Mariah Carey, the legendary five-time Grammy winner known for her incredible vocal range and holiday classics, has found love again after a challenging period in her personal life. The 55-year-old songstress is now officially dating Anderson .Paak, the 39-year-old Grammy-winning artist and member of the duo Silk Sonic. Their relationship has been developing quietly for several months, marking a significant new chapter for Carey following her split from longtime partner Bryan Tanaka in December 2023.
The romance between these two musical powerhouses began in an unexpected way – through their professional collaboration in the recording studio. What started as a working relationship quickly blossomed into something more personal and meaningful. For Carey, who has been notably private about her romantic life in recent years, this new relationship represents her first serious romantic interest in quite some time.
The pairing has captured public attention not only because of their individual star power but also due to their shared passion for music and similar life experiences as parents. Both artists bring their own unique talents to the relationship – Carey with her legendary status as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, and .Paak with his innovative approach to hip-hop, R&B, and soul music. Their 16-year age difference hasn’t seemed to be a barrier, with sources close to the couple describing their connection as genuine and strong.
From Professional Collaboration to Personal Connection
Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak (Image via Getty)
The love story between Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak began in the most natural way possible for two musicians – in the recording studio. The pair first met while working together on new music during the summer of 2024 with .Paak has long been an admirer of Carey’s work. What started as a professional collaboration quickly evolved into something more personal as they spent time together creating music.
Sources close to the couple reveal that their relationship “started in the studio as they were working on new music together and it quickly turned romantic”. .Paak, whose real name is Brandon Paak Anderson, reportedly “won her over quickly” with his charming personality and musical talent. For Carey, who wasn’t initially looking for a romantic relationship.Paak’s genuine admiration and sweet gestures were particularly meaningful.
The Grammy-winning artist is described as being “very smitten” with Carey, while she appreciates how “musically inclined” he is and finds him “very sweet”. Their shared passion for music has created a strong foundation for their relationship, with one insider noting that “it’s nice for Mariah to be around someone very talented in the music industry”.
Public Appearances and Relationship Timeline
The couple’s relationship timeline reveals a gradual progression from private studio sessions to public appearances. They were first spotted together at a Halloween party in November 2024 where .Paak posted a photo with Carey while dressed as Daft Punk. This initial public sighting sparked curiosity among fans, though the nature of their relationship wasn’t immediately clear.
Their romance became more apparent when they were seen together in Aspen, Colorado, in December 2024, with Anderson notably having his arm around Mariah’s waist and displaying gentlemanly behavior by holding doors open for her. However, it was their March 2025 appearance that truly confirmed their relationship status to the public.
On March 23, 2025, the couple was photographed holding hands while leaving Bird Street Café in Los Angeles, effectively confirming the dating rumors that had been circulating. This public display of affection marked a significant moment, as Carey has historically been quite private about her personal relationships.
Perhaps most tellingly, .Paak accompanied Carey to the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, where he was seated next to her and her twins, Moroccan and Monroe, when she received the Icon Award. This family-inclusive appearance suggested the serious nature of their relationship and .Paak’s integration into Carey’s personal life.
Overcoming Past Heartbreak
Mariah Carey (Image via Getty)
Carey’s new relationship with .Paak comes after a difficult period following her split from Bryan Tanaka in December 2023. The breakup ended a seven-year relationship that had been significant in Carey’s life. The separation was attributed to fundamental differences in life goals, particularly regarding starting a family.
Tanaka, who was 14 years younger than Carey, expressed a desire to have children and “start having his own life,” while Carey, who already has 13-year-old twins with ex-husband Nick Cannon, wasn’t interested in expanding her family further. The age gap and differing priorities ultimately proved insurmountable, despite their long history together dating back to 2006 when Tanaka served as a backup dancer on Carey’s Adventures of Mimi Tour.
The end of that relationship was particularly challenging for Carey, who had hinted at difficulties during that period. She told People magazine that it had been “a difficult year” and that she was looking forward to Christmas because “last year wasn’t the greatest”. The breakup was made more public when Tanaka was notably absent from Carey’s 54th birthday party and her annual Aspen trip, as well as her “Merry Christmas One and All!” tour.
Shared Values and Common Ground
What makes Carey’s relationship with .Paak is particularly promising is their shared experiences and values. Both artists are parents to teenagers, which has given them common ground for bonding over “parenthood and raising kids in today’s day and age”. Carey shares 13-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe with ex-husband Nick Cannon while .Paak is the father of sons Soul Rasheed and Shine Tariq with his estranged wife Jaylyn Chang.
Their mutual understanding of the challenges of parenting in the entertainment industry, combined with their shared passion for music, has created a strong foundation for their relationship. Sources indicate that “they have a lot in common and it’s going really well”, suggesting that their connection goes beyond just romantic attraction.
The couple’s busy schedules have meant that “their dates have been very far apart because of schedules, but it’s been going on a few months”. Despite the logistical challenges of maintaining a relationship while both pursuing demanding careers, they’ve managed to nurture their connection over several months.
Looking Forward: A New Chapter
Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak (Image via Getty)
For Mariah Carey, this relationship represents more than just a new romance – it’s a fresh start after years of being single and focusing on her career and children. Sources close to the singer reveal that she “hasn’t seriously dated anyone in years” and that .Paak is the “first person she has truly been interested in”.
The relationship appears to be having a positive impact on Carey’s professional life as well. An insider noted that “she feels challenged and reinvigorated about new projects coming up”, suggesting that her personal happiness is translating into creative energy.
As of now, neither Carey nor .Paak has officially commented on their relationship publicly, maintaining a level of privacy that’s characteristic of Carey’s approach to personal matters. However, their public appearances and the confirmation from multiple sources close to the couple indicate that this is indeed a serious and committed relationship.
The pairing of these two talented artists represents an exciting development in both of their personal lives, bringing together Carey’s legendary status in pop and R&B with .Paak’s innovative approach to contemporary music. As they continue to navigate their relationship while managing their respective careers and families, fans are eagerly watching to see how this musical love story unfolds.
Leonardo DiCaprio, the Academy Award-winning actor known for his iconic roles in films like Titanic and The Wolf of Wall Street, has long been a subject of fascination when it comes to his romantic relationships. For decades, the Hollywood star has been linked to numerous high-profile models and actresses, earning him a reputation as one of entertainment’s most eligible bachelors. However, his current relationship with Italian model Vittoria Ceretti appears to be breaking new ground in the actor’s well-documented dating history.
At 50 years old, DiCaprio seems to have found something special with the 26-year-old Ceretti, whom he has been dating since August 2023. Their relationship has captured significant media attention, not just because of DiCaprio’s celebrity status, but also due to the apparent seriousness and longevity of their connection. Unlike many of his previous relationships, this romance has shown remarkable staying power, with the couple making several public appearances together and even attending the prestigious Met Gala as a pair in May 2025.
The relationship represents a notable shift for DiCaprio, who has historically been known for dating younger models and actresses, often ending relationships around the time his partners reach their mid-twenties. With Ceretti, however, there appears to be a different dynamic at play, one that has sparked speculation about potential engagement and a more permanent commitment. As we delve deeper into DiCaprio’s current romance and examine his extensive dating history, we’ll explore what makes this relationship unique and why it might signal a new chapter in the actor’s personal life.
Current Relationship: Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti
Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti (Image via Getty)
Leonardo DiCaprio’s relationship with Italian model Vittoria Ceretti began in August 2023 when the pair were first spotted enjoying ice cream together in Santa Barbara, California. The initial sighting marked the beginning of what would become one of DiCaprio’s most enduring and public relationships in recent years.
The Timeline of Their Romance
The couple’s relationship has progressed steadily since their first public appearance. In September 2023, Ceretti was introduced to DiCaprio’s mother, Irmelin Indenbirken, during a museum visit in Milan—a significant step that suggested the relationship was becoming more serious. By March 2024, engagement rumors began circulating when Ceretti was spotted wearing a ring on her left hand, though these speculations were later dismissed.
The relationship reached a new milestone in May 2025 when DiCaprio attended his first Met Gala with Ceretti as his date. While they didn’t walk the red carpet together, their appearance at the prestigious event marked a significant public acknowledgment of their relationship. The couple was photographed together inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art, with Ceretti wearing a pinstripe mini dress by Moncler x EE72 and DiCaprio in a classic black tuxedo.
Ceretti’s Perspective on the Relationship
In March 2025, Ceretti broke her silence about dating DiCaprio in an interview with Vogue France, providing rare insight into their relationship. She expressed frustration with being labeled simply as “Leonardo DiCaprio’s girlfriend,” stating that being in a relationship with someone who has a larger following can be quite irritating as you become known primarily through that association.
Despite the challenges of dating someone in the public eye, Ceretti emphasized the genuine nature of their connection, explaining that if what you’re experiencing is real and you know you love each other, there’s no reason to be alarmed because love protects and gives confidence. She revealed that they first met in Milan, though she preferred to keep further details private.
Recent Engagement Speculation
Recent reports from June 2025 suggest that DiCaprio and Ceretti may be moving toward engagement. Sources close to the actor indicate that their relationship has become increasingly serious, with DiCaprio reportedly ready to change his lifestyle and start a family. This development would mark a significant departure from the actor’s previous pattern of relationships and could signal his readiness for long-term commitment.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Dating History: A Pattern of High-Profile Relationships
Leonardo DiCaprio (Image via Getty)
Leonardo DiCaprio’s romantic history reads like a who’s who of the modeling and entertainment world, with the actor consistently linked to some of the most beautiful and successful women in fashion and Hollywood.
Early Relationships and Supermodel Era
DiCaprio’s first public relationship was with supermodel Bridget Hall in 1994. This set the tone for what would become a clear pattern: the actor’s preference for dating models, particularly those associated with Victoria’s Secret and Sports Illustrated. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, he was linked to numerous high-profile models including Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, and Kristen Zang.
Long-Term Relationships
Two relationships stand out as DiCaprio’s most serious long-term commitments before Ceretti. His relationship with Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen lasted from 2000 to 2005, making it one of his longest relationships. The couple was frequently photographed together, and DiCaprio famously took Bündchen as his date to the Academy Awards.
Following Bündchen, DiCaprio entered another significant relationship with Israeli model Bar Refaeli, which lasted from 2005 to 2011. Their relationship was notably on-and-off, with the couple breaking up in 2009 before reconciling, only to split permanently in 2011. According to reports, neither was ready to take the relationship to the next level, leading to their final breakup.
The “25 Rule” and Recent Relationships
DiCaprio’s dating pattern has become the subject of internet memes and cultural commentary, particularly the observation that he rarely dates women over 25. His most recent long-term relationship before Ceretti was with actress and model Camila Morrone, which lasted four years and ended in August 2022 when Morrone was just over 25.
Other notable relationships include brief romances with actress Blake Lively in 2011, various Victoria’s Secret models including Erin Heatherton and Toni Garrn, and more recent connections with models like Kelly Rohrbach and Nina Agdal.
What Makes the Ceretti Relationship Different
Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti (Image via Getty)
Several factors distinguish DiCaprio’s relationship with Vittoria Ceretti from his previous romances, suggesting this could be the relationship that breaks his established patterns.
Duration and Stability
At nearly two years, DiCaprio’s relationship with Ceretti has already outlasted many of his previous connections. The consistency and apparent stability of their relationship, without the on-and-off nature that characterized some of his past romances, suggests a more mature approach to commitment.
Age Factor
While Ceretti is currently 26, she was 25 when they began dating, and DiCaprio has continued the relationship well past her 25th birthday—breaking his supposed “rule” about dating women over that age. This shift has been noted by media outlets as potentially significant in understanding DiCaprio’s evolving approach to relationships.
Public Integration
The couple’s appearance at the Met Gala and Ceretti’s introduction to DiCaprio’s mother suggest a level of integration and seriousness that wasn’t always present in his previous relationships. These public acknowledgments indicate DiCaprio’s willingness to be seen as part of a committed couple.
Mutual Respect and Understanding
