BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

From being professional co-workers to becoming lovers, and eventually even parting ways, many were surprised when the diva Mariah Carey announced that her 7-year relationship with Bryan Tanaka has come to an end.

Mariah and Bryan met and began their relationship in 2006 as they frequently spent time together during concerts; Bryan served as Mariah’s backup dancer.

Carey was formerly married to Tommy Mottola from 1993 to 1998. Subsequently, she married Nick Cannon in 2008, and they had twins Monroe and Moroccan in 2011 before divorcing in 2014. Carey was also previously engaged to Australian billionaire James Packer.

Bryan Tanaka is a dancer and choreographer who gained public attention for his association with Mariah Carey. He has worked as a backup dancer for several artists, including Carey. Tanaka’s personal and professional relationship with Carey became a subject of public interest, particularly after her separation from James Packer.

Let’s trace how everything began.

Way back 2006, Tanaka took the stage with Carey as a backup dancer on her 2006 Adventures of Mimi tour.

Prior to entering into a romantic relationship, Tanaka admired Mimi.

In January 2014, he posted a photo on Instagram showing Carey’s debut self-titled album cover appearing on the music player in his car. “As I’m driving home from the studio listening to one of my tracks an angel appears. A glitch in the matrix? or a sign? I think it’s a sign. 😄,” he said on his caption, tagging Mariah.

April 18, 2014, he revealed his appreciation for Mariah. 

“I have so much respect for this woman. She has always supported me and been so kind. Not [to] mention she is [freaking] talented! @mariahcarey Too my bro & mentor @eddiemobeatnecks I got mad respect & appreciate what I’ve learned from you. Thanks for always keepin it 💯,” he captioned. 

In June 2016, Tanaka announced on Instagram that he had taken on the role of Carey’s creative director. It can be noticed that he used the hashtag #MuchLove.

It can be read, “This has been one of the craziest years of my life. The change and growth has been exponential in my career as an entertainer, creative mind, and an entrepreneur. I’m grateful everyday to be living the life I am destined for. My foundation as a man is solid with love, ambition, and humility… I’m happy to announce that I am Mariah Carey’s new creative director.”

Carey ended her relationship with James Packer in October 2016, and by the end of that year, there were speculations circulating about a romantic involvement between Carey and Tanaka. In December 2016, Carey and Tanaka faced inquiries about the status of their relationship during the premiere party for her E! reality show, “Mariah’s World.”

Carey responded with a lighthearted shrug. “It’s really nice, especially when you’ve worked with somebody in the past and then you get to work with them again and just see how everybody’s grown creatively and all that,” she said.

But, Tanaka openly expressed his affection for Carey. He expressed deep love for the singer, emphasizing that they had been friends for an extended period.

On February 15, 2017, Carey and Tanaka were photographed together in a bathtub to celebrate Valentine’s Day. It appeared highly likely that Carey and Tanaka were romantically involved, despite the absence of any official statements about their relationship. 

The singer posted an Instagram picture of herself snuggling with a bare-chested Tanaka in a bathtub, holding glasses of red champagne.

After three days, Carey revealed that she has a boyfriend, in an interview with a lifestyle magazine. By the end of February 28, 2017, Carey had posted an Instagram picture of herself and Tanaka sharing a kiss.

She captioned, “No one knows what it means, but it’s provocative … it gets the people going!” The quote was from the movie “Blades of Glory” in 2007. 

In March 2017, Tanaka commemorated Carey’s birthday on Instagram. He posted a selfie on Instagram featuring himself and Carey relaxing at a waterfront location.

In April 2017, Carey and Tanaka experienced a brief separation. However, within a short span of a few months, it appeared that the relationship between Carey and Tanaka was getting back on course.

On October 31, 2018, Tanaka and Carey marked Halloween by dressing up in matching costumes. The two frequently went all-in with their Halloween outfits, and their choices for 2018 were no different.

Entering the pandemic era, Carey and Tanaka spent Thanksgiving together in November 2020, navigating the challenges of the COVID-19. Carey documented their lockdown Thanksgiving on Instagram in 2020.

Carey and Tanaka posted a Christmas photo for December 2022, which Carey shared on Instagram the day after Jesus’ birthday.

Tanaka referred to Carey as his “Beautiful Queen” on Instagram. On March 27, he marked Carey’s birthday on the platform by posting a black-and-white picture of himself with the singer.

He said, “This is one of my favorite pictures. Ever. Happy Anniversary my Beautiful Queen. 🦋3/27🦋❤️

In the latter part of 2023, indications started emerging that Carey and Tanaka had ended their relationship. 

Speculation about a breakup arose when Carey made plans to spend the holidays in Aspen without Tanaka, and he was not seen at Carey’s performances in November.

On December 26, 2023, Tanaka officially acknowledged the breakup on his social media accounts.

It can be read, “With mixed emotions, I share this personal update regarding my amicable separation from Mariah Carey after seven extraordinary years together.”

 “Our decision to embark on different paths is mutual, and as we navigate these separate journeys, we do so with profound respect and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the invaluable time we’ve shared. The memories we’ve created and the artistic collaborations are etched in my heart forever.”

“Mariah’s dedication to her family and her commitment to her craft have inspired us during our shared journey. I want to express my love and appreciation for Mariah and her incredible children, whose warmth and kindness have enriched my life in ways words cannot capture.”

“During this sensitive time, I kindly ask for your understanding, privacy, and respect. The outpouring of love and support from fans has been a beacon of strength, and I am extremely grateful for the encouragement that continues to uplift me.”

“I eagerly anticipate continuing my journey, knowing my passion for inspiration, dance, and the creative arts will resonate in unfolding chapters,” he said. 

While writing this article, there is still no news regarding Carey’s confirmation or statement about her separation from Tanaka.

Her recent Instagram post is about her New Year greetings to everyone.

“Wishing us all a healthy, peaceful & a happy new year! ❤️,” she said. 

It seems that Mariah is happy with her children based on their bonding, as seen in the attached video of her Instagram post.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Mariah Carey’s Instagram