The singer’s “Here For It All” blends creativity and authenticity.
Mariah Carey is back with Here For It All, her first studio album in seven years, signaling a powerful return to music. In an exclusive interview with Elle, Carey shared how this album reflects her reinvention and trust in her creative process, with studio sessions becoming a space of pure freedom, far from commercial pressures.
“I started making a few songs, then had three, then four. I kept writing and recording more. I decided, since we have five new singles, let’s do them all,” Carey told Elle.
The result is an album built on experimentation, featuring a standout gospel-infused ballad with her classic vocal style. Carey, a veteran of the music industry, explores new sounds and collaborations, taking risks and adding fresh layers to each track. She focuses on real art and staying true to her voice, beyond just chasing success.
Balancing Family and Music
Away from the spotlight, Carey embraces her role as a mother to her 14-year-old twins, Monroe and Moroccan. They joined her on stage for her holiday show last season, but this year, they chose not to perform with her in Las Vegas. A candid moment—a video call where Carey tried to convince Monroe, wearing an Olivia Rodrigo T-shirt—shows the genuine bond she shares with her kids.
Carey balances music and motherhood without a set formula, relying on daily choices and sensitivity, a side rarely seen in public.
Awards and Staying Humble
This summer, Carey received the Ultimate Icon Award from BET, and in September, she was honored with MTV’s Video Vanguard Award for her long career. Ariana Grande, who introduced her at the MTV event, called her “the reason so many of us sing,” summing up Carey’s deep impact on pop culture.
Still, Carey shies away from the “icon” label. “I don’t think I am. Everyone says I am, but I don’t know,” she told Elle, reflecting on her legacy while staying active in her craft. Her passion for music remains strong. “Being in the studio is my heart,” she said.
Versatility and Honesty
The album features tracks like Sugar Sweet, with Kehlani and Shenseea, showing a soft pop side, and Type Dangerous, where Carey takes a bold, direct tone with lines like “They don’t know the meaning of water or soap.” She moves easily between genres and styles.
Carey also spoke about her classic hits, like Hero. “I’m so thankful for ‘Hero,’ but I don’t always want to sing it because we’ve done it a lot,” she told Elle, showing her honesty about her past work.
Looking at today’s pop scene, Carey views new voices with a mix of interest and wit: “Some of the new girls, I think, ‘That’s interesting.’ And others, I’m just like, ‘That’s interesting.’” Her comments show her genuine take on music’s changing trends.
With Here For It All, Carey proves her story is far from over. This comeback is driven by a deep need to create, not market demands, showing her lasting spark and authenticity.