Mariah Carey Recalls 1996 Tupac AMA Encounter, Wishes They Had Dated

Mariah Carey recently shared a nostalgic and candid memory of her brief encounter with rap legend Tupac Shakur at the 1996 American Music Awards, describing it as a "pretty major moment" that left her with "more than butterflies." She recalled Tupac greeting her warmly as he rolled up in a white Rolls-Royce, sparking a lasting impression and a lingering "what if" about their potential romantic and musical collaboration. Carey expressed a deep love for hip-hop, emphasizing that she would have eagerly collaborated with Tupac had he lived longer. When asked if they could have been a power couple, Carey enthusiastically agreed, saying, "I wish!" She previously shared this story in her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, and continues to reflect on its significance. Carey is currently promoting her upcoming album, "Here For It All," due out in late September 2025, and is set to receive the MTV Video Music Awards Vanguard Award that year.