The New King Of Her Heart? Everything About Mariah Carey's Rumored Boyfriend, Anderson .Paak
The Queen of Christmas has a new king of her heart, or so the latest buzz suggests. As of December 2025, the romantic life of pop icon Mariah Carey is once again dominating headlines following her very recent and highly publicized split from long-time partner Bryan Tanaka. The most current and compelling rumors point to a surprising new relationship with Grammy-winning artist, producer, and drummer Anderson .Paak, signaling a fresh chapter for the legendary singer.
This article dives deep into the details of Mariah Carey's rumored new flame, the specifics of their connection, and the definitive reason behind her seven-year relationship with Bryan Tanaka coming to an end. We'll explore the biography of the man who has reportedly captured the attention of the elusive 'Elusive Chanteuse,' providing you with the most up-to-date and exclusive information.
Who Is Anderson .Paak? The Rumored New Man in Mariah's Life
The man currently at the center of the Mariah Carey dating speculation is none other than the multi-talented artist Anderson .Paak. Known for his eclectic blend of funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop, and as one half of the super-duo Silk Sonic with Bruno Mars, Paak is a powerhouse in the music industry. The relationship rumors have been building since late 2024, intensifying in early 2025 after they were spotted together at several high-profile events, including the iHeartRadio Music Awards in March 2025.
Anderson .Paak: Complete Biography and Profile
- Full Name: Brandon Paak Anderson
- Stage Name: Anderson .Paak (often stylized with the period)
- Date of Birth: February 8, 1986
- Age (as of 2025): 39 years old
- Hometown: Oxnard, California, U.S.
- Occupation: Singer, Rapper, Songwriter, Drummer, Record Producer
- Musical Genres: R&B, Hip-Hop, Soul, Funk, Rock
- Notable Projects: Albums Malibu and Ventura; Super-duo Silk Sonic (with Bruno Mars)
- Grammy Awards: Multiple wins, including for his work with Silk Sonic.
- Relationship Status: Reportedly dating Mariah Carey (as of 2025)
The 16-Year Gap: Inside the Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak Romance Rumors
The alleged relationship between Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak has generated significant buzz, not just because of their celebrity status, but also due to the age difference. Mariah Carey, at 55, is reportedly 16 years older than Anderson .Paak, who is 39.
Despite the age gap, sources close to the couple claim that the chemistry is undeniable. The two reportedly met while working together in the summer of 2024. Anderson .Paak is said to have always been a huge fan of the legendary singer and is now reportedly "very smitten" with her. Carey, for her part, reportedly finds the "Silk Sonic" artist "very sweet" and admires his immense musical talent.
Their public appearances have only fueled the fire. The most notable recent sighting was at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in March 2025, where Paak escorted Carey to the stage to accept the Icon Award. While Mariah has maintained her characteristic coy demeanor, lightly dismissing the dating rumors during a televised interview by saying Paak "likes holding my hand," the industry consensus is that a genuine romance is blossoming.
The Real Reason Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka Split After Seven Years
Before the emergence of Anderson .Paak, Mariah Carey was in a long-term relationship with her creative director and backup dancer, Bryan Tanaka. The couple dated for seven years, from 2016 until their amicable separation was confirmed in December 2023.
The primary factor cited for the split was a fundamental difference in their future life goals, largely stemming from their age difference.
Differing Future Plans: Family vs. Career
Bryan Tanaka, who is 14 years younger than Carey, reportedly had a strong desire to start a family and have children. Mariah Carey, on the other hand, is already a mother to twins, Moroccan and Monroe, from her previous marriage to Nick Cannon. Sources indicate that the pop diva was simply not interested in having more children or starting a new family at this stage of her life and career.
This difference in priorities—Tanaka wanting to settle down and have kids, while Carey was focused on her career and existing family—created an irreconcilable rift. The age disparity, which led to these divergent visions for the future, was the ultimate catalyst for their amicable separation, which Tanaka confirmed in a public statement.
The separation from Tanaka marked the end of a significant chapter for Carey, who had also previously been engaged to Australian billionaire James Packer after her divorce from Cannon. Her ability to move on and potentially find love again with a vibrant and musically gifted partner like Anderson .Paak demonstrates her enduring spirit and commitment to living life on her own terms.
Mariah Carey’s Enduring Romantic Journey: From Mogul to Musician
Mariah Carey's dating history is as dazzling and high-profile as her career, providing a context of topical authority to her current rumored romance. Her relationships have consistently involved men who are either major figures in the entertainment industry or powerful businessmen.
Her first high-profile marriage was to music executive Tommy Mottola, a Sony Music executive, whom she met early in her career. Following their divorce, she briefly dated baseball star Derek Jeter. She later married actor and comedian Nick Cannon, with whom she shares her two children, the twins "Roc and Roe."
The engagement to James Packer in 2016, a brief but extravagant chapter, preceded her seven-year relationship with Bryan Tanaka. Each relationship has been a significant part of her narrative, often reflecting a stage in her life, from navigating the industry with Mottola to embracing motherhood with Cannon, and now, perhaps, finding a creative, passionate connection with Anderson .Paak.
Regardless of the official status of her relationship with Anderson .Paak, Mariah Carey continues to define her own romantic timeline, proving that for the legendary singer, age is truly just a number, and her heart remains open to new, exciting possibilities.
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