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Are Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka Still Together? Fans Think They Split as He Misses Her Holiday Shows
Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka have been together since 2016, but rumors began swirling in November 2023 that the couple may have called it quits. Fans noticed that Bryan, who has been a mainstay at Mariah’s shows for years, was nowhere to be found when the “Always Be My Baby” singer performed various holiday shows ahead of Christmas 2023. Are Mariah and Bryan still together?
Are Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka Still Together?
Bryan’s absence at the first show of Mariah’s Merry Christmas One and All tour is what sparked the rumors of a split, but it was her cryptic comments she made to People that had fans really raising their eyebrows.
“I’ve been looking forward to this Christmas for, like, the whole year. Since last year—because last year wasn’t the greatest,” the Glitter star told the publication. “I’m thankful for them all, but it wasn’t my most fun version of Christmas ever.”
As Mariah continued her winter concerts, fans noticed that Bryan continued to be M.I.A. in the audience. People also reported on December 18, 2023, that Mariah was planning to spend the holidays in Aspen without her longtime beau.
On December 20, 2023, an insider told Page Six the couple had reportedly called it quits after seven years of dating.
“He wants to have a family. That’s not where she is at,” the source told the outlet.
However, neither Mariah or Bryan have addressed their current relationship. Neither Mariah or Bryan immediately responded to Life & Style‘s request for comment.
Bryan confirmed that he and Mariah split in an Instagram post on December 26, 2023.
“With mixed emotions, I share this personal update regarding my amicable separation from Mariah Carey after seven extraordinary years together,” he wrote. “Our decision to embark on different paths is mutual, and as we navigate these separate journeys, we do so with profound requests 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.”
Bryan added that Mariah’s “dedication to her family and “commitment to her craft” served as an inspiration during their romance, and he had nothing but “love and appreciation” for the singer and her kids.
“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,” he concluded. “I eagerly anticipate continuing my journey, knowing my passion for inspiration, dance, and the creative arts will resonate in the unfolding chapters.”
Why Do Fans Think Mariah and Bryan Have Split?
Aside from the comments she made about how her year went, fans of the “We Belong Together” songstress noticed something was different about her during opening night of her Christmas tour. Mariah kicked off the 12th year of her tour in 2023, but audience members felt that Mariah seemed off and a little downtrodden during the opening night of her Christmas performance.
“I don’t think that’s good, she seems to be totally turned off in this, no inner-light and there is def lip-synch,” one fan wrote in response to a clip from the performance.
“Every clip I’ve seen she looks like she doesn’t want to be there,” added another.
Someone else responded, “Streets saying Bryan wasn’t at Mariah concert last night and she was looking sad are they really done.”
Fans also noticed that Mariah hasn’t posted any photos of her longtime boyfriend since December 2022.
Mariah and Bryan Previously Split in 2017
If the rumors end up being true, this won’t be the first time Mariah and Bryan have gone their separate ways. The couple first met in 2006, when Bryan worked as a backup dancer on her tour Adventures With Mimi. However, Mariah went on to marry Nick Cannon in 2008 and later give birth to their twins, Moroccan and Monroe.
After her 2014 split from Nick, she developed a connection with Bryan. The pair officially began dating in 2016, but it wasn’t long before the couple ended things. Mariah and Bryan split after five months of dating in April 2017 but reunited shortly thereafter.
