As former “American Idol” judge Mariah Carey gears up to receive this year’s MTV Video Vanguard Award, the spotlight isn’t just on her legendary music career but also her headline-making love life. From high-profile marriages to whirlwind romances and flings, Carey’s romantic relationships are nothing short of controversial. Here’s a quick look at the singer’s dating history.
Tommy Mottola
GettyCarey first met Sony Music executive Tommy Mottola at a party in 1988. The two got married five years later in 1993 at a lavish ceremony in Manhattan. At the time, Carey was 23 years old and Mottola was 43.
But their marriage didn’t last. Carey and Mottola officially divorced in 1998. In September 2020, Carey opened up about her failed marriage in her memoir, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey.”
Carey alleged that her ex-husband had a “dense and oppressive” presence that kept her “walking on eggshells” during their time together.
In 2013, Mottola apologized to Carey for his “controlling” and “obsessive” behavior in his book titled “Hitmaker,” per Page Six.
Derek Jeter
While married to Mottola, Carey had an affair with MLB player Derek Jeter, Page Six cited. The two dated from 1997 to 1998.
“It was so sensual,” Carey wrote in her memoir, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey.” “Everything was so new and sweet, down to the smooth texture of his honey-dropped skin. It was so heady, so intoxicating, and I was so vulnerable. I was in touch with a fire I didn’t know I had inside.”
The singer considered her time with the athlete “short and sweet dream.” It also led her to write “The Roof” and “My All.”
Luis Miguel
Shortly after her split from Jeter, Carey moved on with singer Luis Miguel. The two dated from 1998 to 2001.
In her book, Carey described Miguel as “over the top” and “authentic.” However, they ultimately split, with Carey noting “cultural gaps” between them and the “dark cloud hanging over the … erratic and anxious” Mexican singer.
Christian Monzon
Carey dated model Christian Monzon in 2005 after meeting on the set of her “Don’t Forget About Us” music video. Their whirlwind romance only lasted until 2006.
In an interview with The Mirror, Carey called Monzon a “nice guy.”
Nick Cannon
GettyIn 2005, Carey met Nick Cannon at the Teen Choice Awards and began dating him three years later. By 2008, they tied the knot in the Bahamas, marking Carey’s second marriage.
In 2011, the two welcomed their twins, Moroccan and Monroe. However, things didn’t work out for the couple, and by 2016, their divorce was finalized.
James Packer
Carey met billionaire James Packer in 2015 at the premiere of “Hercules.” The following year, Packer proposed to Carey and gave her a stunning 35-carat diamond ring. The couple called off their engagement in 2016, according to PEOPLE.
Speaking with The Guardian, Carey revealed that she “didn’t have a physical relationship” with the Aussie businessman.
Bryan Tanaka
GettyIn December 2016, Carey was linked with her backup dancer, Bryan Tanaka. The singer confirmed their relationship in February 2017, calling him her “boyfriend” at the time.
They took a short break from their relationship that same year, only to get back together.
However, in 2023, Carey and Tanaka broke up again, with a source claiming the dancer “wanted to have a family,” according to Page Six.
Catch Mariah Carey at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on September 7.
