Tag: Mariah Carey

  • Gabby Samone on Touring, ‘American Idol,’ and Mariah Carey

    At just 23 years old, Gabby Samone has already achieved milestones many aspiring artists dream of for years. From her roots in the Black church to viral fame on TikTok and a finalist spot on “American Idol,” Samone is rapidly emerging as a captivating young vocalist with a powerful voice and a compelling story.

    From Church Harmonies to Viral Fame

    Raised in a musically gifted family in Baltimore, Samone initially thought her singing talent was common. “I thought everybody could sing,” she shared with BOSSIP. However, as she grew older, she realized her gift was indeed special, nurtured by the gospel harmonies of her father’s church and her upbringing. This foundation has propelled her career, leading to opening slots for R&B veterans like Kelly Price and Keke Wyatt, and appearances on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.”

    Her breakthrough moment came with a soaring rendition of Mariah Carey’s “My All” on TikTok, which went viral during the #MyAllChallenge. The cover caught the attention of the legendary Ms. Carey herself. “It was crazy,” Samone recalled. “I went from 3,000 followers to 50,000 in two weeks. It really changed the trajectory of my life. I was going to do hair. God was like, ‘No, we’ve got more for you.’”

    The ‘American Idol’ Experience and Vocal Refinement

    Samone’s journey also included a transformative experience on “American Idol” Season 23, where she became a finalist. She described the competition as a “masterclass of legends,” highlighting the intense training and the valuable friendships formed. “We still FaceTime each other to this day,” she said.

    She credits her vocal coach with helping her refine her sound and technique. “I used to sing any kind of way and was using my voice wrong,” Samone admitted. “Training taught me how to control it. I still have so much to learn, but honing your gift is everything.”

    Introducing Her Original Music

    As she prepares to release new original music later this year, Samone is eager to share her own story beyond the covers that initially brought her attention. “This project is about a 23-year-old figuring things out — the rawness, the ups and downs,” she explained. “People know my voice, but now they’ll get to know me.”

    Grounded by her upbringing, which emphasized discipline and generosity through her parents’ work in the church and community outreach, Samone remains focused on her goals. “I’m still learning who I am,” she told BOSSIP. “What I know now is I’m hardworking, I want to do right, and I want to touch people with my voice.”

    What are your favorite Gabby Samone covers or original songs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Mariah Carey Wished She Pursued 2Pac

    Imagine this: it’s the 1996 American Music Awards, and none other than Mariah Carey herself is hosting. Backstage, she had a brief but impactful encounter with the legendary Tupac Shakur, and it’s a moment she clearly cherishes – and perhaps regrets not exploring further.

    A Memorable Backstage Moment

    During a recent podcast interview, Mariah recalled 2Pac stepping out of a white Rolls-Royce and greeting her with a cool, “Hi, Mariah.” That simple interaction gave her “more than butterflies,” she admitted with a laugh. Despite her busy hosting duties, she found herself hoping for another glimpse of him.

    She shared her admiration for hip-hop and specifically that moment, saying, “I love Hip-Hop and I love the moments that we’re talking about, especially ‘Hi, Mariah.’” It’s clear the brief encounter left a significant impression.

    Regret Over a Missed Collaboration

    Mariah also revealed a deeper wish: she truly wanted to collaborate with 2Pac on a song before his untimely passing later that year. When a podcast host suggested they would have made a perfect celebrity power couple, Mariah’s simple reply was, “I wish.”

    While a direct musical collaboration never happened, Mariah did pay homage to Tupac on her 1999 track “How Much,” which famously sampled his song “Me and My Girlfriend.” It’s a subtle nod to the connection she felt.

    Mariah’s Continued Impact

    Fast forward nearly 30 years, and Mariah Carey continues to be a dominant force in music. She’s set to receive the prestigious Video Vanguard Award at the upcoming 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, celebrating her incredible career. Plus, her new album, *Here For It All*, is dropping on September 26th!

    The brief moment with 2Pac may have been fleeting, but it clearly left a lasting mark on Mariah. It makes you wonder about the incredible music and perhaps even more that could have blossomed if these two icons had joined forces.

    What do you think about Mariah Carey’s encounter with 2Pac? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Mariah Carey Unveils ‘Here For It All’ Tracklist

    The elusive chanteuse Mariah Carey is generating significant buzz among her devoted fanbase, the Lambs, with the approaching release of her 16th studio album, ‘Here For It All.’ Set to drop on September 26, this marks Carey’s first independent release, and the anticipation is high, fueled by the success of her current singles, “Type Dangerous” and “Sugar Sweet.”

    A Glimpse into the Album’s Artistic Direction

    Carey recently offered fans a sneak peek into the album’s content by revealing the full 11-song tracklist on Instagram, accompanied by what appears to be the album’s back cover art. The titles suggest a journey through inspiration and celebration, with tracks like “Mi” (possibly nodding to a new era nickname), “Play This Song” featuring rumored beau Anderson .Paak, and the already released singles “Type Dangerous” and “Sugar Sweet.”

    While “Sugar Sweet” notably omits featured guests Shenseea and Kehlani from its listing, the overall vibe seems to lean towards uplifting themes. Titles such as “Nothing Is Impossible,” “Confetti & Champagne,” and the album’s title track, “Here For It All,” hint at a celebratory and inspirational mood.

    Gospel Collaboration and Video Vanguard Honor

    A standout track generating particular excitement is “Jesus I Do,” the album’s tenth song. This collaboration with gospel legends The Clark Sisters is expected to be a heavenly experience, showcasing Carey’s commanding vocal prowess in the gospel genre, reminiscent of her exceptional performance on “Fly Like A Bird” from ‘The Emancipation Of Mimi.’

    Fans won’t have to wait the full month to hear more from the iconic singer. Carey is set to receive the prestigious Video Vanguard award at the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, September 7th. Furthermore, she will grace the VMA stage as a performer for the first time in two decades, adding to the anticipation surrounding her current musical era.

    Which track are you most excited to hear on Mariah Carey’s ‘Here For It All’? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to tune in to the MTV VMAs on September 7th!

  • Nick Cannon on Mariah Carey Marriage: ‘I Was Comfortable Supporting Her’

    Nick Cannon is opening up about his past marriage to music superstar Mariah Carey, revealing he felt completely at ease supporting her career. The star, who was married to Carey from 2008 to 2016, shared his perspective on the “Nick Cannon at Night” podcast.

    A Supportive Role in a Superstar’s Life

    Cannon described their marriage as a partnership where both individuals were on their own successful career paths. “I love the fact that you know she put all of her work, all of her passion, all of her art, and I could be there to be that support,” he said. He emphasized that he never felt overshadowed by Carey’s immense fame.

    He explained his mindset during their marriage: “I used to say like the thing that was dope was when she turned hers on, I turned mine off. So I was very comfortable in supporting her.” Cannon also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be married to someone of Carey’s caliber, noting that “most men don’t get to marry Mariah Carey.”

    Confidence and Adaptability

    Cannon attributed his comfort to his own inherent confidence. “I’m so confident in who I am that no matter if you’re having a hard day, I’ve got a pillow, this is your soft girl era, go ahead and sit down,” he explained. He highlighted his ability to adapt to Mariah’s needs, whether that meant being a strong presence or stepping back.

    This contrasts with earlier comments where Cannon admitted to feeling insecure during their marriage, questioning his identity in relation to Mariah’s fame. However, his recent reflections suggest a mature perspective on their dynamic, appreciating his role as a supportive partner to the music superstar.

    What do you think about Nick Cannon’s perspective on supporting Mariah Carey during their marriage? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Mariah Carey Admits Tupac Crush: ‘More Than Butterflies’

    Decades later, Mariah Carey is still reminiscing about a brief but impactful encounter with the legendary Tupac Shakur. In a candid interview on Power 106 FM’s “Brown Bag Mornings,” the music icon revisited a memory first shared in her 2020 memoir, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey.”

    A Memorable ’90s Encounter

    Carey recalled meeting Tupac at a ’90s awards show. She described him arriving in a Rolls Royce, exuding his signature charisma. The interaction, though brief, left a significant impression on her.

    “He said it like, ‘Hi, Mariah…’ and I was like ‘Ahh!’” Carey recounted with a laugh. She mentioned that as she was hosting the AMAs that year, she had to keep going back and forth, but admitted she “wanted to keep going back and forth cause that happened.”

    Beyond Just Butterflies

    While Carey described feeling “butterflies” in her memoir, she confessed on-air that her feelings went even deeper. Tupac’s charm during their short interaction left a lasting impression and a sense of “what if.” When asked if she would have collaborated with him had he lived longer, Carey answered with a definitive “yes.”

    She called their flirtatious exchange “a pretty major moment” and linked it to her deep appreciation for Hip-Hop culture. Carey even agreed with the host’s suggestion that they could have been “the power couple of all power couples,” exclaiming, “I wish!”

    A Lasting Legacy

    Although a romantic or creative partnership between Mariah Carey and Tupac Shakur never materialized, their brief encounter continues to fascinate fans. Tupac’s enduring magnetism is evident, with many celebrities, including Yo-Yo and Jewell, publicly expressing admiration for the late rapper, further cementing his status as a cultural heartthrob.

    What do you think of Mariah Carey’s memories of Tupac? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Mariah Carey to Receive MTV VMA Vanguard Award

    Get ready for a star-studded celebration! Pop superstar Mariah Carey is set to receive the highly coveted Video Vanguard Award at the upcoming 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. This prestigious honor recognizes artists who have made a significant impact on music videos and popular culture throughout their careers.

    A Career Defined by Artistic Influence

    The announcement, made by MTV via Instagram, celebrates Carey’s decades-long career marked by artistic authenticity and groundbreaking contributions. Throughout her career, Carey has earned multiple VMA nominations, including nods for “Honey” (Remix) and “We Belong Together,” showcasing her enduring influence on the music video landscape.

    This accolade comes as Carey gears up for the release of her new album, “Here For It All.” She recently gave fans a taste of the new project with the lead single, “Type Dangerous,” hinting at her continued evolution as an artist.

    More Than Just Awards

    While Carey has achieved immense success, including 34 Grammy nominations and five wins, she has often expressed a more nuanced view on awards, once calling the Grammys “overrated.” For her, the true focus has always been on creating music that deeply resonates with listeners, rather than chasing accolades.

    Her legacy is built on a foundation of freedom and self-expression, prioritizing artistry over conformity. This approach has cemented her status as a true icon who has consistently stayed true to her unique vision.

    The 2025 MTV VMAs ceremony promises an emotional tribute to Carey’s career. The event will also honor other notable artists, including Busta Rhymes with the Rock the Bells Visionary Award and Ricky Martin with the Latin Icon Award. Tune in live on September 7th on CBS, simulcast on MTV, and stream on Paramount+ to witness this celebration of music’s biggest stars.

    What’s your favorite Mariah Carey music video or song? Let us know in the comments below!

  • Mariah Carey Calls GRAMMYs ‘Overrated’ After Past Snubs

    Mariah Carey, a legendary artist with a career spanning over three decades and countless accolades, has never shied away from speaking her mind. Despite her immense success, her relationship with the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Awards has been notably strained, leading her to recently label the prestigious ceremony as “overrated.”

    A History of GRAMMY Snubs

    With six GRAMMY wins out of 34 nominations, Carey’s track record at the awards show is a topic of much discussion among her devoted fans, known as #Lambs. Her most infamous losses occurred in 1996 when she was nominated for six awards but went home empty-handed, a moment she has described as being “scammed” and feeling “toyed with.”

    While Carey secured her first competitive GRAMMYs in 1991 and later won three for her album ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’ in 2006, her overall experience with the awards has been marked by significant snubs. In 2024, she received an honorary GRAMMY, the Global Impact Award, but her past losses clearly still resonate.

    Calling Out the Ceremony

    While promoting her new single ‘Sugar Sweet’ and the upcoming album ‘Here for It All,’ Carey participated in Pitchfork’s ‘Over/Under’ game. When asked about the GRAMMYs, she didn’t hesitate to rank the ceremony and its trophy as “overrated.” This sentiment echoes her previous comments on the ‘Las Culturistas’ podcast, where she expressed feeling cheated by the Academy.

    With her new album set to be released in September, it might miss the nomination deadline for the 2026 GRAMMYs but could be eligible for nods in 2027. Fans are hopeful that this new music might lead to a better relationship between Carey and the Recording Academy, potentially improving her winning streak.

    Do you agree with Mariah Carey that the GRAMMYs are overrated? What are your thoughts on her past snubs? Share your opinions in the comments below!