It seems like the Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, has had a challenging year. As rumors circulate, suggesting that she and her boyfriend, Bryan Tanaka, have quietly ended their relationship, Carey revealed that she has been anticipating this Christmas for an entire year, mainly because the previous year wasn’t the best for her.
While Carey didn’t provide further details about her cryptic comments, she did promise to make sure that the 2023 holiday season would be a joyful one, regardless of any obstacles she might face.
Fans Speculate a Split
Fans started speculating last month that the 54-year-old singer and the 40-year-old choreographer had called it quits after being together for seven years. The absence of Tanaka during the kick-off of Carey’s “Merry Christmas One and All!” shows on November 15 added fuel to the rumors. Moreover, fans noticed that Carey seemed downcast during the opening night of her typically lively holiday set.
Social media was abuzz with discussions about Carey’s seemingly detached performance. And fans couldn’t help but express their concerns about the pop diva’s emotional state. One Twitter user even theorized that Carey may be going through a “break-up era.”
The absence of Tanaka from Carey’s Instagram feed since December 2022 further fueled the rumors. In comparison, the backup dancer-turned-beau hasn’t been active on the platform since June. Despite these speculations, Carey’s representative has yet to respond to inquiries.
This potential breakup wouldn’t be the first bump in the road for Carey and Tanaka. The couple officially began dating in 2016 after Carey’s split from Australian billionaire ex-fiancé, James Packer. However, they briefly separated in 2017 before rekindling their romance shortly after.
Before her relationship with Tanaka, Carey was married to music executive Tommy Mottola from 1993 to 1998. She later married Nick Cannon, with whom she shares 12-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe, from 2008 to 2016.
As fans anxiously await official confirmation of their rumored breakup, speculation continues to surround Carey and Tanaka’s relationship status. With both being relatively private about their personal lives, it remains uncertain whether the couple has decided to part ways or if they are simply taking a break.
As we head into the new year, Carey’s fans are hoping for her happiness and continued success. Regardless of her relationship status, one thing is for sure: Mariah Carey’s music and her iconic Christmas performances will continue to resonate with audiences around the world.