Mariah Carey is a name that resonates with many as a talented diva, but her life has not been without controversy. Recently, people have been buzzing about her infamous affairs, lavish lifestyle, and declining musical prowess. For those who once viewed her as a perfect star, the shocking images of the pop icon enjoying wild nights out and cozying up to dancer Bryan Tanaka in 2016, just as she was about to marry billionaire casino mogul James Packer, have led to feelings of disappointment and shock.
Despite Carey remaining silent on these rumors and relying on her representatives to deny everything, a wave of criticism has flooded forums, with many labeling her as promiscuous and questioning her character. Some comments have even gone so far as to claim, “Mariah Carey does not deserve to be a star!“
A Dream Career
Born on March 27, 1969, in a middle-class family in New York, Mariah Carey has Irish roots. From a young age, she witnessed her parents’ tumultuous relationship, which eventually led to their divorce. This chaos pushed her to seek solace in music, often sneaking to listen to the radio at night.
Carey began writing poetry and adding melodies, ultimately becoming a self-taught songwriter during her time in high school at Harborfields. With her mother, Patricia, teaching her the nuances of vocal control and introducing her to classical opera, Carey honed her craft without any pressure to pursue a formal music career.
In 1990, she released her debut album, which bore her name and instantly made waves globally. This album achieved platinum certification, with four singles—Vision of Love, Someday, I Don’t Wanna Cry, and Love Takes Time—all hitting number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Her success continued with subsequent albums like Emotions (1991), Music Box (1993), Merry Christmas (1994), and the groundbreaking Daydream (1995), which included One Sweet Day, a record-setting number one single for 16 weeks.
As she transitioned from R&B and gentle ballads to hip-hop influences in her work, most notably with her album Butterfly (1997), Carey showcased her exceptional vocal range and solidified her status as a contemporary diva.
Declining Star Power
Despite her illustrious career, the past decade has not been kind to Mariah Carey. From 2010 onwards, she has struggled to produce standout albums or achieve chart-topping success. Her recent album, 1 To Infinity, was criticized for its lack of innovation, focusing solely on her trademark high notes.
Moreover, Carey’s overreliance on vocal techniques led to health issues that diminished her stage presence. Some media outlets have even labeled her as “washed up” following a disappointing performance on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in 2016, where her fatigue and lack of emotion were evident.
In 2017, she faced a significant setback during a concert in Las Vegas, falling on stage while performing Fantasy. Her struggle with lip-syncing raised concerns about her current vocal capabilities.
Additionally, Carey has faced scrutiny for her changing appearance, moving away from her once-svelte figure to a fuller body shape. This prompted her to undergo gastric sleeve surgery to manage her weight, resulting in a loss of over 13 kg within six months, although the long-term health impacts remain a concern.
Furthermore, Mariah Carey has publicly battled bipolar disorder, leading to multiple hospitalizations due to stress and noncompliance with medication. Despite these challenges, she has openly discussed her struggles, stating, “I live in constant fear. Everything becomes heavy, and I can’t live like this anymore. That’s why I sought a doctor and began treatment.”
A Complicated Love Life
Carey’s romantic history is equally tumultuous. In June 1993, she married music executive Tommy Mottola, who famously claimed, “Mariah Carey’s success is thanks to me.” However, after four years, she left him, describing their marriage as a “living hell” filled with emotional abuse.
Following this, she had brief flings with various celebrities, including Miguel, Eric Benét, Eminem, and Christian Monzon. In 2008, she married rapper Nick Cannon, with whom she had twins Moroccan Scott and Monroe. However, their marriage ended after seven years.
One of Carey’s most talked-about relationships was with James Packer. They became engaged in January 2016, and she fell deeply in love, enjoying a life of extravagant parties. However, Packer ultimately called off the engagement during a trip to Greece, reportedly unable to handle her extravagant spending while dealing with his own financial burdens.
Heartbroken, Carey quickly moved on to a romance with dancer Bryan Tanaka, just a month later. Recent revelations of her infidelity, including intimate photos of her and Tanaka published, have led many to question her character, with accusations of promiscuity surfacing.
Moreover, Carey has faced sexual harassment allegations from her former bodyguard, who claimed she made unwanted advances during a trip to Cabo San Lucas. Similarly, in April 2018, her former manager sued her for inappropriate behavior, citing her habit of walking around naked in front of her.
A Complex Legacy
Mariah Carey remains an incredibly talented artist with a glamorous exterior, yet her life is riddled with complexities and controversies. While she has made an indelible mark on the music industry, the narrative surrounding her personal life continues to evolve, leaving many to reflect on the duality of her existence as a celebrated icon and a figure embroiled in scandal.
