BREAKING: Anderson .Paak Stuns the World with Emotional Announcement: His High-Profile Romance with Mariah Carey, 55, Has Officially Ended, Leaving Fans Speechless

Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak Part Ways: A Whirlwind Romance Ends in Heartbreak

In a shocking turn of events, the music world is reeling from the news that Mariah Carey, 55, and Anderson .Paak, 39, have called it quits, ending their rumored romance that captivated fans and tabloids alike. The announcement, confirmed by .Paak in a heartfelt update, marks the end of a high-profile relationship that sparked intense speculation since the pair was first spotted together in late 2024. What began as a creative collaboration blossomed into a passionate affair, but now, the curtain has fallen on this unexpected love story.

A Romance Born in the Studio

The connection between Mariah Carey, the iconic diva with five Grammy Awards and over 220 million records sold worldwide, and Anderson .Paak, the versatile singer-rapper known for his soulful blend of R&B, hip-hop, and funk, first came to public attention in December 2024. The duo was photographed holding hands in Aspen, Colorado, igniting rumors of a budding romance. Sources later revealed that their relationship began in the summer of 2024, when they met while working on new music together at Electric Lady Studios in New York.

Their chemistry was undeniable. .Paak, a longtime admirer of Carey, admitted to having a “huge crush” on her since his fifth-grade days, captivated by her music videos. During a playful interview segment with Track Star, he flashed a cheeky smile and revealed a T-shirt featuring Carey’s face when her hit “Always Be My Baby” played, confirming they were collaborating on her upcoming album. The professional partnership quickly turned personal, with insiders describing .Paak as “very smitten” and Carey charmed by his musical talent and sweet demeanor.

Public Appearances Fueled the Fire

The rumored couple didn’t shy away from the spotlight. In March 2025, they attended the iHeartRadio Music Awards together, where .Paak escorted Carey onstage as she accepted the prestigious Icon Award. Their affectionate gestures—hand-holding, shared glances, and .Paak’s arm around Carey’s waist—only deepened public curiosity. Days later, they were spotted leaving The Birds Street Club in West Hollywood, with .Paak acting the gentleman by opening the car door for Carey, who sported her signature ’90s curls.

Sources close to the pair confirmed to Us Weekly that they were “full on dating,” noting that .Paak was the first person Carey had been “truly interested in” in years. Their 16-year age difference was no barrier; instead, their shared experiences as parents—Carey to twins Moroccan and Monroe, and .Paak to sons Soul Rasheed and Shine Tariq—created a deep bond. The insider added, “It’s nice for Mariah to be around someone very talented in the music industry,” highlighting how .Paak’s creativity reinvigorated Carey’s passion for new projects.

The Breakup Bombshell

Despite the fairy-tale moments, the relationship was not without challenges. Their busy schedules often kept them apart, with sources noting that their dates were “very far apart” due to professional commitments.