Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak were once again spotted enjoying each other’s company, this time holding hands during a cozy dinner date. The sighting has fueled further speculation about their rumored relationship, with sources claiming that the two are “keeping the door open” for something more. The chemistry between the two has been described as flirty, adding to the growing buzz surrounding their potential romance. While neither has officially confirmed a relationship, their public appearances together continue to spark intrigue among fans and the media.
Photos obtained by TMZ show Mariah Carey, 55, and Anderson .Paak, 38, leaving a Mediterranean restaurant on December 29, hand in hand, as paparazzi captured the moment. The pair reportedly spent a couple of hours enjoying their meal, with one photo even showing Anderson kissing Mariah’s hand at the table. The couple appeared very affectionate throughout the evening, with Mariah resting her arm on Anderson’s chest, fueling further speculation about their blossoming relationship.
Based on the photos, it was clear this was no ordinary dinner outing. Mariah Carey looked stunning in a sparkling black bodycon dress, paired with a chunky chain necklace, and her hair styled in an elegant updo. Anderson .Paak, one half of the funk band Silk Sonic, kept it classy in a long gray coat and a stylish hat, flashing a charming smile as they left the Aspen-based restaurant together, hand in hand. The pair’s affectionate display further fueled romance rumors, leaving fans eager for more details about their growing connection.
The recent photos, which have sparked plenty of speculation, come just six days after Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak were seen dining together at a high-end restaurant in Aspen. Paparazzi captured the pair holding hands, with Anderson at one point wrapping his arms around Mariah’s waist. The intimate display has only fueled further rumors of a blossoming romance between the two, leaving fans intrigued by their chemistry and closeness during their time in the snowy vacation hotspot.
While several sources initially insisted that Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak’s relationship was purely professional, citing their recent collaboration on several songs, new reports suggest there may be chemistry between the two. According to The Sun in a report published on December 26, sources close to the pair revealed that there’s more than just a working relationship between them.
However, it’s important to note that Anderson .Paak is still legally married to his estranged wife, Korean musician Jae Lin, despite having filed for divorce after 12 years of marriage in January. The couple shares two children—13-year-old Soul and 6-year-old Shine—and court records show that Anderson is seeking joint legal custody. This situation adds complexity to the speculation surrounding his relationship with Mariah.
Anderson .Paak, who recently split from his estranged wife, was reportedly spotted in Mexico getting close to 25-year-old Dutch singer Sterre Marith Tapilatu just days after the breakup. Sources close to the R&B singer suggest that while he’s enjoying his time with Mariah Carey, he may not be looking for anything “serious” when it comes to romance at the moment.
Mariah and Anderson began collaborating on music in June, shortly after Anderson shared a TikTok video about working with the Grammy-winning singer at Electric Lady Studios in New York. In the video, Anderson expressed being “starstruck” by the opportunity to work with her.
As for Mariah, after a seven-year relationship with Bryan Tanaka, she is believed to be single following their split.
