HARD LAUNCH?

Mariah Carey Appears to Debut Her New Romance at Awards Show

The singer ignited her fan base when she appeared at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards with Anderson .Paak.

Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak appeared to hard launch their relationship at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, despite earlier denying rumors that they were dating, the Daily Mail reported. The 55-year-old “All I Want For Christmas Is You” singer might have received her holiday present early in the form of the 39-year-old Silk Sonic member. The pair was first linked back in December but appeared to throw caution to the wind by holding hands Monday night and later with .Paak helping Carey up on stage, where she accepted her Icon Award. Although the two have kept fans’ anticipation at bay with the excuse that they have been working on new music together, TMZ did report the couple shared a romantic dinner in Aspen in December. At the time, the two seemed quite handsy with .Paak kissing Carey’s hand at one point, and Carey resting her hand on his chest. Sources told TMZ at the time that the pair aren’t really an item and just enjoy each other’s company as friends as they work on their new music. This didn’t curb fans’ excitement over the new possible coupling on Monday however, when many rushed to X to publicly emote. One X user wrote: “Sooooo is this Anderson Paak and Mariah Carey a thing?!” and another wrote: “Mariah Carey & Anderson Paak really being a couple was not on my bingo card for 2025.”