Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak are once again at the center of dating speculation following their appearance together at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Monday night. The two Grammy-winning artists sparked fresh romance rumors when Anderson was seen escorting Mariah to the stage as she accepted the Icon Award—one of the ceremony’s highest honors.
Romance Speculation Grows
For months, Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak have been the subject of relationship rumors. While their professional collaboration on new music has been widely discussed, fans couldn’t help but notice their increasing public appearances together. Their latest joint outing at the iHeartRadio Music Awards has only added fuel to the speculation.
In December 2024, the duo was spotted on multiple occasions in Aspen, Colorado, dining together in what appeared to be intimate settings. Witnesses described their interactions as affectionate, further intensifying whispers of a potential romance. However, after their holiday season sightings, they had not been publicly seen together—until now.
Seeing Anderson by Mariah’s side at such a high-profile event was a significant move, raising questions about the true nature of their relationship. While neither has confirmed a romantic involvement, their undeniable chemistry continues to keep fans guessing.
Inside Mariah’s Acceptance Speech
Aside from the romance rumors, Mariah’s acceptance speech also made headlines. As she took the stage to receive her prestigious Icon Award, she acknowledged key figures in her career, including John Sykes, President of iHeartRadio.
Referring to him as her “first manager,” Mariah caught the audience—and host LL Cool J—off guard. She playfully turned to LL Cool J and asked, “Did you know that?” to which he replied that he did not. The comment immediately sparked curiosity, as many have long believed that her first major industry mentor was her ex-husband, Tommy Mottola.
Mariah added humor to the moment, saying, “Some people think it was some other guy, but it wasn’t him—it was John.” The statement appeared to subtly dismiss Mottola’s role in shaping her early career, a topic that has been widely discussed over the years.
A Look Back at Mariah’s Past Relationship with Tommy Mottola
Mariah Carey’s past marriage to former Sony Music CEO Tommy Mottola has been a point of interest for fans and media alike. The two met when Mariah was just 18 years old, and Mottola, then 39, played a pivotal role in launching her career. They married in 1993 but divorced five years later in 1998.
In her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, she detailed her experience in the marriage, describing it as highly controlled. She alleged that Mottola monitored her every move, installing security cameras and armed guards at their home to keep constant watch over her.
“Every move I made, everywhere I went, I was monitored—minute by minute, day after day, year after year,” Mariah wrote. “I was living my dream but couldn’t leave my house. Lonely and trapped, I was held captive in that relationship.”
Her revelations about the controlling nature of the marriage resonated with many, shedding light on the darker side of her rise to superstardom.
What’s Next for Mariah and Anderson?
While neither Mariah nor Anderson has addressed the dating rumors directly, their latest appearance together certainly has fans talking. Whether they are just close friends and collaborators or something more remains to be seen.
For now, fans will have to wait and watch if this budding relationship—whether romantic or professional—continues to unfold in public.
