Global music icon Mariah Carey recently sat down with Keke Palmer on her “Baby, This is Keke Palmer” podcast, delivering a deeply candid reflection on her life, career, and her new music. The interview touched on everything from her childhood struggles to the restrictive environment of her early career and her status as the “Queen of Christmas.”
Philosophy on Time and Birthdays
Carey revealed a unique perspective on time, stating that she decided at 18 that time would no longer be meaningful to her. After crying on that birthday, she chose to stop acknowledging them, preferring to focus solely on the “moods and vibes” she feels in each moment. This decision, made while she was waiting to secure her record deal, has shaped her approach to life ever since.
New Music: The Album ‘Here For It All’
The best-selling female artist of all time is back with her first studio album in seven years, titled Here For It All. Carey described the project as capturing “the mystery of all the other moments she’s had throughout her life,” emphasizing its deeply personal nature. The album is named after its final track, which she called “the best song on the album and very real.”
Reflections on Early Life and Destiny
Carey shared the motivation behind writing her memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey: she wanted people to know her story so they could “stop asking” about it. She discussed growing up biracial and facing painful experiences of non-acceptance.
Despite the difficulties, Carey maintained an unwavering belief in her destiny. She recalled her mother’s formative advice: “Don’t say if I make it, say when I make it.” This conviction, she stated, gave her the confidence she always knew she needed to succeed.
The Difficult Sony Years and ‘Butterfly’
The singer did not shy away from discussing her complicated relationship with former Sony Music executive and ex-husband, Tommy Mottola. She described the period as “very controlling,” wishing she could “fly away” but being unable to.
Carey admitted she was “scared a lot of the time” and didn’t know who to trust. She indicated that had Mottola simply allowed her small freedoms—like visiting a friend or going to the spa—she might have stayed longer. The turning point was the release of her 1998 album, Butterfly, where she felt a “big lift” by finally being able to write her own songs and feeling like her authentic self.
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The Queen of Christmas and Modern Music
When asked about her current dating life, Carey stated a potential partner simply needs to be “a cool person and understand that I’m a regular person that has jokes and moments and doesn’t acknowledge time.”
Regarding her Christmas status, she confirmed her love for the holiday is genuine, emphasizing, “I’m so happy people are liking this.” She also reflected on the music industry, noting that it often seems men receive more acknowledgment than women, and that she felt “jipped out” of some awards. She concluded by observing that modern technology has made it easier for people to break into the music business, transforming it entirely from the era in which she started.
Source: African Publicity
