Mariah Carey Eyes Rock Hall, Talks Rihanna Collab/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Mariah Carey is celebrating 20 years of The Emancipation of Mimi with a deluxe reissue and teased new music, including tracks from her long-rumored ’90s grunge album. The pop icon also addressed her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination and hinted at a possible future Rihanna collaboration. She says she’s embracing her legacy — and isn’t done evolving just yet.
Mariah Carey’s Comeback Reflections: Quick Looks
- 20th anniversary edition of The Emancipation of Mimi arrives May 30, featuring bonus tracks and remixes.
- Includes long-shelved fan favorite “When I Feel It”, now finally cleared for release.
- Carey reflects on Mimi as a career high point, calling it one of her favorite albums.
- She’s also nominated for the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, calling it an unexpected honor.
- Carey hinted again at possibly releasing her unreleased grunge album from the 1990s.
- Her kids Monroe and Moroccan joined her on tour, but no family rock album — “yet.”
- Rihanna asked Carey to sign her chest at a show — and Mariah said she’d love to collaborate.
- Carey confirms she’s working on new music, but isn’t ready to reveal details just yet.
Mariah Carey Eyes Rock Hall, Talks Rihanna Collab
Deep Look
NEW YORK — Two decades after reclaiming her throne with The Emancipation of Mimi, Mariah Carey is still evolving — revisiting the past, creating new music, and reminding the world she’s never really been gone.
In celebration of Mimi’s 20th anniversary, Carey is releasing an expanded deluxe edition on May 30, packed with bonus tracks, new remixes, and long-rumored unreleased gems. Chief among them is “When I Feel It,” a track that fans have waited nearly two decades to hear. The song was shelved back in 2005 due to sample clearance issues but is now finally ready for its debut.
“These are new gems, as far as I’m concerned,” Carey told the AP. “It’s exciting to me.”
Mimi’s Legacy Still Shines Bright
Released in 2005, The Emancipation of Mimi marked a career rebirth for Carey. After a few quieter years in the early 2000s, the album’s blend of hip-hop production, soaring vocals, and emotional depth catapulted her back into global pop stardom.
“People called it a comeback, but I never felt like I left,” Carey said. “I just really loved the songs — and people seemed to love them, too.”
With hits like We Belong Together and Shake It Off, Mimi pulled in new fans and reminded longtime ones of her vocal range and storytelling power.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Bound?
Carey is also among the 2025 nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a milestone she admits caught her by surprise.
“I wasn’t really thinking about it, but it’s a huge honor,” she said. “Do I feel like a rock star? Sometimes.”
Carey welcomed the genre-blurring nature of the Hall in recent years, especially with artists like Missy Elliott and Dolly Parton being inducted. Asked if she’d finally release her unheard ‘90s grunge album, Carey laughed — but didn’t say no.
“I want to. I have ideas for the visuals. It may not be ready by summer, but maybe I’ll drop a few songs from it.”
More Music, Maybe a Rihanna Moment
Carey also opened up about her creative future, confirming she is “working on something” — but declined to say exactly what.
“I’m not supposed to talk about it,” she teased. “But yeah, something new is coming.”
During her recent holiday tour, Carey welcomed her twins Monroe and Moroccan on stage, where they performed alongside her on guitar and drums. While she’d love to do a family project someday, she says she wants to let them explore their own passions first.
And yes, Rihanna really did ask Carey to sign her chest at a show in Brooklyn.
“I tried to do it neatly,” Carey said, laughing. “But it didn’t come out right. I’d love to work with her.”
You must Register or Login to post a comment.