-tour-2024-holidays-1236093926/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Williams |first=Kyann-Sian |title=Watch Mariah Carey Transform From Morticia Addams Into Mrs Claus Because 'It's Time' for Christmas |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-mariah-carey-transform-from-morticia-addams-into-mrs-claus-because-its-time-for-christmas-3808706 |magazine=NME |access-date=December 7, 2024 |date=November 1, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207232345/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-mariah-carey-transform-from-morticia-addams-into-mrs-claus-because-its-time-for-christmas-3808706 |url-status=live }}</ref> A thirtieth anniversary edition of ''Merry Christmas'' was also released.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://vmagazine.com/article/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-turns-30-mariah-carey-celebrates-with-special-anniversary-edition/|title="All I Want for Christmas Is You" Turns 30: Mariah Carey Celebrates with Special Anniversary Edition|access-date=December 15, 2024|magazine=[[V (American magazine)|V]]|date=December 6, 2024|last=Rosa|first=Christian|archive-date=December 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241215003017/https://vmagazine.com/article/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-turns-30-mariah-carey-celebrates-with-special-anniversary-edition/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2025–present: ''Here for It All'' ===
[[File:MariahSandringham150825-6 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Carey performing at the [[Sandringham Estate]], August 2025]]
In May 2025, Carey released a twentieth anniversary edition of ''The Emancipation of Mimi''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2025/05/mariah-carey-the-emancipation-of-mimi-20th-anniversary-edition-stream/|title=Mariah Carey Releases 'The Emancipation of Mimi (20th Anniversary Edition)'|website=Rated R&B|date=May 30, 2025|last=Samuels|first=Keithan|access-date=June 2, 2025|archive-date=June 22, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250622050946/https://ratedrnb.com/2025/05/mariah-carey-the-emancipation-of-mimi-20th-anniversary-edition-stream/|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 27, she was featured alongside Grande on [[Barbra Streisand]]'s album ''[[The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two]]'', on a song titled "One Heart, One Voice".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2025/music/news/barbra-streisand-duets-bob-dylan-paul-mccartney-ariana-grande-mariah-carey-and-other-stars-on-new-duets-album-1236382344/|title=Barbra Streisand Teaming Up With Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey, Hozier and Other Stars for New Duets Album|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|last=Willman|first=Chris|date=April 30, 2025|access-date=May 3, 2025|archive-date=June 24, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250624114724/https://variety.com/2025/music/news/barbra-streisand-duets-bob-dylan-paul-mccartney-ariana-grande-mariah-carey-and-other-stars-on-new-duets-album-1236382344/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 26, 2025, Carey released her sixteenth studio album, titled ''[[Here for It All]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2025/06/mariah-carey-type-dangerous/|title=Mariah Carey Returns With New Single 'Type Dangerous'|magazine=[[Rated R&B]]|last=Samuels|first=Keithan|date=June 6, 2025|access-date=June 6, 2025|archive-date=June 22, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250622052316/https://ratedrnb.com/2025/06/mariah-carey-type-dangerous/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Here For It All |first=Mariah |last=Carey |publisher=Apple Music |date=September 26, 2025 |url=https://music.apple.com/ph/album/here-for-it-all/1827315213 |access-date=July 21, 2025 |archive-date=July 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250726044418/https://music.apple.com/ph/album/here-for-it-all/1827315213 |url-status=live }}</ref> The album debuted at number seven on the ''Billboard'' 200,<ref name=Billboard200Debut>{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/kpop-demon-hunters-returns-number-one-billboard-200-chart-1236082238/|title=Kpop Demon Hunters' Returns to No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=October 5, 2025|access-date=October 6, 2025|archive-date=October 6, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251006180106/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/kpop-demon-hunters-returns-number-one-billboard-200-chart-1236082238/|url-status=live}}</ref> and was her first studio release through [[Gamma (media company)|Gamma]] as part of a multi-album deal, which she described as "owning my narrative and creating freely on my own terms".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jabariyoung/2025/06/05/larry-jackson-gamma-mariah-carey-album-mc16-type-dangerous/|title=How Former Apple Music Mastermind Larry Jackson Signed Mariah Carey To His $400 Million Startup|magazine=[[Forbes]]|last=Young|first=Jabari|date=June 6, 2025|access-date=June 6, 2025|archive-date=June 7, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250607154652/https://www.forbes.com/sites/jabariyoung/2025/06/05/larry-jackson-gamma-mariah-carey-album-mc16-type-dangerous/|url-status=live}}</ref> The lead single, "[[Type Dangerous]]", debuted at number 95 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, becoming Carey's 50th entry on the chart.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/mariah-carey-50th-hot-100-hit-type-dangerous-1236000125/|title=Mariah Carey Earns Her Milestone 50th Billboard Hot 100 Hit With 'Type Dangerous'|accessdate=June 17, 2025|magazine=[[Billboard (Magazine)|Billboard]]|date=June 16, 2025|last=Trust|first=Gary|archive-date=July 16, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716142108/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/mariah-carey-50th-hot-100-hit-type-dangerous-1236000125/|url-status=live}}</ref> Its music video won the [[MTV Video Music Award for Best R&B Video]] at the [[2025 MTV Video Music Awards]], marking her first win; later that night, she also received the [[Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Kaplan|first=Ilana|title=Mariah Carey Wins First-Ever VMA Awards as She Accepts Video Vanguard Prize at 2025 Show|url=https://people.com/mtv-vmas-2025-mariah-carey-video-vanguard-acceptance-11802818|magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]]|date=September 7, 2025|access-date=September 7, 2025}}</ref> The album spawned two more singles: "[[Sugar Sweet]]" featuring [[Kehlani]] and [[Shenseea]], released on July 21, 2025,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Iasimone |first=Ashley |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mariah-carey-sugar-sweet-song-teaser-video-1236025381/ |title=Mariah Carey Teases 'Sugar Sweet' Summer Single |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |issn=0006-2510 |oclc=732913734 |date=July 19, 2025 |access-date=July 21, 2025 |archive-date=July 20, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250720124014/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mariah-carey-sugar-sweet-song-teaser-video-1236025381/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Legaspi |first=Althea |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mariah-carey-mc16-details-previews-song-sugar-sweet-1235389722/ |url-access=subscription |title=Mariah Carey Teases 'MC16' Details, Previews 'Sugar Sweet' |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |issn=0035-791X |oclc=969027590 |date=July 20, 2025 |access-date=July 21, 2025 |archive-date=July 21, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250721035754/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mariah-carey-mc16-details-previews-song-sugar-sweet-1235389722/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and "[[Play This Song]]" featuring [[Anderson .Paak]], released on September 26, 2025.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Cao|first=Katie|url=https://www.billboard.com/video/mariah-careys-here-for-it-all-as-she-conquers-the-world/|title=Mariah Carey's 'Here For It All' As She Conquers the World With Her New Album|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=September 27, 2025|access-date=October 2, 2025|archive-date=October 20, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251020170136/https://www.billboard.com/video/mariah-careys-here-for-it-all-as-she-conquers-the-world/|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 28, 2025, Carey extended the Mariah Carey's Christmas Time tour as a concert residency at Dolby Live.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Justin |title=It’s almost time: Mariah Carey brings ‘Christmastime’ to Las Vegas |url=https://www.fox5vegas.com/2025/09/17/its-almost-time-mariah-carey-brings-christmastime-las-vegas/ |website=Fox 5 |access-date=September 22, 2025 |date=September 17, 2025}}</ref>

On February 6, 2026, Carey performed a cover of [[Domenico Modugno]]'s "[[Nel blu, dipinto di blu]]" and "[[Nothing Is Impossible (Mariah Carey song)|Nothing Is Impossible]]" from ''Here for It All'' at the [[2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony|opening ceremony]] of the [[2026 Winter Olympics]], held in [[Milan]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 6, 2026 |title=Mariah Carey Sparkles as She Sings an Italian Classic and One of Her Own Hits at 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony |url=https://people.com/milan-olympics-2026-mariah-carey-performs-during-opening-ceremony-11900866 |access-date=February 6, 2026 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> That same month, she was again nominated for the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]].<ref>William, Chris. "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 17 Nominees for 2026 Include Shakira, Lauryn Hill, Pink, Jeff Buckley, Phil Collins, New Edition and Wu-Tang Clan". ''Variety''. Published February 25, 2025. Accessed February 25, 2026. https://variety.com/2026/music/news/rock-roll-hall-of-fame-nominees-2026-shakira-lauryn-hill-pink-1236672297/</ref> On March 27, 2026, Carey released a two-track EP for "Nothing Is Impossible", featuring the "[[Nel blu, dipinto di blu|Volare]]" [[Medley (music)|medley]] version of the song from her Winter Olympics performance, and a new orchestral arrangement of the song with the RoyNoyz orchestra.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dresdale |first=Andrea |date=27 March 2026 |title=Mariah Carey releases bonus orchestral version of 'Nothing Is Impossible' |url=https://digital.abcaudio.com/news/mariah-carey-releases-bonus-orchestral-version-nothing-impossible |access-date=28 March 2026 |publisher=[[ABC Audio]]}}</ref>

== Artistry ==
=== Influences ===
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| footer            = Carey's major influences include [[Stevie Wonder]] (left) and [[Aretha Franklin]] (right).
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Carey has said that from childhood she has been influenced by [[Billie Holiday]], [[Sarah Vaughan]] as well as R&B and soul musicians including [[Al Green]], Stevie Wonder, [[Gladys Knight]], Aretha Franklin, and [[George Michael]]. Her music contains strong influences of [[gospel music]], and she credits [[the Clark Sisters]], [[Shirley Caesar]], and [[Edwin Hawkins]] as the most influential in her early years.<ref name="black">{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xcwDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA54|title=Not Another White Girl Trying to Sing Black|last=Norent|first=Lynn|magazine=[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]]|date=March 12, 1991|access-date=August 19, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 30, 2018 |title=Mariah Carey: 'George Michael's death took a toll on me' |url=https://www.smoothradio.com/artists/george-michael/mariah-carey-tribute-interview/ |access-date=November 28, 2023 |publisher=[[Smooth Radio (2014)|Smooth Radio]] |archive-date=December 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202051828/https://www.smoothradio.com/artists/george-michael/mariah-carey-tribute-interview/ |url-status=live }}</ref> When Carey incorporated hip hop into her sound, speculation arose that she was making an attempt to take advantage of the genre's popularity, but she told ''[[Newsweek]]'', "People just don't understand. I grew up with this music."{{sfn|Shapiro|2001|p=124}} She has expressed appreciation for rappers such as [[the Sugarhill Gang]], [[Eric B. & Rakim]], the [[Wu-Tang Clan]], [[The Notorious B.I.G.]] and [[Mobb Deep]], with whom she collaborated on "The Roof (Back in Time)". Carey was heavily influenced by [[Minnie Riperton]], and began experimenting with the [[whistle register]] due to her original practice of the range.<ref name="vinsky">{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jisEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA96|title=Higher and Higher|last=Willis|first=Andrew|magazine=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=November 18, 1998|access-date=August 14, 2011}}</ref>

During Carey's career, her vocal and musical style, along with her level of success, has been compared to Whitney Houston,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Joyce |first=Mike |date=September 21, 1991 |title=The Second Time Around: Carey, Williams and White |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/1991/09/22/the-second-time-around-carey-williams-and-white/7aee890d-386a-472e-9a0e-660e3ab954ba/ |access-date=January 21, 2026 |work=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> whom she has also cited as an influence.<ref name="Fox2002">{{Cite news|first=Roger|last=Friedman|title=Mariah Calls, Whitney Falls|date=December 18, 2002|agency=Fox News|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/mariah-calls-whitney-falls|access-date=April 25, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090604210447/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,73318,00.html | archive-date= June 4, 2009 | url-status=live}}</ref> Carey and her peers, according to Garry Mulholland, are "the princesses of wails... virtuoso vocalists who blend chart-oriented pop with mature [[middle of the road (radio format)|MOR]] [[torch song]]." Author and writer Lucy O'Brien attributed the comeback of Barbra Streisand's "old-fashioned showgirl" to Carey and Celine Dion, and described them and Houston as "groomed, airbrushed and overblown to perfection". Carey's musical transition and use of more revealing clothing during the late 1990s were, in part, initiated to distance herself from this image, and she subsequently said that most of her early work was "schmaltzy MOR".<ref name="Mul">{{harvnb|Mulholland|2003|p=57}}</ref> Some have noted that unlike Houston and Dion, Carey writes and produces her own music.<ref name="James">{{harvnb|James|2010|p=74}}</ref>

=== Musical style ===
Carey gained public perception as a balladeer with her first few releases.<ref>{{harvnb|Chan|2023|page=37}}</ref>  Jim Faber of the ''[[New York Daily News]]'' stated that "For Carey, vocalizing is all about the performance, not the emotions that inspired it. Singing, to her, represents a physical challenge, not an emotional unburdening."<ref name="uGMRL">{{cite news|url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2005-04-12/entertainment/18289697_1_voice-cover-singing|title=More Like a Screaming 'Mimi'|newspaper=New York Daily News|date=April 15, 2005|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=January 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112152549/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2005-04-12/entertainment/18289697_1_voice-cover-singing|url-status=dead}}</ref> While reviewing ''Music Box'', Stephen Holden from ''Rolling Stone'' commented that Carey sang with "sustained passion," while Arion Berger of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' wrote that during some vocal moments, Carey becomes "too overwhelmed to put her passion into words".<ref name="g5NvI">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1991/10/11/emotions/|title=Emotions|last=Berger|first=Arion|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=August 10, 1991|access-date=November 11, 2019|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016011612/https://ew.com/article/1991/10/11/emotions/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2001, ''[[The Village Voice]]'' wrote that "Carey's [[Strawberry Shortcake]] soul still provides the template with which [[teen-pop]] cuties draw curlicues around those centerless [[Diane Warren|[Diane] Warren]] ballads."<ref name="Q5Zfi">{{cite news|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2001-09-04/music/marked-woman/|title=Marked Woman|last=Walters|first=Barry|newspaper=[[The Village Voice]]|date=September 4, 2001|access-date=September 18, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805102117/http://www.villagevoice.com/2001-09-04/music/marked-woman/|archive-date=August 5, 2011}}</ref> Following her divorce with Tommy Mottola, Carey broke free of adult contemporary arrangements in favor of what Alex Macpherson of ''The Guardian'' described as "a lovingly crafted, hip-hop-inflected quiet storm".<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jun/22/mariah-carey-where-to-start-in-her-back-catalogue|title=Mariah Carey: where to start in her back catalogue|access-date=April 19, 2023|newspaper=The Guardian|archive-date=March 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330124124/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jun/22/mariah-carey-where-to-start-in-her-back-catalogue|url-status=live}}</ref> Carey often records her layered background vocals, which have been described as "a swooning bank of a hundred Mariahs".<ref name="WA6Sk"/> The singer has said that "it's because I started out as a backup singer and doing sessions as a background vocalist learning from some of the greatest background vocalists, and also people like Luther Vandross. Growing up, I admired his texture in and of itself but also his use of background vocals".<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/mariah-carey-secret-rock-album-prince-rolling-stone-podcast-interview-1234595524/|title=Why Mariah Carey Made a Secret Alt-Rock Album – and Four Other Things We Learned From Our New Podcast|access-date=April 29, 2023|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-date=April 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429142840/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/mariah-carey-secret-rock-album-prince-rolling-stone-podcast-interview-1234595524/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Carey's output makes use of [[electronic instruments]] such as [[drum machine]]s,<ref name="viber"/> [[electronic keyboard|keyboards]] and synthesizers.<ref name="pop">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/mariah-carey-emc2|title=Mariah Carey: E=MC² < Reviews|last=Sawey|first=Evan|magazine=[[PopMatters]]|date=May 1, 2008|access-date=February 10, 2010|archive-date=May 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525092023/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/mariah-carey-emc2|url-status=live}}</ref> Many of her songs contain piano-driven melodies,<ref name="rs">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/mariahs-e-mc2-a-first-listen-to-careys-eleventh-studio-album-20080228|title=Mariah's E=MC2: A First Listen to Carey's Eleventh Studio Album|last=Hoard|first=Christian|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=February 28, 2008|access-date=August 8, 2011|archive-date=August 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822083115/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/mariahs-e-mc2-a-first-listen-to-careys-eleventh-studio-album-20080228|url-status=dead}}</ref> as she was given piano lessons at age six. Carey said that she cannot read [[sheet music]] and prefers to collaborate with a pianist when composing her material, but feels that it is easier to experiment with faster and less-conventional [[melodies]] and [[chord progression]]s using this technique.<ref name="nick3"/> Carey incorporates several ranges of production and instrumentation into her music, though she has maintained that her voice has always been her most important asset: "My voice is my instrument; it always has been."<ref name="shapiro20"/>

Carey began commissioning remixes of her material early in her career and helped to spearhead the practice of recording entirely new vocals for remixes.<ref name="MTV-Oct2003">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/c/carey_mariah/news_feature_031009/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110901094755/http://www.mtv.com/bands/c/carey_mariah/news_feature_031009/|archive-date=September 1, 2011|title=Mariah: Remixes, Reunions and Russia|last=Norris|first=John|publisher=MTV|date=October 20, 2003|access-date=August 19, 2011}}</ref> Disc jockey David Morales has collaborated with Carey on several occasions, starting with "[[Dreamlover (song)|Dreamlover]]" (1993), which popularized the tradition of remixing R&B songs into [[house music|house]] records, and which ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' named one of the greatest dance songs.<ref name="xYM1F">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/iframes/dance_100/100_91.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820164653/http://www.slantmagazine.com/iframes/dance_100/100_91.asp|archive-date=August 20, 2006|title=100 Greatest Dance Songs: 100–91|magazine=[[Slant Magazine]]|date=April 25, 2006|access-date=August 19, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> From "Fantasy" (1995) onward, Carey enlisted both hip hop and house producers to re-structure her album compositions.<ref name="shapiro17"/> ''Entertainment Weekly'' included two remixes of "Fantasy" on a list of Carey's greatest recordings compiled in 2005: a National Dance Music Award-winning remix produced by Morales, and a Sean Combs production featuring rapper [[Ol' Dirty Bastard]].<ref name="UrIRl">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2005/12/16/10-best-mariah-carey-songs-agree/|title=The 10 best Mariah Carey songs... Agree?|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=November 11, 2005|access-date=November 11, 2019|archive-date=October 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001131120/https://ew.com/article/2005/12/16/10-best-mariah-carey-songs-agree/|url-status=live}}</ref> The latter has been credited with popularizing the pop and hip hop collaboration trend that has continued into the 21st century.<ref name="MTV-Oct2003"/> Combs said that Carey "knows the importance of mixes, so you feel like you're with an artist who appreciates your work—an artist who wants to come up with something with you."<ref name="viberness">{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wy0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA57|title=Cinderella Story|last=Willis|first=Andrew|magazine=Vibe|date=November 18, 1998|access-date=August 14, 2011}}</ref>

=== Songwriting ===
Love is the subject of the majority of Carey's lyrics, although she has written about themes such as loss, sex, race, abuse and spirituality.<ref name=ViceMC>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/mariah-carey-caution-songwriters-hall-fame-underrated/|title=Mariah, Our Living Meme, Deserves More Credit for Her Songwriting|last1=Mokoena|first1=Tshepo|last2=Ingold|first2=Jeffrey|date=November 16, 2018|magazine=Vice|access-date=June 15, 2019|archive-date=July 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730040722/https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/d3bp3k/mariah-carey-caution-songwriters-hall-fame-underrated|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.laweekly.com/2005-05-05/music/i-gotta-be-mimi/|title=I Gotta Be 'Mimi'|last=Wilson|first=Cintra|newspaper=[[LA Weekly]]|date=May 5, 2005|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=March 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307115120/http://www.laweekly.com/2005-05-05/music/i-gotta-be-mimi/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Andrew Chan of the University of Texas Press identifies "the purging of private emotions" as the main theme of Carey's ballads, though he believes several others aim to have an "all-purpose feeling" with mass appeal.<ref>{{harvnb|Chan|2023|page=43}}</ref> Carey has said that much of her work is partly autobiographical, but ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine's Christopher John Farley wrote: "If only Mariah Carey's music had the drama of her life. Her songs are often sugary and artificial—[[NutraSweet]] soul. But her life has passion and conflict," applying it to the first stages of her career. He commented that as her albums progressed, so too her songwriting and music blossomed into more mature and meaningful material.<ref name="time">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/archive/preview/0,10987,134725,00.html|title=Pop's Princess Grows Up|last=Farley|first=Christopher John|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=August 19, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024110314/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,134725,00.html|archive-date=October 24, 2007}}</ref>

Carey's songwriting is noted for its "eccentric verbosity".<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music/mariah-carey-the-ultimate-pop-diva-of-our-age-may-be-a-joke-but-shes-no-punchline-1.248645|title=Mariah Carey, the ultimate pop diva of our age, may be a joke but she's no punchline|access-date=May 29, 2014|magazine=The National News|archive-date=April 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422003959/https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music/mariah-carey-the-ultimate-pop-diva-of-our-age-may-be-a-joke-but-shes-no-punchline-1.248645|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://poprescue.com/2022/07/22/review-memoirs-of-an-imperfect-angel-by-mariah-carey-cd-2009/|title=REVIEW: "MEMOIRS OF AN IMPERFECT ANGEL" BY MARIAH CAREY (CD, 2009)|access-date=May 29, 2014|magazine=Pop Rescue|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722110141/https://poprescue.com/2022/07/22/review-memoirs-of-an-imperfect-angel-by-mariah-carey-cd-2009/|url-status=live}}</ref> Jeffrey Ingold of ''[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]'' argues that her lyrics are "among the most verbose in pop music, filling her catalogue with words like "unyielding" ("[[Breakdown (Mariah Carey song)|Breakdown]]"), "emblazoned" ("My All") and "rhapsodise" ("Melt Away")".<ref name="ViceMC"/> Carey stated that she considers herself a songwriter first.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gan |first=Stephen |date=March 7, 2018 |title=Me, Myself, & Mariah |url=https://vmagazine.com/article/me-myself-mariah/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831024419/https://vmagazine.com/article/me-myself-mariah/ |archive-date=August 31, 2022 |access-date=May 13, 2026 |work=[[V (American magazine)|V]]}}</ref> Since the beginning of her career, Carey has repeatedly described herself as a songwriter and 
producer and emphasized the importance of being acknowledged for these roles.<ref name="auto1">{{harvnb|Chan|2023|page=17}}</ref> Despite that, she has also admitted having to constantly remind people of her songwriting work, noting that "A lot of people see that whole other image. They see this diva; they see hair, makeup, body, and clothes… They don't think songwriter."<ref name="ViceMC"/> Music critics have similarly observed that her songwriting is frequently overlooked despite her success.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sanders |first=Sam |author-link=Sam Sanders (journalist) |date=May 5, 2026 |title=Is Mariah Carey the Greatest American Songwriter? |url=https://www.kcrw.com/shows/the-sam-sanders-show/stories/is-mariah-carey-the-greatest-american-songwriter |access-date=May 13, 2026 |publisher=[[KCRW]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wex |first=Sabina |date=October 8, 2025 |title=Why Mariah Carey is still one of the most iconic singers of our time |url=https://www.cbc.ca/arts/commotion/why-mariah-carey-is-still-one-of-the-most-iconic-singers-of-our-time-9.6932068 |access-date=May 13, 2026 |publisher=[[CBC.ca]] |quote=with her entire career — is that I don't think she gets the credit for being a songwriter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Luna |first=Kim |date=November 8, 2023 |title=Mariah Carey’s Festive Launch: Here’s How Much She Makes From ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ |url=https://lifestyleasia-onemega.com/scene/mariah-careys-festive-launch-heres-how-much-she-makes-from-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you/ |access-date=May 13, 2026 |work=[[Lifestyle Asia]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Summers |first=Joan |date=November 3, 2023 |title=Don't Question Mariah Carey's Songwriting |url=https://www.papermag.com/mariah-carey-sued-christmas#rebelltitem1 |access-date=May 13, 2026 |work=[[Paper (magazine)|Paper]] |quote=Despite her sheer talent for hitmaking, the general public continues to downplay her producing and writing abilities, aided in part by media narratives of the songstress.}}</ref> Upon her induction into the [[Songwriters Hall of Fame]], the institution named her "the all-time most successful female songwriter in chart history".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mariah Carey |url=https://www.songhall.org/profile/mariah_carey |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804143128/https://www.songhall.org/profile/mariah_carey |archive-date=August 4, 2024 |access-date=August 17, 2024 |publisher=[[Songwriters Hall of Fame]]}}</ref>

=== Voice and timbre ===
Carey possesses a five-octave vocal range.<ref name="autogenerated6">{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F8F8CB38C60AA77&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Who Can Carey a Tune?|last=Zwecker|first=Bill|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=January 22, 2002|access-date=June 16, 2011|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224043110/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F8F8CB38C60AA77&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="KKHEv">{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10EC2F88C5EE2870&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Roll Over Elvis – Mariah is Here|newspaper=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|date=March 20, 2008|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=March 6, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306212203/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10EC2F88C5EE2870&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="E12Ji">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/boston/access/983024561.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+05%2C+2006&author=Joan+Anderman%2C+GLOBE+STAFF&pub=Boston+Globe&desc=CAREY%2C+ON!&pqatl=google|title=Carey, On!|last=Anderson|first=Joan|newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]]|date=February 6, 2006|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=July 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725040734/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/boston/access/983024561.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+05%2C+2006&author=Joan+Anderman%2C+GLOBE+STAFF&pub=Boston+Globe&desc=CAREY%2C+ON!&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref> Regarding her [[voice type|type of voice]], several critics have described her as a [[coloratura soprano#Lyric coloratura soprano|lyric coloratura soprano]] or just a soprano.<ref name="Ym1CZ">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesunion.com/entertainment/article/New-CDs-558082.php|title=New CDs|newspaper=[[Times Union (Albany)|Times Union]]|date=October 13, 2000|access-date=August 12, 2012|archive-date=October 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013160334/http://www.timesunion.com/entertainment/article/New-CDs-558082.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="books.google.ca">{{Cite book|title=Rock-N-Roll Gold Rush|last=Dean|first=Maury|year=2003|publisher=Algora Publishing|isbn=978-0-87586-207-1|page=34|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lJS4EArRBwoC&q=whitney+houston&pg=PA87|access-date=November 16, 2020|archive-date=March 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309191259/https://books.google.com/books?id=lJS4EArRBwoC&q=whitney+houston&pg=PA87|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jon Pareles]] of ''The New York Times'' described Carey's lower register as a "rich, husky alto" that extends to "dog-whistle high notes".<ref name="nytreview">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/13/arts/review-pop-venturing-outside-the-studio-mariah-carey-proves-her-mettle.html|title=Review/Pop; Venturing Outside the Studio, Mariah Carey Proves Her Mettle|last=Pareles|first=Jon|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 13, 1993|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=August 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828121401/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/13/arts/review-pop-venturing-outside-the-studio-mariah-carey-proves-her-mettle.html|url-status=live}}</ref> She once described herself as an alto singer.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/oct/05/mariah-carey-theyre-calling-me-a-diva-i-think-im-going-to-cry |title=Mariah Carey: 'They're calling me a diva? I think I'm going to cry!' |newspaper=The Guardian |last=Freeman |first=Hadley |date=October 5, 2020 |access-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-date=December 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201225114109/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/oct/05/mariah-carey-theyre-calling-me-a-diva-i-think-im-going-to-cry |url-status=live }}</ref> Sasha Frere-Jones of ''[[The New Yorker]]'' adds her [[timbre]] on "Vision of Love" possesses various colors, stating, "Carey's sound changes with nearly every line, mutating from a steely tone to a vibrating growl and then to a humid, breathy coo."<ref name="newyorker"/> Chan believes that Carey moved through several "vocal personas" throughout her discography, like the "stentorian, full-throated belting of her first few albums; the fluid mix of chest and 
head voice deployed to masterful effect in the mid-1990s; and the delicate, foggy tones and manic cadences that 
predominated after the turn of the millennium".<ref>{{harvnb|Chan|2023|page=20}}</ref> In an analysis of Carey's voice for [[Classic FM (UK)|ClassicFM]], singer [[Catherine Bott]] claims that Carey's [[chest voice]] could go up "higher in [[pitch (music)|pitch]]" compared to classical singers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/music-theory/mariah-carey-singing-voice/ |title=A technical analysis of Mariah Carey's voice in 'Without You' |website=ClassicFM |last=Roberts |first=Maddy Shaw |date=December 18, 2018 |access-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224011301/https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/music-theory/mariah-carey-singing-voice/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Her sense of pitch is admired and Jon Pareles adds "she can linger over sensual turns, growl with playful confidence, syncopate like a [[scat singer]]... with startlingly exact pitch."<ref name="nytreview"/> Carey claims that she has had [[Vocal cord nodule|nodules]] on her vocal cords since childhood, enabling her to sing in a higher register than others. However, tiredness and sleep deprivation can affect them due to the nodules, and Carey explained that she went through a lot of practice as a child to maintain a balance during singing.<ref name="vinsky"/><ref name="3fqV5">{{cite web|first=Choire|last=Sicha|url=http://www.theawl.com/2009/07/is-mariah-careys-voice-just-done-for|title=Is Mariah Carey's Voice Just Done For?|website=The Awl|date=July 8, 2009|access-date=June 11, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603124359/http://www.theawl.com/2009/07/is-mariah-careys-voice-just-done-for|archive-date=June 3, 2013}}</ref> Carey is noted for her vocal improvisation skills.<ref>{{harvnb|Soto-Morettini|2014|p=107}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://online.berklee.edu/takenote/vocal-improvisation-techniques-famous-pop-rb-singers/|title=Vocal Improvisation Techniques of Famous Pop and R&B Singers|last=Goodman|first=Gabrielle|date=August 25, 2022|publisher=[[Berklee College of Music]]|access-date=April 29, 2023|archive-date=April 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428045056/https://online.berklee.edu/takenote/vocal-improvisation-techniques-famous-pop-rb-singers/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Towards the late 1990s, she began incorporating breathy vocals into her material.<ref name="charm">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2535321.stm|title=Carey Charm Offensive|last=Levell|first=Tim|agency=BBC News|date=December 2, 2002|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=August 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802122234/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2535321.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Tim Levell from [[BBC News]] described her vocals as "sultry close-to-the-mic breathiness,"<ref name="charm"/> while ''USA Today''{{'}}s Elysa Gardner wrote "it's impossible to deny the impact her vocal style, a florid blend of breathy riffing and resonant belting, has had on today's young pop and R&B stars."<ref name="gold">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2002-12-02-charmbracelet_x.htm|title=Carey Sounds Like 'Gold' on 'Charmbracelet'|last=Gardner|first=Elysa|newspaper=USA Today|date=December 22, 2002|access-date=August 3, 2011|archive-date=May 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527100229/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2002-12-02-charmbracelet_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview, Ron Givens of ''Entertainment Weekly'' described it this way, "first, a rippling, soulful ooh comes rolling effortlessly from her throat: alto. Then, after a quick breath, she goes for the stratosphere, with a sound that nearly changes the barometric pressure in the room. In one brief swoop, she seems to squeal and roar at the same time."<ref name="siSJg">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1990/08/03/spotlight-mariah-carey/|title=Spotlight on Mariah Carey|last=Givens|first=Ron|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=August 3, 1990|access-date=August 1, 2014|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016011613/https://ew.com/article/1990/08/03/spotlight-mariah-carey/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Alex Macpherson of ''The Guardian'' noted that Carey's voice on ''Butterfly'' is "an instrument of texture rather than volume, with pillows of lavishly layered vocals and nuanced phrasing magnifying the emotional intensity of the songs."<ref name="auto"/> Randy Jackson said that "It's in the tone, that buttery tone that she has with her voice that is unbelievably amazing and unbelievably identifiable."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/pitn/date/2005-04-30/segment/01|title=Profiles of Mariah Carey and Usher|access-date=April 19, 2023|agency=CNN|archive-date=April 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419175030/https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/pitn/date/2005-04-30/segment/01|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Stage performances and videos ===
[[File:MariahRAH270519-32 (49620848628).jpg|thumb|Carey pressing her [[in-ear monitor]], while hitting a whistle note during her [[Caution World Tour]] in 2019]]

Despite being called a "show stopper" and "the 1990s pop phenomenon",<ref name="CNNMCLP">{{Cite news|title=Mariah Carey walks off stage after technical snag|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/01/entertainment/mariah-carey-show-snag/index.html|agency=CNN|date=January 1, 2017|access-date=May 19, 2021|archive-date=May 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519092419/https://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/01/entertainment/mariah-carey-show-snag/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Carey suffered from stage fright in her early years in the music industry.<ref name="PaperMag1MC">{{Cite web|url=https://www.papermag.com/the-ultimate-diva-mariah-carey-1427528523.html|title=The Ultimate Diva: Mariah Carey|website=Paper Magazine|date=March 27, 2015|access-date=February 18, 2021|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127182100/https://www.papermag.com/the-ultimate-diva-mariah-carey-1427528523.html|url-status=live}}</ref> One of her earliest performances was at ''MTV Unplugged'', which received positive reception as Carey silenced critics saying her vocals were studio-made.<ref>{{harvnb|Rambarran|2023|p=26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3017594/mariah-carey-unplugged-twenty-five-years/|title=Pay Homage to Mariah Carey's MTV Unplugged|access-date=February 18, 2021|agency=MTV News|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125221337/http://www.mtv.com/news/3017594/mariah-carey-unplugged-twenty-five-years/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Chan identifies the [[Milli Vanilli]] [[lip sync]]ing controversy as a potential contributor to the initial accusations.<ref name="auto1"/> The singer received the only standing ovation of the night at the [[48th Annual Grammy Awards]], after performing the medley of "We Belong Together" and "[[Fly Like a Bird]]".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/983834771.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+09%2C+2006&author=Ben+Rayner&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Mariah+Carey%2C+meet+U2%2C+Kelly%3B+Comeback+stalled+as+U2+takes+five+Grammys+Canadians+come+up+empty-handed+at+awards+show&pqatl=google|title=Mariah Carey, Meet U2, Kelly; Comeback Stalled as U2 Takes five Grammys Canadians Come Up Empty-handed at Awards Show|author-link=Ben Rayner|last=Rayner|first=Ben|newspaper=Toronto Star|publisher=Torstar|date=December 9, 2005|access-date=May 10, 2011|archive-date=July 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725044403/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/983834771.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+09%2C+2006&author=Ben+Rayner&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Mariah+Carey%2C+meet+U2%2C+Kelly%3B+Comeback+stalled+as+U2+takes+five+Grammys+Canadians+come+up+empty-handed+at+awards+show&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the years following Carey's performance at ''Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2017'', she has faced multiple lip syncing accusations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 11, 2018 |title=Mariah Carey accused of lip-syncing during American Music Awards |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4537021/mariah-carey-lip-syncing-amas/ |access-date=February 16, 2026 |publisher=Global News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 25, 2022 |title=Mariah Carey Blasted By Fans For 'Lip-Syncing' Again During Thanksgiving Day Parade |url=https://www.latintimes.com/mariah-carey-blasted-fans-lip-syncing-again-during-thanksgiving-day-parade-534474 |access-date=February 16, 2026 |publisher=The Latin Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=February 6, 2026 |title=Mariah Carey branded 'lip-syncing gold medalist' after Winter Olympics opening ceremony backlash |url=https://www.gbnews.com/celebrity/mariah-carey-lip-syncing-gold-medal-winter-olympics-opening-ceremony-performance |access-date=February 16, 2026 |publisher=GBNews}}</ref>

Carey is known for being very static during her live performances. Some reviewers credited her stage fright and lack of confidence as the reasoning,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2010/02/24/mariah-carey-gets-into-the-groove-at-gibson/|title=Mariah Carey gets into the groove at Gibson|newspaper=[[The Orange County Register]]|date=February 24, 2010|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=July 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721204924/https://www.ocregister.com/2010/02/24/mariah-carey-gets-into-the-groove-at-gibson/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/mariah-carey-fans-worry-singer-can-t-actually-move-after-static-american-music-awards-performance-a3958001.html|title=Mariah Carey fans worry singer can't actually move after static American Music Awards performance|newspaper=Evening Standard|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=December 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210195803/https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/mariah-carey-fans-worry-singer-can-t-actually-move-after-static-american-music-awards-performance-a3958001.html|url-status=live}}</ref> while others pointed out that her performances focus on her vocals and the quality of her songs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertainment-focus.com/2014/02/26/watch-mariah-careys-bet-honors-performance/|title=Watch Mariah Carey's BET Honors Performance|publisher=Entertainment Focus|date=February 26, 2014|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=March 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305111806/https://entertainment-focus.com/2014/02/26/watch-mariah-careys-bet-honors-performance/|url-status=live}}</ref> Her onstage hand gesticulations have usually been mimicked,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2018/11/13/flying-with-mariah-carey-at-borobudur.html|title=Flying with Mariah Carey at Borobudur|publisher=The Jakarta Post|date=November 13, 2018|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=July 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721204925/https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2018/11/13/flying-with-mariah-carey-at-borobudur.html|url-status=live}}</ref> as the singer has a tendency for "using her hands to point, flutter and sweep through the air as she deftly crests each run".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ozy.com/news-and-politics/why-wild-gesticulating-could-indicate-genius/75182/|title=WHY WILD GESTICULATING COULD INDICATE GENIUS|publisher=OZY|date=February 6, 2017|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=July 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721204927/https://www.ozy.com/news-and-politics/why-wild-gesticulating-could-indicate-genius/75182/|url-status=dead}}</ref> When reviewing Carey's 2014 concert, Michael Lallo wrote that "If you're Mariah, you ... stroke your hair a lot. When a high note is on the horizon, you brace yourself by touching your ear and adopting a pained expression, provoking the crowd into losing its collective mind."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/mariah-carey-review-this-real-diva-knows-how-its-done-20141108-11j1na.html|title=Mariah Carey review: This real diva knows how it's done|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=November 8, 2014|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=July 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721204926/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/mariah-carey-review-this-real-diva-knows-how-its-done-20141108-11j1na.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Carey had been open about the fact that she had not been happy with some of her early music videos, and has subsequently been noted for self-directing and co-producing her subsequent videography.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Every Mariah Carey Music Video From 1990 to Today: Watch Her Evolution|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/mariah-carey-music-video-evolution-8480243/|access-date=August 31, 2021|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831184826/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8480243/mariah-carey-music-video-evolution/|url-status=live}}</ref> The music video for "Fantasy" was the first that Carey directed entirely on her own,<ref name="nickson8"/> and "Honey" pushed Carey further towards hip hop and R&B than before.<ref name="nickson8">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|pp=161–162}}</ref> Its music video gained further attention, as Carey, for the first time in her career, was provocatively dressed, giving viewers a "taste of the freer Mariah."<ref name="nickson8"/> In 2007, author Saul Austerlitz wrote Carey had been "marketed as a whitebread pop princess" in her earlier music videos, adding the plots, directorial styles, clothes, and auras from later videos like "Heartbreaker" were very different and she was displayed as an "R&B diva".<ref>{{harvnb|Austerlitz|2007|p=9}}</ref> ''Billboard'' ranked Carey 73rd on its list of "The 100 Greatest Music Video Artists of All Time" in 2020, stating that "over three decades, [Carey] has gone from breezy girl next door, flaunting a denim collection as wide as her vocal range, to secret agent, runaway bride and even her own stalker in a collection of music videos that play like mini-dramas".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/9440075/100-best-music-video-artists|title=The 100 Greatest Music Video Artists of All Time: Staff List|magazine=Billboard|date=August 27, 2020|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=August 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827203952/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/9440075/100-best-music-video-artists|url-status=live}}</ref> The music video for "The Roof" was ranked 18th on ''Slant Magazine''{{'}}s "100 Greatest Music Videos.<ref name="100video">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/feature/100-greatest-music-videos/205/page_9|title=100 Greatest Music Videos|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|magazine=Slant Magazine|date=June 30, 2003|access-date=September 12, 2010|archive-date=December 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101221224506/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/feature/100-greatest-music-videos/205/page_9|url-status=live}}</ref> The music videos for "Honey" and "Heartbreaker" remain among the [[List of most expensive music videos|most expensive ever made]], costing over $2 million.<ref>{{harvnb|Carey|Davis|2020|p=215}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://music.uk.msn.com/photos/photos.aspx?cp-documentid=150253228&page=3|title=The Most Expensive Music Videos Ever Made: Mariah Carey – Heartbreaker|work=[[MSN Music]]|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=March 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809234423/http://music.uk.msn.com/photos/photos.aspx?cp-documentid=150253228&page=3|archive-date=August 9, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2021, Carey was honoured at the [[African American Film Critics Association]] with a Special Achievement Innovator Award for her "visual storytelling in her music videos and specials".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/mariah-carey-george-c-wolfe-aafca-special-achievement-awards-1234694514/|title=Mariah Carey, 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom's George C. Wolfe Nab AAFCA Special Achievement Awards|access-date=February 18, 2021|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 16, 2021|archive-date=February 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217003840/https://deadline.com/2021/02/mariah-carey-george-c-wolfe-aafca-special-achievement-awards-1234694514/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Cultural status ==
{{Main|Cultural impact of Mariah Carey|Public image of Mariah Carey}}

[[File:Mariah Carey13 Edwards Dec 1998.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.85|Carey at [[Edwards Air Force Base]] during the making of the "[[I Still Believe (Brenda K. Starr song)|I Still Believe]]" music video in December 1998]]
Throughout her career, Carey has been called a [[pop icon]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/12/mariah-carey-mc30-meaning-of-mariah-essay.html|title=Mariah Carey Might Be As Close to Pop Perfection As Pop Will Ever Allow|access-date=March 4, 2021|website=Vulture|date=December 8, 2020|archive-date=February 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218040342/https://www.vulture.com/2020/12/mariah-carey-mc30-meaning-of-mariah-essay.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/interview/forever-mariah-an-interview-with-an-icon/|title=Forever Mariah: An Interview With an Icon|website=Pitchfork|date=November 28, 2018|access-date=July 5, 2020|archive-date=November 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107043251/https://pitchfork.com/features/interview/forever-mariah-an-interview-with-an-icon/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://newrepublic.com/article/159685/sweet-fantasy-female-pop-star|title=The Sweet Fantasy of the Female Pop Star|access-date=March 4, 2021|magazine=The New Republic|date=October 9, 2020|last=Livingstone|first=Jo|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210201301/https://newrepublic.com/article/159685/sweet-fantasy-female-pop-star|url-status=live}}</ref> a [[gay icon]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fandomwire.com/the-song-that-turned-mariah-carey-into-a-gay-icon-and-messiah/|title=The Song That Turned Mariah Carey into a Gay Icon and Messiah|access-date=July 24, 2024|website=Fandom Wire|date=December 27, 2023|first=Rahul|last=Thokchom}}</ref> and a [[fashion icon]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insider.com/mariah-carey-style-evolution-2018-3|access-date=March 31, 2021|publisher=Insider Inc.|title=43 Pictures that Show Mariah Carey's Glamorous Style Evolution|archive-date=March 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305111812/https://www.businessinsider.com/mariah-carey-style-evolution-2018-3|url-status=live}}</ref> [[The Recording Academy]], the ''[[Guinness World Records]]'' and music critics have dubbed Carey the "Songbird Supreme".<ref name="Guinness">{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2019-11-26/mariah-carey-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-guinness-world-records|title=Mariah Carey sets 3 Guinness World Records|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 26, 2019 |access-date=November 26, 2019|url-status=live|archive-date=December 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210101321/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2019-11-26/mariah-carey-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-guinness-world-records}}</ref><ref name="Grammy.comSongbirdSupreme">{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/news/mariah-carey-discography-albums-songs-butterfly-anniversary-glitter-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-queen-music-box-songbird-supreme-songbook|title=Songbook: How Mariah Carey Became The Songbird Supreme, From Her Unmistakable Range To Genre-Melding Prowess|publisher=Grammys|access-date=September 16, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=October 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010194459/https://www.grammy.com/news/mariah-carey-discography-albums-songs-butterfly-anniversary-glitter-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-queen-music-box-songbird-supreme-songbook}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Dailey |first=Hannah |title=Mariah Carey Addresses Rumors Her 2024 Spotify Wrapped Video Was AI |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mariah-carey-addresses-rumors-2024-spotify-wrapped-video-ai-1235846504/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 6, 2024 |date=December 6, 2024 }}</ref> She has been labeled a "[[diva]]" for her stardom and persona.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insider.com/mariah-careys-craziest-moments-2017-9|title=20 of Mariah Carey's wildest and most diva moments|publisher=Insider Inc.|date=July 15, 2019|access-date=July 5, 2020|archive-date=March 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305111746/https://www.businessinsider.com/mariah-careys-craziest-moments-2017-9#when-she-subtly-dissed-madonna-1|url-status=live}}</ref> Her diva persona has received heavy attention, gaining admiration from her fans.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/how-the-gay-icon-in-music-has-evolved/|title=How the Gay Icon in Music Has Evolved Since Mariah Carey|magazine=Vice|date=July 29, 2016|access-date=July 5, 2020|archive-date=July 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710111024/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/rnw8jq/how-the-gay-icon-in-music-has-evolved|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.therainbowtimesmass.com/heroism-of-mariah-carey/|title=The Heroism of Mariah Carey|work=The Rainbow Times|date=February 17, 2017|access-date=July 5, 2020|archive-date=July 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712141804/https://www.therainbowtimesmass.com/heroism-of-mariah-carey/|url-status=live}}</ref> Author Lily E. Hirsch argues that while Carey has displayed diva behavior during several incidents in her career, the media's association of the term with her is influenced by gender.<ref>{{harvnb|Hirsch|2023}}</ref> Carey's style has often been described as "eccentric" and "over the top".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.redbookmag.com/life/news/a22238/mariah-careys-ex-breaks-his-silence-about-what-the-pop-star-is-really-like/|title=Mariah Carey's Ex Drops Some Major Truth Bombs About the Notorious Diva|magazine=Redbook|date=May 27, 2015|access-date=April 21, 2023|archive-date=April 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421191840/https://www.redbookmag.com/life/news/a22238/mariah-careys-ex-breaks-his-silence-about-what-the-pop-star-is-really-like/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/84645/mariah-carey-album-title-generator/ |title=Make Your Own Iconic Mariah Carey Album Title |last=Macsai |first=Dan |magazine=Time |date=May 1, 2014 |access-date=May 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502151600/http://time.com/84645/mariah-carey-album-title-generator/ |archive-date=May 2, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Throughout her career, she has also been used in several [[social media]] [[memes]], gaining the "Queen of [[throw shade|Shade]]" title from ''[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]]''.<ref name="meme1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wmagazine.com/story/mariah-carey-subway-meme-a-no-no-music-video|title=Mariah Carey Turned One of Her Most Famous Memes Into a Music Video|access-date=July 26, 2024|website=W|date=March 9, 2019|last=Munzenrieder|first=Kyle}}</ref> Carey's reactions in various interviews have often gone viral, becoming the origin of various memes including "[[I don't know her]]".<ref name=IDKher>{{cite magazine|date=May 18, 2016|access-date=May 27, 2024|first=Estelle|last=Tang|title=Mariah Carey, Queen of Shade, Dishes on J.Lo and Nicki Minaj|url=https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/news/a36445/mariah-carey-on-jlo-and-nicki-minaj/|magazine=[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]]|archive-date=May 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527151301/https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/news/a36445/mariah-carey-on-jlo-and-nicki-minaj/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Carey's public image has undergone significant transformations, often receiving heavy media attention. Early in her career, Carey had a polished image, influenced by Mottola and his control over her career. After their separation, Carey took on a more provocative image in her career and has since been called a [[sex symbol]].<ref>{{harvnb|Harrison|2011|p=7}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|first1=Lauren|last1=Nostro|first2=Julian|last2=Patterson|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2012/12/the-100-hottest-female-singers-of-all-time/lisa-loeb|title=The 100 Hottest Female Singers of All Time|magazine=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|date=December 10, 2012|access-date=July 5, 2020|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422202531/https://www.complex.com/music/2012/12/the-100-hottest-female-singers-of-all-time/lisa-loeb|url-status=live}}</ref> Her career has received heavy media attention, particularly during the rollout of her 2001 film, ''Glitter'' which became "tabloid legend".<ref name="NOWMC1">{{Cite web|url=https://nowtoronto.com/music/features/mariah-carey-caution-comeback|newspaper=Now|access-date=April 12, 2021|title=Have We Been Underestimating Mariah Carey?|date=November 29, 2018|archive-date=April 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412095413/https://nowtoronto.com/music/features/mariah-carey-caution-comeback|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/09/the-meaning-of-mariah-carey-book-best-stories.html|title=10 Shocking Stories From Mariah Carey's Memoir|access-date=April 12, 2021|website=Vulture|date=September 30, 2020|archive-date=April 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410235026/https://www.vulture.com/2020/09/the-meaning-of-mariah-carey-book-best-stories.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Academic Shara Rambarran believes that Carey has matched the media's intense scrutiny and attention on her personal life through "her diva attitude, performance, identity, and music".<ref>{{harvnb|Rambarran|2023|p=27}}</ref>

Carey's enduring popularity as a musician has received extensive recognition and often praised for its longevity.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Branigin|first=Anne|date=December 17, 2019|title=All I Want For Christmas Is...the Bag: Mariah Carey's Holiday Staple Hits No. 1 on Billboard for First Time, New Music Video to Come|url=https://www.theroot.com/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-the-bag-mariah-careys-ho-1840491759|access-date=April 19, 2023|website=The Root|archive-date=April 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419175030/https://www.theroot.com/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-the-bag-mariah-careys-ho-1840491759|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Hadi|first=Eddino|date=November 21, 2018|title=Music review: Diva Mariah Carey ditches her signature vocal acrobatics in her latest album|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/music-review-diva-mariah-carey-ditches-her-signature-vocal-acrobatics-in-her|access-date=April 19, 2023|website=The Straits Time|archive-date=April 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419175030/https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/music-review-diva-mariah-carey-ditches-her-signature-vocal-acrobatics-in-her|url-status=live}}</ref> She has been credited for her role in breaking down racial barriers in popular culture and facilitating public discourse surrounding [[multiracialism]] in the music industry.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Molanphy|first=Chris|date=December 20, 2019|title=Why Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" Is Finally No. 1|url=https://slate.com/culture/2019/12/mariah-carey-christmas-number-1-billboard-hot-100.html|access-date=April 29, 2023|website=Slate|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206022145/https://slate.com/culture/2019/12/mariah-carey-christmas-number-1-billboard-hot-100.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Carey has also been credited for popularizing the use of [[melisma]] amongst her peers and the generation after her, and has often been considered one of the greatest vocalists in pop music.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smoothradio.com/news/music/best-female-singers-of-all-time/|title=The 30 greatest female singers of all time, ranked in order of pure vocal ability|access-date=August 1, 2024|website=Smooth Radio|date=March 7, 2024}}</ref> Carey has influenced numerous artists and her music has also been recorded, performed or sampled by a variety of acts.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9900E6D9153EF936A35752C1A962958260|title=Pop Review; Playful Aretha Franklin Plumbs Roots of Soul|last=Holden|first=Stephen|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 5, 1994|access-date=April 12, 2011|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115112216/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/11/05/arts/pop-review-playful-aretha-franklin-plumbs-roots-of-soul.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="vibe1">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2012/02/14/kelly-rowland-performs-fantasy-in-honor-of-mariah-carey/|title=Kelly Rowland performs "Fantasy" in honor of Mariah Carey|magazine=Rap-Up|date=February 14, 2012|access-date=July 20, 2021|archive-date=July 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724114947/https://www.rap-up.com/2012/02/14/kelly-rowland-performs-fantasy-in-honor-of-mariah-carey/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9463928/dolly-parton-new-christmas-album-debuts-atop-charts|title=Dolly Parton Jingles In Atop Country & Holiday Album Charts: 'What a Great Early Christmas Present for Me!'|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 5, 2020|archive-date=October 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023214708/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9463928/dolly-parton-new-christmas-album-debuts-atop-charts/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2176900/the-number-ones-mariah-careys-hero/columns/the-number-ones/|title=The Number Ones: Mariah Carey's "Hero"|date=February 21, 2022|magazine=Stereogum|access-date=April 29, 2023|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412150111/https://www.stereogum.com/2176900/the-number-ones-mariah-careys-hero/columns/the-number-ones/|url-status=live}}</ref> In a 2010 article for ''The New York Times'', [[David Browne (journalist)|David Browne]] wrote that in the early 1990s, "melisma overtook pop in a way it hadn't before. Mariah Carey's debut hit from 1990, 'Vision of Love', [set] the bar insanely high for notes stretched louder, longer and knottier than most pop fans had ever heard". He added that because of this, various artists have since "built their careers around melisma" including [[Christina Aguilera]], [[Jennifer Hudson]] and [[Beyoncé]].<ref name="MelismaNYT">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/26/arts/music/26browne.html|newspaper=The New York Times|first=David|last=Browne|title=Out With Mariah's Melisma, In With Kesha's Kick|date=August 10, 2010|access-date=November 10, 2011|archive-date=February 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201030211/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/26/arts/music/26browne.html?_r=2|url-status=live}}</ref>

"All I Want for Christmas Is You", as well as its parent album ''Merry Christmas'', have become such a ubiquitous part of wider [[popular culture]] that Carey's name became synonymous with the season, and she has since been dubbed the "Queen of Christmas".<ref name="vogue.com">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/mariah-carey-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-analysis|first=Michelle|last=Ruiz|title=The Enduring Magic of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You"|magazine=Vogue|date=December 23, 2015|access-date=June 15, 2019|archive-date=November 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128193559/https://www.vogue.com/article/mariah-carey-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-analysis|url-status=live}}</ref> Multiple media sources have referred to Carey as a holiday icon.<ref name="billboard.com">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/photos/mariah-carey-christmas-outfits-gallery-9501092/|title=Mariah Carey's Christmas Looks: See All Her Best Outfits|magazine=Billboard|date=December 20, 2022|access-date=April 23, 2023|archive-date=April 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423024307/https://www.billboard.com/photos/mariah-carey-christmas-outfits-gallery-9501092/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://i-d.co/article/how-mariah-carey-became-the-queen-of-christmas/|title=how mariah carey became the queen of christmas|magazine=Vice|date=December 14, 2015|access-date=April 23, 2023|archive-date=April 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423131501/https://i-d.vice.com/en/article/a3gqkz/how-mariah-carey-became-the-queen-of-christmas|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/20221126158126/mariah-carey-reveals-lavish-christmas-plans-with-family/|title=Mariah Carey reveals lavish holiday plans with her kids - and they're so extra|magazine=Hello!|date=November 26, 2022|access-date=April 23, 2023|archive-date=April 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423131501/https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/20221126158126/mariah-carey-reveals-lavish-christmas-plans-with-family/|url-status=live}}</ref> The singer has often incorporated holiday-themed outfits during her Christmas shows and music videos.<ref name="billboard.com"/>

== Achievements ==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Mariah Carey}}

[[File:Mariah Carey @ 2010 Academy Awards.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Carey at the [[82nd Academy Awards]] in 2010]]
Carey has won six [[Grammy Award]]s (including a [[Grammy Global Impact Award]]),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mariah Carey To Receive Global Impact Award At Recording Academy Honors Presented By The Black Music Collective |url=https://grammy.com/news/mariah-carey-global-impact-award-recording-academy-honors-black-music-collective |access-date=February 2, 2024 |publisher=Grammy Awards |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202011657/https://www.grammy.com/news/mariah-carey-global-impact-award-recording-academy-honors-black-music-collective |url-status=live }}</ref> nineteen [[World Music Awards]], ten [[American Music Award]]s,<ref name="amas">{{cite web|url=https://www.theamas.com/winners-database/?winnerKeyword=Mariah+Carey|title=Winners Database – Mariah Carey|publisher=[[American Music Awards]]|access-date=March 10, 2018|archive-date=February 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225150503/https://www.theamas.com/winners-database/?winnerKeyword=Mariah+Carey|url-status=live}}</ref> and fourteen [[Billboard Music Awards|''Billboard'' Music Awards]].<ref name="r1QJQ">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6553980/mariah-carey-2015-billboard-music-awards|title=Mariah Carey to Perform at 2015 Billboard Music Awards|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 9, 2015|archive-date=October 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009022718/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6553980/mariah-carey-2015-billboard-music-awards|url-status=live}}</ref> Carey is one of the [[List of best-selling music artists|best-selling recording artists in history]], with more than 220 million records sold.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mariah Carey gets hand and footprints cemented in Hollywood history |date=November 2017 |url=https://abc7.com/mariah-carey-hollywood-handprints/2593074/ |access-date=February 8, 2024 |publisher=[[KABC-TV]] |archive-date=December 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229095230/https://abc7.com/mariah-carey-hollywood-handprints/2593074/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She is also an inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame<ref name="Inducted">{{Cite magazine |last=Nolfi |first=Joey |date=January 16, 2020 |title=Mariah Carey to be inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame |url=https://ew.com/awards/2020/01/16/2020-songwriters-hall-of-fame-inductees-mariah-carey/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=March 9, 2020 |archive-date=January 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116201213/https://ew.com/awards/2020/01/16/2020-songwriters-hall-of-fame-inductees-mariah-carey/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 26, 2018 |title=Long Island Music Hall of Fame: Notable inductees |magazine=Newsday |url=https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/long-island-music-hall-of-fame-notable-inductees-u17563 |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601060044/https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/long-island-music-hall-of-fame-notable-inductees-u17563 |url-status=live }}</ref> Carey was honored with a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] in 2015,<ref name="cgmV0">{{cite news|last=Leopold|first=Todd|title=Mariah Carey may join 'Empire,' gets Walk of Fame star|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2015/08/06/entertainment/mariah-carey-hollywood-star-empire-feat/|access-date=August 7, 2015|agency=CNN|date=August 6, 2015|archive-date=August 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809064516/http://edition.cnn.com/2015/08/06/entertainment/mariah-carey-hollywood-star-empire-feat|url-status=live}}</ref> a [[Billboard Icon Award|''Billboard'' Icon Award]] in 2019,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/mariah-carey-icon-award-speech-2019-bbmas-8509719/|title=Mariah Carey Gets Emotional During 2019 Billboard Music Awards Icon Acceptance Speech: Watch|magazine=Billboard|date=May 1, 2019|access-date=May 5, 2023|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505151835/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/mariah-carey-icon-award-speech-2019-bbmas-8509719/|url-status=live}}</ref> and a [[BET]] Ultimate Icon Award in 2025.<ref name="ultimateicon">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2025-bet-awards-ultimate-icon-award-recipients-mariah-carey-1235982207/ |title=Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx & Kirk Franklin to Receive Ultimate Icon Awards at 2025 BET Awards |magazine=Billboard |last=Grein |first=Paul |date=May 28, 2025 |access-date=June 10, 2025}}</ref> In 2023, she became one of the first 13 recipients of the [[Brit Billion Award]], for surpassing the milestone one billion streams in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Paul|last=Grein|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/brit-billion-award-streaming-mariah-carey-lewis-capaldi-whitney-houston-1235321745/|title=Mariah Carey, Lewis Capaldi & More Receive New BRIT Billion Award, Marking 1 Billion UK Streams|magazine=Billboard|date=May 4, 2023|access-date=May 5, 2023|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505044349/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/brit-billion-award-streaming-mariah-carey-lewis-capaldi-whitney-houston-1235321745/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Time'' named Carey one of the [[Time 100|100 most influential people in the world]] in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wonder |first1=Stevie |title=Mariah Carey - The 2008 TIME 100 |url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1733748_1733752_1735744,00.html |website=Time |access-date=April 14, 2026 |date=May 12, 2008}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' ranked her fifth on their list of the "[[Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers of All Time|200 Greatest Singers of All Time]]".<ref>{{cite web |last1= |first1= |title=The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/ |website=Rolling Stone |access-date=April 14, 2026 |date=January 1, 2023}}</ref> The same publication included "Fantasy" in its list of the "[[Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time|500 Greatest Songs of All Time]]" and ''The Emancipation of Mimi'' amongst the "[[Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time|500 Greatest Albums of All Time]]".<ref>{{cite web |last1= |first1= |title=The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-1224767/daddy-yankee-feat-glory-gasolina-1225288/ |website=Rolling Stone |access-date=April 14, 2026 |date=February 16, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1= |first1= |title=The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-of-all-time-1062063/ |website=Rolling Stone |access-date=April 14, 2026 |date=December 31, 2023}}</ref> In 2026, ''The New York Times'' included Carey on its list "The 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters".<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=April 28, 2026 |title=The 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/magazine/greatest-american-songwriters-alive.html |url-access=limited |access-date=April 28, 2026 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |archive-date=April 28, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260428050707/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/magazine/greatest-american-songwriters-alive.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Carey scored three Diamond-certified albums (''Music Box'', ''Merry Christmas'' and ''Daydream'') and one Diamond-certified single ("All I Want for Christmas Is You") by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).<ref name="riaa"/> ''Billboard'' ranks her as the fourth greatest artist of all-time, and the greatest female act, based on her success on the [[Billboard charts|''Billboard'' charts]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/greatest-of-all-time-artists/ |title=Greatest of All Time Artists |magazine=Billboard|access-date=21 March 2023|archive-date=14 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114170915/https://www.billboard.com/charts/greatest-of-all-time-artists/|url-status=live}}</ref> She holds numerous ''Billboard'' Hot 100 records, including the [[List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones#Most number-one songs|most number-one singles for a soloist]] (19) and the [[List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones#Most cumulative weeks at number one|most weeks atop the chart]] (101 weeks).<ref name=22Christmas/> Two of her songs, "One Sweet Day" and "All I Want for Christmas Is You", broke the record for the [[List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones#Most weeks at number one|longest-running number-one single in history]].<ref name=22Christmas/>

== Other activities ==
=== Business ventures ===
Declining offers to appear in commercials in the United States during her early career, Carey was not involved in brand marketing initiatives until 2006, when she participated in endorsements for [[Intel]] [[Centrino]] personal computers and launched a jewelry and accessories line for teenagers, Glamorized, in American [[Claire's]] and Icing stores.<ref name="jqmov">{{Cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/bub_gb_NBYEAAAAMBAJ#page/n25/mode/2up|title=The Branding of Mimi|last=Paoletta|first=Michael|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 19, 2011|date=July 15, 2006|pages=27–29}}</ref> During this period, as part of a partnership with [[Pepsi]] and [[Motorola]], Carey recorded and promoted a series of exclusive [[ringtone]]s, including "Time of Your Life".<ref name="EAsHr">{{cite news|url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b52141_mariah_rings_up_pepsi.html|title=Mariah Rings Up Pepsi|last=Serpe|first=Gina|publisher=E!|date=August 29, 2006|access-date=August 10, 2011|archive-date=January 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115032925/http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b52141_mariah_rings_up_pepsi.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 

She signed a licensing deal with the cosmetics company [[Elizabeth Arden]], and in 2007, she released her own fragrance, "M".<ref name="mtv1">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1528037/mariah-wants-fans-see-her-smell-like-her.jhtml|title=Mariah Wants All Fans To See Her&nbsp;– And Even Smell Like Her|last=Vineyard|first=Jennifer|publisher=MTV News|date=April 6, 2006|access-date=June 13, 2011|archive-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623214249/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1528037/mariah-wants-fans-see-her-smell-like-her.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Elizabeth Arden deal has netted her $150&nbsp;million.<ref name="xVhUT">{{cite news|last=Suddath|first=Claire|title=The Mariah Carey Business Model|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-04-23/the-mariah-carey-business-model|access-date=April 29, 2015|publisher=[[Bloomberg News]]|date=April 22, 2015|archive-date=April 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429000633/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-04-23/the-mariah-carey-business-model|url-status=live}}</ref> For the fragrance, Carey won a [[Basenotes#The Basenotes Fragrance Awards|Basenotes Fragrance Award]] for Best Celebrity Women's Fragrance as well as being nominated in three other categories.<ref name=Basenotes>The 8th Annual Basenotes Awards – [[Basenotes]]
:''Retrieved January 18, 2014'':
* For Celebrity Women's Fragrance: {{cite web|url=http://www.basenotes.net/awards/2008/fceleb.html|title=Best Celebrity Women's Fragrance: M by Mariah Carey|date=April 17, 2008|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=May 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529101225/http://www.basenotes.net/awards/2008/fceleb.html|url-status=dead}}
* For New Women's Fragrance: {{cite web|url=http://www.basenotes.net/awards/2008/fnew.html|title=Best New Women's Fragrance: Prada Infusion d'Iris by Prada|date=April 17, 2008|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128153054/https://www.basenotes.net/awards/2008/fnew.html|url-status=dead}}
* For Designer, Mainstream or Fine Fragrance: {{cite web|url=http://www.basenotes.net/awards/2008/ffine.html|title=Best Designer, Mainstream or Fine Fragrance: Prada Infusion d'Iris by Prada|date=April 17, 2008|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=February 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210220226/http://www.basenotes.net/awards/2008/ffine.html|url-status=dead}}
* For Women's Fragrance for Day Wear: {{cite web|url=http://www.basenotes.net/awards/2008/fday.html|title=Best Woman's Fragrance for Day Wear: Prada Infusion d'Iris by Prada|date=April 17, 2008|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128223817/https://www.basenotes.net/awards/2008/fday.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> She has released a series of fragrances with Elizabeth Arden, including Luscious Pink (2008) and Forever (2009).<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/01/fda_cracks_down_on_bugs_in_mak.html|title=FDA Cracks Down on Bugs in Makeup; Mariah Carey Values Her $75 Fragrance at $600|date=January 13, 2009|access-date=January 30, 2021|magazine=New York|archive-date=February 8, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208220050/http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/01/fda_cracks_down_on_bugs_in_mak.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsroom.mtv.com/2009/08/21/mariah-carey-forever/|title=Mariah Carey Hopes to Dodge 'Forever' Curse With New Fragrance|publisher=MTV|access-date=September 1, 2009|archive-date=March 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303221419/http://newsroom.mtv.com/2009/08/21/mariah-carey-forever/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On November 29, 2010, she debuted a collection on [[HSN]], which included jewelry, shoes and fragrances.<ref name="Hzahz">{{cite web|url=http://www.hsn.com/mariah-carey/mariah-carey_c-mc_a-7718_xc.aspx?rid=1831&prev=hp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712225946/http://www.hsn.com/mariah-carey/mariah-carey_c-mc_a-7718_xc.aspx?rid=1831&prev=hp|archive-date=July 12, 2011|title=Mariah Carey; Mariah Carey Jewelry, Shoes and Fragrances|publisher=[[HSN]]|date=March 3, 2011|access-date=August 19, 2011}}</ref> In November 2011, Carey was announced as "brand ambassador" for [[Jenny Craig, Inc.]] which included "participation in a new company initiative... public service announcements and community and education programs."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mariah-carey-touting-jenny-craig-after-losing-30-pounds/#:~:text=The%20company%2C%20now%20called%20just,the%20birth%20of%20her%20twins.|title=Mariah Carey Touting Jenny Craig After Losing 30 Pounds|access-date=October 28, 2020|agency=CBS News|date=November 10, 2011|archive-date=October 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031043511/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mariah-carey-touting-jenny-craig-after-losing-30-pounds/#:~:text=The%20company%2C%20now%20called%20just,the%20birth%20of%20her%20twins.|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, Carey featured in an advertisement for Hostelworld with the tagline "Even Divas are Believers".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/11/mariah-carey-accidentally-stays-in-a-hostel-in-ad-sings-karaoke.html|title=Mariah Carey Accidentally Stays in a Hostel in Ad; Sings Karaoke to Her Own Song|agency=[[CNBC]]|date=April 11, 2018|access-date=November 8, 2020|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109012956/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/11/mariah-carey-accidentally-stays-in-a-hostel-in-ad-sings-karaoke.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 25, 2019, Carey signed a $12 million contract with the Walkers crisps brand as part of their Christmas campaign<ref name="mirror.co.uk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/music-megastar-mariah-carey-set-19006237|title=Music megastar Mariah Carey 'set to become the new face of Walkers Crisps'|first=Sam|last=Elliott|date=August 26, 2019|website=mirror|access-date=November 2, 2019|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929005444/https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/music-megastar-mariah-carey-set-19006237|url-status=live}}</ref> and starred in a commercial for the company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2019/11/04/walkers-bags-mariah-carey-full-throated-christmas-ad|title=Walkers Bags Mariah Carey for Full-Throated Christmas Ad|access-date=October 28, 2020|website=The Drum|archive-date=October 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031051657/https://www.thedrum.com/news/2019/11/04/walkers-bags-mariah-carey-full-throated-christmas-ad|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2020, Carey launched a partnership with Virtual Dining Concepts and [[restaurateur]], [[Robert Earl]], for a biscuit line titled ''Mariah's Cookies''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/news/mariah-carey-holiday-cookies|title=All I Want for Christmas Are Mariah Carey's Cookies|access-date=April 4, 2021|website=The Food Network|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125122823/https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/news/mariah-carey-holiday-cookies|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, Carey announced the launch of a new line of alcohol called ''Black Irish'', an homage to her Black, Venezuelan, and Irish heritage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecut.com/2021/08/mariah-carey-is-launching-a-line-of-irish-cream.html|title=Mariah Carey Is Launching a Line of … Irish Cream?|access-date=August 18, 2021|website=The Cut|date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=August 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817232459/http://www.thecut.com/2021/08/mariah-carey-is-launching-a-line-of-irish-cream.html|url-status=live}}</ref> That same year, Carey also partnered with [[McDonald's]], promoting an entirely new limited time menu.<ref name="mcdonaldsmariah">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/mariah-carey-mcdonalds-menu-free-food-9657814/|title=Mariah Carey Teams Up With McDonald's For a Menu of Free Goodies Leading Up to Christmas|access-date=November 11, 2021|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=November 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111010618/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9657814/mariah-carey-mcdonalds-menu-free-food|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Philanthropy and activism ===
Carey is a philanthropist who has been involved with several charitable organizations. She became associated with the [[Fresh Air Fund]] in the early 1990s, and co-founded a camp located in [[Fishkill, New York]], that enables inner-city youth to embrace the arts and introduces them to career opportunities.<ref name="fresh">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=c98gAAAAIBAJ&pg=2220,934579&dq=camp+mariah&hl=en|title=Carey a Fresh Face for Fresh Air Fund|last=Hopkins|first=Eugene|newspaper=[[Sun Journal (Lewiston, Maine)|Sun Journal]]|date=December 4, 1994|access-date=August 19, 2011}}</ref> The camp was called [[Camp Mariah]] "for her generous support and dedication to Fresh Air children," and she received a Congressional Horizon Award for her youth-related charity work.<ref name="2FiIF">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1426935/19990413/carey_mariah.jhtml|title=Mariah Carey to Receive Congressional Award for Charity Efforts|publisher=MTV News|last=Vineyard|first=Jennifer|date=April 13, 1999|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=August 10, 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010810000607/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1426935/19990413/carey_mariah.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> Carey has continued her direct involvement with Camp Mariah, and by 2019 the executive director of The Fresh Air Fund reported that "...the kids who have gone to Camp Mariah have higher graduation rates out of high school and college.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Setoodeh |first=Ramin |title=Mariah Carey Reflects on Camp Mariah's 'Direct Impact on Kids Who Don't Have Other Options' |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/mariah-carey-camp-mariah-fresh-air-fund-1203362179/ |access-date=December 21, 2019 |magazine=Variety |archive-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127165604/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/mariah-carey-camp-mariah-fresh-air-fund-1203362179/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1999, 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://congressionalaward.org/events/horizon.php |title=Congress Award |publisher=[[Congressional Award]] |access-date=January 24, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111160518/http://congressionalaward.org/events/horizon.php |archive-date=November 11, 2013 }}</ref> In 2019, she was honored by ''Variety''{{'s}} Power of Women for her work with The Fresh Air Fund's Camp Mariah,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2019-10-12/jennifer-aniston-awkwafina-mariah-carey-receive-honors-varietys-power-women-lunch|title=Jennifer Aniston, Awkwafina, Mariah Carey among Variety's Power of Women honorees|access-date=April 6, 2021|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=October 12, 2019|archive-date=April 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421091757/https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2019-10-12/jennifer-aniston-awkwafina-mariah-carey-receive-honors-varietys-power-women-lunch|url-status=live}}</ref> and in 2026 she was named [[MusiCares Person of the Year]] for the same work as well as providing relief for communities impacted by [[Hurricane Katrina]] and the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/mariah-carey-2026-musicares-person-year-1236084963/|title=Mariah Carey Named 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year: 'Her Voice Has Shaped the Sound of Our Times'|website=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=October 21, 2025|last=Grein|first=Paul}}</ref>

[[File:Mariah Carey Neighborhood Ball in downtown Washington 2009 2 cropped.JPG|thumb|left|upright=0.7|Carey performing "[[Hero (Mariah Carey song)|Hero]]" during the [[First inauguration of Barack Obama|2009 Neighborhood Inaugural Ball]] for [[Barack Obama]]]]

Carey donated royalties from her songs "Hero" and "One Sweet Day" to charities.<ref name="billboard2">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/472771/mariah-carey-embarrassed-over-gadhafi-linked-concert|title=Mariah Carey 'Embarrassed' Over Gadhafi-Linked Concert|magazine=Billboard|date=September 14, 2009|access-date=August 14, 2012|archive-date=July 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710051433/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/472771/mariah-carey-embarrassed-over-gadhafi-linked-concert|url-status=live}}</ref> She has worked with the [[Make-A-Wish Foundation]], and in November 2006 she was awarded the Foundation's Wish Idol for her "extraordinary generosity and her many wish granting achievements."<ref name="93zRj">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news-article/carey-packs-times-square-with-early-morning-show|title=Mariah Carey – Carey Packs Times Square With Early Morning Show|magazine=Contactmusic.com|date=April 12, 2005|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=August 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822020557/http://www.contactmusic.com/news-article/carey-packs-times-square-with-early-morning-show|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Gy0mb">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1654204/mariah-carey-performs-with-mother-on-holiday-tv-special.jhtml|title=Mariah Carey Performs With Mother on Holiday TV Special|last=Dinh|first=James|publisher=MTV News|date=December 12, 2010|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623214126/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1654204/mariah-carey-performs-with-mother-on-holiday-tv-special.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> Carey has volunteered for the [[Police Athletic League of New York City]] and contributed to the [[obstetrics]] department of [[New York Presbyterian Hospital]] Cornell Medical Center. A percentage of the sales of ''MTV Unplugged'' was donated to various other charities.<ref name="pre">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/47992976.html?dids=47992976%3A47992976&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Jan+15%2C+2000&author=SHAUNA+SNOW&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Morning+Report%3B+ARTS+AND+ENTERTAINMENT+REPORTS+FROM+THE+TIMES%2C+NEWS+SERVICES+AND+THE+NATION%27S+PRESS.&pqatl=google|title=Morning Reports|last=Snow|first=Shauna|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=January 15, 2000|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=July 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725034338/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/47992976.html?dids=47992976%3A47992976&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Jan+15%2C+2000&author=SHAUNA+SNOW&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Morning+Report%3B+ARTS+AND+ENTERTAINMENT+REPORTS+FROM+THE+TIMES%2C+NEWS+SERVICES+AND+THE+NATION%27S+PRESS.&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref> 

In 2008, Carey was named Hunger Ambassador of the [[World Food Programme|World Hunger Relief Movement]].<ref name="HFb8H">{{cite news|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/mariah_saves_world_one_chalupa_time/30720|title=Carey Saves the World, One Chalupa at a Time|last=Ryan|first=Joyal|publisher=[[E!]]|date=August 29, 2006|access-date=August 18, 2011|archive-date=January 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114112518/http://www.eonline.com/news/mariah_saves_world_one_chalupa_time/30720|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2010, the song, "[[100% (Mariah Carey song)|100%]]", which was originally written and recorded for the film, ''Precious'',<ref name="uk7kr">{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/02/mariah-carey-to-release-duet-remix-album.html|title=Mariah Carey Will Release Duet, Remix Album|last=Kennedy|first=Gerrick|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=February 26, 2010|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=July 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721013103/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/02/mariah-carey-to-release-duet-remix-album.html|url-status=live}}</ref> was used as one of the theme songs for the [[2010 Winter Olympics]], with all money proceeds going to [[United States Olympic Committee|Team USA]].<ref name="wVfJV">{{cite web|url=http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=30499|title=AT&T to Produce Exclusive Soundtrack for Athletes Competing in 2010 Olympic Winter Game|publisher=[[AT&T]]|date=February 26, 2010|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=June 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607231728/http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=30499|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, 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''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/mariah-carey-petas-holiday-angel-animals/|title=Mariah Carey is PETA's Holiday 'Angel for Animals'|access-date=April 29, 2023|publisher=[[PETA]]|date=December 18, 2017|archive-date=March 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318031342/https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/mariah-carey-petas-holiday-angel-animals/|url-status=live}}</ref>

One of Carey's most high-profile benefit concert appearances was on VH1's 1998 ''[[Divas Live]]'' special, during which she performed alongside other female singers in support of the Save the Music Foundation. The concert was a ratings success, and Carey participated in the ''[[VH1 Divas#Divas 2000|Divas 2000]]'' special and a [[VH1 Divas#VH1 Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night|2016 holiday edition]].<ref name="divas"/><ref>{{harvnb|Hirsch|2023|p=141}}</ref> She appeared at the ''[[America: A Tribute to Heroes]]'' nationally televised fundraiser in the aftermath of the [[September 11 attacks]] and performed before peacekeeping troops in [[Kosovo]].<ref name="6yvtj">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1449077/carey-others-sing-on-telethon.jhtml|title=Mariah Carey, Springsteen, Other Stars Sing For America on Telethon|last=Schumacher-Rasmussen|first=Eric|publisher=MTV News|date=September 22, 2001|access-date=April 13, 2011|archive-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623214102/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1449077/carey-others-sing-on-telethon.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> Carey hosted the [[CBS]] television special ''At Home for the Holidays'', which documented real-life stories of adopted children and foster families.<ref name="qjRbw">{{cite news|url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2001-12-20/entertainment/18370230_1_adoption-sings-performers|title=Flawed Gala on Adoption|last=Bianculli|first=David|newspaper=New York Daily News|date=December 20, 2001|access-date=May 10, 2011|archive-date=January 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112155358/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2001-12-20/entertainment/18370230_1_adoption-sings-performers|url-status=dead}}</ref> 

In 2005, Carey performed for [[Live 8 concert, London|Live 8 in London]]<ref name="bbcnews">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4648051.stm|title=Live 8 attracts 9.6m UK viewers|publisher=BBC News|date=July 4, 2005|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=September 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923195656/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4648051.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> and at the [[Hurricane Katrina]] relief telethon "Shelter from the Storm".<ref name="wzFWc">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/bostonherald/access/894426211.html?dids=894426211:894426211&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+10%2C+2005&author=Sarah+Rodman&pub=Boston+Herald&desc=TELEVISION%3B+Stars+shine+spotlight+on+needy+during+Katrina+relief+telethon&pqatl=google|title=Stars Shine Spotlight on Needy During Katrina Relief Telethon|last=Rodman|first=Sarah|newspaper=[[Boston Herald]]|date=September 10, 2005|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=July 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725003016/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/bostonherald/access/894426211.html?dids=894426211:894426211&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+10%2C+2005&author=Sarah+Rodman&pub=Boston+Herald&desc=TELEVISION%3B+Stars+shine+spotlight+on+needy+during+Katrina+relief+telethon&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref> In August 2008, Carey and other singers recorded the charity single, "[[Just Stand Up!]]" produced by [[Babyface (musician)|Babyface]] and L.A. Reid, to support [[Stand Up to Cancer]].<ref name="LVp8d">{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/celebrity/week-ahead-bobby-browns-reality-check/|title=WEEK AHEAD: Bobby Brown's Reality Check|last=Kappes|first=Serena|magazine=People|date=May 3, 2008|access-date=August 7, 2011|archive-date=July 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701142604/https://people.com/celebrity/week-ahead-bobby-browns-reality-check/|url-status=live}}</ref> During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Carey participated in the [[iHeart Living Room Concert for America]] and ''[[Rise Up New York!]]'' telethons to raise money for those affected by [[COVID-19]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Aswad |first=Jem |title=Elton John's 'Living Room Concert for America' Raises $8 Million for Coronavirus Relief |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/elton-john-living-room-concert-for-america-raises-8-million-coronavirus-1203551388/ |magazine=Variety |access-date=April 16, 2020 |date=April 1, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308150656/https://variety.com/2020/music/news/elton-john-living-room-concert-for-america-raises-8-million-coronavirus-1203551388/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Tina Fey Brought to Tears Over Success of 'Rise Up New York' Telethon|url=https://www.etonline.com/tina-fey-brought-to-tears-over-success-of-rise-up-new-york-telethon-146398|work=[[Entertainment Tonight]]|first=Zach|last=Seemayer|date=May 11, 2020|access-date=May 18, 2020|archive-date=May 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520002911/https://www.etonline.com/tina-fey-brought-to-tears-over-success-of-rise-up-new-york-telethon-146398|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2025, a pink jacket worn by Carey during [[Brighton Pride]] earlier that year, with the slogan "[[Protect the Dolls]]" written on the back, has sold for $5,500 at auction, with the profits going to [[GLAAD]]'s Transgender Media Program.<ref>{{cite news|last=Askew|first=Joshua|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgq39njk35o|title=Mariah Carey Pride jacket sells for £4,100 at auction|agency=[[BBC News]]|date=December 16, 2025|access-date=December 21, 2025}}</ref>

In 2008, Carey performed in a New Year's Eve concert for the family of Libyan dictator [[Muammar Gaddafi]]. She later said she felt "horrible and embarrassed" to have taken part in the concert.<ref name="PyrdT">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/mar/04/mariah-carey-gaddafi-concert|title=Mariah Carey 'embarrassed' over Gaddafi concert|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Sean|last=Michaels|date=March 4, 2011|access-date=December 21, 2013|archive-date=December 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221010009/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/mar/04/mariah-carey-gaddafi-concert|url-status=live}}</ref> To make amends, in March 2011, Carey's representative Cindi Berger stated that royalties for the song "[[Save The Day (Mariah Carey song)|Save the Day]]", written for her fourteenth studio album, would be donated to charities that create awareness for human rights. Berger also said that Carey "has and continues to donate her time, money and countless hours of personal service to many organizations both here and abroad."<ref name="billboard2"/> "Save the Day" remained unreleased until 2020.<ref name="SAVETHEDAYMARIAH"/> In 2013, human rights activists criticized Carey for performing in a concert for [[Angola]]'s "father–daughter kleptocracy" and accused her of accepting "dictator cash".<ref name="EAxEE">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/dec/20/mariah-carey-dictator-cash-angola-concert-dos-santos|title=Mariah Carey accused of accepting 'dictator cash' for Angola concert|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Sean|last=Michaels|date=December 20, 2013|access-date=December 21, 2013|archive-date=December 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221001158/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/dec/20/mariah-carey-dictator-cash-angola-concert-dos-santos|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
[[File:Mariah Carey with her children.jpg|upright=1.0|thumb|Carey with her twins in 2019]]
Carey stated in 2006: "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 in Christianity|God]]. I feel the difference when I don't have my private moments to pray... I'm a fighter, but I learned that I'm not in charge. Whatever God wants to happen is what's going to happen. I feel like I've had endless second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth chances. It's by the grace of God I'm still here."<ref name="wVmhp">{{cite magazine|title=Mariah Carey Testifies New Career Success Down to God|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/mariah.carey.testifies.new.career.success.down.to.god/7171.htm|magazine=[[Christianity Today]]|access-date=August 24, 2006|date=August 5, 2006|archive-date=March 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321102424/http://www.christiantoday.com/article/mariah.carey.testifies.new.career.success.down.to.god/7171.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Carey began dating Tommy Mottola while recording ''Mariah Carey'',<ref name="Davis2020p.129">{{harvnb|Carey|Davis|2020|p=129}}</ref> and they were married at the Episcopal [[Saint Thomas Church (Manhattan)|Saint Thomas Church]] in New York City on June 5, 1993, in a half-million dollar ceremony.<ref name="shapiro6"/> The newlyweds moved into a custom-built mansion, located on a {{convert|51|acre|adj=on}} estate in [[Bedford (town), New York|Bedford, New York]], referred to by Carey as "[[Sing Sing]]"<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Collis |first=Clark |date=January 30, 2013 |title='Hitmaker' Tommy Mottola recalls marriage to Mariah Carey |url=https://ew.com/article/2013/01/30/mariah-carey-tommy-mottola/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808044758/https://ew.com/article/2013/01/30/mariah-carey-tommy-mottola/ |archive-date=August 8, 2021 |access-date=August 8, 2021 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref> (alluding to her feeling imprisoned there).<ref>{{harvnb|Hirsch|2023|p=140}}</ref> 

After the release of ''Daydream'' and the success that followed, Carey began focusing on her personal life, which was a constant struggle at the time. Their relationship began to deteriorate due to their growing creative differences in terms of her music, as well as Mottola's controlling nature.<ref name="nickson38">{{harvnb|Nickson|1998|p=156}}</ref> They separated in December 1996,<ref>{{harvnb|Shapiro|2001|p=98}}</ref> and announced it publicly on May 30, 1997.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reilly|first=Patrick M.|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB865203574355965500|url-access=limited|title=Sony Official, Mariah Carey Disclose Plans to Separate|newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=June 2, 1997|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113125400/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB865203574355965500|archive-date=November 13, 2022}}</ref> The couple divorced on March 4, 1998.<ref>{{cite magazine|first1=Matthew McCann|last1=Fenton|first2=Suna|last2=Chang|url=https://ew.com/article/1998/03/20/monitor-paula-abdul-and-mariah-carey-file-divorce/|title=Monitor: Paula Abdul and Mariah Carey file for divorce|date=March 20, 1998|access-date=July 15, 2024|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-date=July 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715152437/https://ew.com/article/1998/03/20/monitor-paula-abdul-and-mariah-carey-file-divorce/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Shortly afterwards they sold their home to [[Nelson Peltz]] for $20.5 million;<ref name="HouseSold">{{cite news |date=May 26, 1998 |title=Mariah Carey's House Goes for $20M |url=https://apnews.com/article/9ce33c415b19e984ce14fdfa095a8869 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513195628/https://apnews.com/article/9ce33c415b19e984ce14fdfa095a8869 |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |access-date=April 21, 2021 |publisher=Associated Press}}</ref> it burned down in 1999.<ref>{{cite news|title=DREAM MANSION REDUCED TO ASHES|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/1999/12/21/dream-mansion-reduced-to-ashes/|newspaper=Sun-Sentinel|date=December 21, 1999|access-date=August 27, 2024|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

Carey was in a relationship with baseball player [[Derek Jeter]] from 1997 to 1998,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2189039/the-number-ones-mariah-careys-my-all/columns/the-number-ones/|title=The Number Ones: Mariah Carey's "My All"|website=Stereogum|access-date=May 30, 2023|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412144554/https://www.stereogum.com/2189039/the-number-ones-mariah-careys-my-all/columns/the-number-ones/|url-status=live}}</ref> and with singer Luis Miguel from 1998 to 2001.<ref name="Luis Miguel Relationship"/> She began dating actor and comedian [[Nick Cannon]] while conceiving the music video for her song "[[Bye Bye (Mariah Carey song)|Bye Bye]]", which they filmed together on an island off the coast of [[Antigua]] in April 2008.<ref name="success">{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/mariah-carey-nick-cannon-get-wedding-tattoos|title=Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon Get Wedding Tattoos|last=McKay|first=Hollie|publisher=[[Fox News]]|date=April 3, 2008|access-date=August 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101204436/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,354539,00.html|archive-date=November 1, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> They were married on April 30, 2008, in [[the Bahamas]].<ref name="MarriedNick">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586974/mariah-carey-nick-cannon-wedding-photo-released.jhtml|title=It's Official! Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon Wedding Photo, Comments Are Released|last=Vineyard|first=Jennier|publisher=MTV News|date=April 9, 2008|access-date=May 10, 2011|archive-date=January 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121010617/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586974/mariah-carey-nick-cannon-wedding-photo-released.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> That same year, Carey suffered a [[miscarriage]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/mariah-carey-announces-pregnancy-reveals-past-miscarriage/story?id=11992447|title=Mariah Carey Announces Pregnancy, Reveals Past Miscarriage|agency=ABC News|first=Sheila|last=Marikar|date=October 28, 2010|access-date=September 3, 2022|archive-date=September 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903073041/https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Entertainment/mariah-carey-announces-pregnancy-reveals-past-miscarriage/story?id=11992447|url-status=live}}</ref> At 35 weeks into her next pregnancy, she gave birth to their [[fraternal twin]]s on April 30, 2011,<ref name="cmTko">{{cite news|last=Christianson|first=Emily|title=Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon debut twins on '20/20'|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2011/10/mariah-carey-nick-cannon-debut-twins-on-2020.html|access-date=September 10, 2014|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=October 22, 2011|archive-date=September 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911012823/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2011/10/mariah-carey-nick-cannon-debut-twins-on-2020.html|url-status=live}}</ref> via [[caesarean section]].<ref name="xmnMH">{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/bodies/mariah-carey-tells-rosie-odonnell-i-lost-70-lbs-after-twins/|title=Mariah Carey Tells Rosie O'Donnell: I Lost 70 Lbs. After Twins|date=November 8, 2011|magazine=People|access-date=November 11, 2019|first=Sara|last=Hammel|archive-date=January 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128012929/https://people.com/bodies/mariah-carey-tells-rosie-odonnell-i-lost-70-lbs-after-twins/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2014, Cannon confirmed he and Carey had separated.<ref name="ze40C">{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/celebrity/blogs/celeb-news/nick-cannon-confirms-mariah-carey-marriage-trouble--we-are-living-apart-202727771.html|title=Exclusive: Nick Cannon Confirms He and Mariah Carey Are Living Apart|first=Taryn|last=Ryder|date=August 21, 2014|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]|archive-date=July 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724132820/https://www.yahoo.com/celebrity/blogs/celeb-news/nick-cannon-confirms-mariah-carey-marriage-trouble--we-are-living-apart-202727771.html}}</ref> He filed for divorce on December 12, 2014,<ref name="edivorce">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/multimedia/collection/stars-who-married-their-fans/?page=9|title=Stars who married their fans|newspaper=[[The Washington Times]]|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111162853/https://www.washingtontimes.com/multimedia/collection/stars-who-married-their-fans/?page=9|url-status=live}}</ref> which was finalized in 2016.<ref name="I9uHJ">{{cite news|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/806335/mariah-carey-and-nick-cannon-s-divorce-has-been-finalized|title=Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon's Divorce Finalized|date=November 1, 2016|publisher=[[E!]]|last=Fisher|first=Kendall|access-date=November 1, 2016|archive-date=November 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102163133/http://www.eonline.com/news/806335/mariah-carey-and-nick-cannon-s-divorce-has-been-finalized|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, Carey began dating Australian billionaire [[James Packer]] and, on January 21, 2016, she announced they were engaged.<ref name="WKpgR">{{cite news|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/731548/mariah-carey-and-james-packer-are-engaged|title=Mariah Carey and James Packer are Engaged|publisher=E!|date=January 21, 2016|access-date=January 21, 2016|first=Melanie|last=Bromley|archive-date=January 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122173239/http://www.eonline.com/news/731548/mariah-carey-and-james-packer-are-engaged|url-status=live}}</ref> By October, however, they had called off the engagement.<ref name="KgfRJ">{{cite magazine|last=Mizoguchi|first=Karen|title=Mariah Carey 'Had to Leave' James Packer Because He Was 'Not Mentally Healthy' – But His Side Claims She 'Has Issues': Sources|url=https://people.com/music/mariah-carey-james-packer-split-mental-health-allegations/|access-date=January 21, 2024|magazine=People|date=October 28, 2016|archive-date=January 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128111237/https://people.com/music/mariah-carey-james-packer-split-mental-health-allegations/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2016, she began dating American choreographer [[Bryan Tanaka]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Lara|first=Maria Mercedes|url=https://people.com/music/mariah-carey-bryan-tanaka-confirms-boyfriend/|title=Mariah Carey Finally Confirms That Bryan Tanaka Is Indeed Her Boyfriend|magazine=People|date=February 18, 2017|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=December 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223190500/https://people.com/music/mariah-carey-bryan-tanaka-confirms-boyfriend/|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 26, 2023, Tanaka confirmed that he and Carey had parted ways after seven years of dating.<ref>{{cite news|first=Maria|last=Sherman|url=https://apnews.com/article/mariah-carey-bryan-tanaka-split-cf8ec4d3e8248f59ed31312d22b6da65|title=Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka split after 7 years together, dancer confirms|publisher=Associated Press|date=December 26, 2023|access-date=December 27, 2023|archive-date=December 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227013418/https://apnews.com/article/mariah-carey-bryan-tanaka-split-cf8ec4d3e8248f59ed31312d22b6da65|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2018, Carey opened up about taking therapy sessions and medication for her struggle with [[bipolar II disorder]]. She was diagnosed in 2001 and initially kept the diagnosis private.<ref>{{Cite magazine|first=Jess|last=Cagle|url=http://people.com/music/mariah-carey-bipolar-disorder-diagnosis-exclusive/|title=Mariah Carey: My Battle with Bipolar Disorder|magazine=People|access-date=August 8, 2021|date=April 11, 2018|archive-date=August 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811104754/https://people.com/music/mariah-carey-bipolar-disorder-diagnosis-exclusive/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Discography ==
{{Main|Mariah Carey albums discography|Mariah Carey singles discography|List of songs recorded by Mariah Carey}}

'''Studio albums'''
{{div col}}
* ''[[Mariah Carey (album)|Mariah Carey]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Emotions (Mariah Carey album)|Emotions]]'' (1991)
* ''[[Music Box (Mariah Carey album)|Music Box]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Merry Christmas (Mariah Carey album)|Merry Christmas]]'' (1994)
* ''[[Daydream (Mariah Carey album)|Daydream]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Butterfly (Mariah Carey album)|Butterfly]]'' (1997)
* ''[[Rainbow (Mariah Carey album)|Rainbow]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Glitter (soundtrack)|Glitter]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Charmbracelet]]'' (2002)
* ''[[The Emancipation of Mimi]]'' (2005)
* ''[[E=MC² (Mariah Carey album)|E=MC²]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Merry Christmas II You]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse]]'' (2014)
* ''[[Caution (Mariah Carey album)|Caution]]'' (2018)
* ''[[Here for It All]]'' (2025)
{{div col end}}

== Filmography ==
{{See also|Mariah Carey videography}}
{{div col}}
* ''[[The Bachelor (1999 film)|The Bachelor]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Glitter (film)|Glitter]]'' (2001)
* ''[[WiseGirls]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Death of a Dynasty]]'' (2003)
* ''[[State Property 2]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Tennessee (film)|Tennessee]]'' (2008)
* ''[[You Don't Mess with the Zohan]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Precious (film)|Precious]]'' (2009)
* ''[[The Butler]]'' (2013)
* ''[[A Christmas Melody]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping]]'' (2016)
* ''The Keys of Christmas'' (2016)
* ''[[The Lego Batman Movie]]'' (2017)
* ''[[Girls Trip]]'' (2017)
* ''[[The Star (2017 film)|The Star]]'' (2017)
* ''[[All I Want for Christmas Is You (film)|All I Want for Christmas Is You]]'' (2017)
* ''[[Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special]]'' (2020)
* ''[[Mariah's Christmas: The Magic Continues]]'' (2021)
{{div col end}}

== Tours and residencies ==
{{Main|List of Mariah Carey live performances}}

{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
''' Headlining tours '''
* [[Music Box Tour]] (1993)
* [[Daydream World Tour]] (1996)
* [[Butterfly World Tour]] (1998)
* [[Rainbow World Tour]] (2000)
* [[Charmbracelet World Tour]] (2003–2004)
* [[The Adventures of Mimi]] (2006)
* [[Angels Advocate Tour]] (2009–2010)
* [[Australian Tour 2013 (Mariah Carey)|Australian Tour 2013]] (2013)
* [[The Elusive Chanteuse Show]] (2014)
* [[The Sweet Sweet Fantasy Tour]] (2016)
* [[Mariah Carey: Live in Concert]] (2018)
* [[Caution World Tour]] (2019)
* [[Merry Christmas to All! Tour]] (2022)
* [[Merry Christmas One and All!]] (2023)
* [[Mariah Carey's Christmas Time]] (2024–2025)
{{col-2}}
''' Co-headlining tours '''
* [[All the Hits Tour (Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey)|All the Hits Tour]] (with [[Lionel Richie]]) (2017)

''' Residencies '''
* [[Live at the Pearl]] (2009)
* [[All I Want for Christmas Is You: A Night of Joy and Festivity]] (2014–2019)
* [[Number 1 to Infinity (concert residency)|#1 to Infinity]] (2015–2017)
* [[The Butterfly Returns]] (2018–2020)
* [[The Celebration of Mimi]] (2024–2025)
{{col-end}}

== Written works ==
* {{cite book|title=All I Want for Christmas Is You|date=November 10, 2015|publisher=[[Random House Children's Books]]|isbn=978-0-399-55139-0|url=https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/535327/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-by-mariah-carey-illustrated-by-colleen-madden/|access-date=July 24, 2020|archive-date=July 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724052845/https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/535327/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-by-mariah-carey-illustrated-by-colleen-madden/|url-status=live}}
* {{cite book|title=The Meaning of Mariah Carey|date=September 29, 2020|publisher=[[Henry Holt and Company]]|isbn=978-1-250-16468-1|url=https://themeaningofmariahcarey.com/the-meaning-of-mariah-carey.html|access-date=July 24, 2020|archive-date=July 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724102954/https://themeaningofmariahcarey.com/the-meaning-of-mariah-carey.html|url-status=live}}
* {{cite book|title=The Christmas Princess (The Adventures of Little Mariah)|date=November 1, 2022|publisher=[[Henry Holt Books for Young Readers]]|isbn=978-1-250-83711-0|url=https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250837110/thechristmasprincess|access-date=March 26, 2022|archive-date=May 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514184153/https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250837110/thechristmasprincess|url-status=live}}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Biography|Pop music|United States}}
* [[List of American Grammy Award winners and nominees]]
* [[List of artists who reached number one in the United States|List of artists who reached number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100]]
* [[List of artists who reached number one on the US dance chart]]
* [[Artists with the most number-ones on the U.S. dance chart|Artists with the most number-ones on the US dance chart]]
* [[List of best-selling singles]]
* [[List of best-selling albums]]
* [[List of best-selling music artists in the United States]]
* [[List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones|List of ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones]]
* [[Forbes list of highest-earning musicians|''Forbes'' list of highest-earning musicians]]
* [[List of music artists by net worth]]
* [[List of largest music deals]]
* [[Hispanics and Latinos in New York]]
* [[Multiracial Americans]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

=== Print sources ===
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{Cite book|last=Austerlitz|first=Saul|title=Money For Nothing: A History of the Music Video from the Beatles to the White Stripes|year=2007|place=New York|publisher=[[Continuum International Publishing Group|Continuum]]|isbn=978-0-8264-2958-2}}
* {{Cite book|last=Breihan|first=Tom|title=The Number Ones: Twenty Chart-Topping Hits That Reveal the History of Pop Music|year=2022|place=New York|publisher=[[Hachette Books]]|isbn=978-0-306-82653-5}}
* {{cite book|last1=Carey|first1=Mariah|last2=Davis|first2=Michaela Angela|author-link2=Michaela Angela Davis|date=2020|title=[[The Meaning of Mariah Carey]]|place=New York|publisher=[[Henry Holt and Company|Andy Cohen Books]]|isbn=978-1-250-16468-1}}
* {{Cite book |last=James |first=Harold |year=2010 |title=Guinness Rockopedia |url=https://archive.org/details/guinnessrockoped0000unse |location=Los Angeles |publisher=Guinness Publishing |isbn=978-0-85112-072-0 }}
* {{Cite book|last=Harrison|first=Thomas|title=Music of the 1990s|year=2011|place=Santa Barbara, California|publisher=[[Greenwood Publishing Group]]|isbn=978-0-313-37942-0}}
* {{cite book |last=Mulholland |first=Garry |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Music |year=2003 |location=UK |publisher=Flame Tree Publishing |isbn=978-1-904041-70-2 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000unse_j5o2 }}
* {{Cite book |last=Nickson |first=Chris |author-link=Chris Nickson |title=Mariah Carey revisited |year=1998 |publisher=St. Martin's Griffin |location=New York |isbn=978-0-312-19512-0}}
* {{Cite book|last=Pollock|first=Bruce|title=America's Songs III: Rock!|year=2017|place=New York|publisher=[[Routledge]]|isbn=978-1-138-63813-6}}
* {{Cite book |last=Shapiro |first=Marc |year=2001 |title=Mariah Carey |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-52eG8YN4tAC&pg=PA18 |location=Toronto |publisher=ECW Press |isbn=978-1-55022-444-3 |access-date=October 25, 2015 |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119181715/https://books.google.com/books?id=-52eG8YN4tAC&pg=PA18 |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite book |last=Soto-Morettini |first=Donna |year=2014 |title=Popular Singing and Style |edition=2nd |location=London |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-1-4725-1864-4 |oclc=880196585}}
* {{Cite book |last=Rambarran |first=Shara |date=October 5, 2023 |title=Diva |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-1-5013-6825-7}}
* {{Cite book |last=Hirsch |first=Lily E. |year=2023 |title=Can't Stop the Grrrls |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-1538169063}}
* {{Cite book |last=Chan |first=Andrew |date=September 12, 2023 |title=Why Mariah Carey Matters |publisher=University of Texas Press |isbn=978-1477325070}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
<!-- Please do not include fansites. We have a Google directory link. See [[WP:EL]] -->
<!-- per [[WP:ELMINOFFICIAL]], choose one official website only -->
{{Sister project links|wikt=no |commons=Mariah Carey |b=no |n=no |q=Mariah Carey |s=no |voy=no |v=no |species=no |d=Q41076 |display=Mariah Carey}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{AllMusic}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-ach|aw}}
{{s-new|first}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Billboard Artist of the Decade Award|Billboard Artist of the Decade]]|years=1990s}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Eminem]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{Mariah Carey}}
{{Mariah Carey songs}}
{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Mariah Carey|Awards for Mariah Carey]]
|list =
{{American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist}}
{{American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist}}
{{Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress}}
{{Grammy Award for Best New Artist}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album}}
{{Grammy Award for Best R&B Song}}
{{Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award}}
{{MTV Europe Music Award for Best Female}}
{{MTV Video Music Award for Best R&B Video}}
{{MusiCares Person of the Year}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Album}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Duo or Group}}
{{Japan Gold Disc Award for Artist of the Year}}
{{Billboard Year-End number one albums}}
{{Billboard Year-End Top Artists}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Carey, Mariah}}
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