Mariah Carey & Bryan Tanaka Split: The Reason Behind Their Breakup?

By Heber LeschMay 03, 2025

Did the fairytale come to an end? After seven years of a high-profile relationship, the iconic singer Mariah Carey and her longtime partner, Bryan Tanaka, have decided to go their separate ways, leaving fans and the media alike reeling from the news.

The announcement, which surfaced in late December, brought an end to a relationship that had captivated the public eye since its inception. The news, initially broken by Page Six, cited sources indicating differing desires for the future as a key factor. Specifically, it was suggested that Tanaka, a dancer and creative director, was eager to start a family, a path that didn't align with Carey's current priorities. This divergence, coupled with the couple's age difference, reportedly played a role in their decision to part ways.

Tanaka, 40, confirmed the split on Tuesday, December 26th, taking to social media to share a heartfelt statement with the world. His announcement, which came the day after Christmas, marked the official end of their romantic journey. Prior to his public statement, rumors had been circulating, fueled by Tanaka's absence from Carey's side, particularly during her holiday performances, including the "Merry Christmas To All!" special at Madison Square Garden on December 13, 2022, in New York City.

The pair first connected professionally in 2006, when Tanaka was brought on as a backup dancer for Carey's "Adventures of Mimi" tour. Their relationship transitioned from a professional context to a personal one in 2016, eventually becoming a central part of Carey's public persona. They made several public appearances, including the Golden Globes afterparty at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in January 2018. Their relationship was a frequent topic of media coverage, with the couple often seen together at high-profile events.

As details emerge about the breakup, it's become clear that the decision was a mutual one, though driven by different life goals. The end of the relationship highlights the complexities of maintaining a long-term relationship, especially when divergent paths for the future appear. With both parties embarking on new chapters, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what the future holds for Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka.

Category	Details
Full Name	Bryan Tanaka
Date of Birth	April 11, 1983
Age	40 (as of December 2023)
Profession	Dancer and Choreographer
Known For	Being a backup dancer and creative director for Mariah Carey; His long-term relationship with Carey.
Relationship with Mariah Carey	Began in 2016, ended in late 2023.
Career Highlights	Has toured as a backup dancer with Mariah Carey since 2006. Also worked as a creative director for her shows.
Notable Events	Performed with Carey at the "Merry Christmas To All!" special at Madison Square Garden (December 2022). Attended the Golden Globes afterparty in January 2018.
Key Details of Breakup	Confirmed on December 26, 2023; Reported desire for children from Tanaka; Age gap and diverging life goals were cited as factors.
Age Difference	14 years
Social Media	Shared a statement on social media confirming the split on December 26, 2023.
Reference	US Magazine - Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka Split After 7 Years Together

The news of the split came as a surprise to many, given the length and visibility of their relationship. The public had often associated Tanaka with Carey, both personally and professionally. He often took part in her major events, making his absence from recent ones all the more noticeable.

The age difference between the couple, with Carey being 14 years older than Tanaka, was also cited in some reports as a factor. The reports suggested this difference could have played a role in their diverging paths, particularly as they navigated the realities of their lives and their differing expectations for the future.

In a moment of reflection, Carey shared a video commemorating an anniversary, leaping into the ocean while donning a hot pink wetsuit. It was a testament to her unwavering zest for life, yet soon after, the reality of the split with Tanaka set in. This timing added another layer of complexity to the narrative, with the breakup becoming a defining moment in their relationship.

The narrative of their relationship was one of professional collaboration that blossomed into something more. Tanaka had first worked with Carey in 2006, when he joined as a backup dancer for her "Adventures of Mimi" tour. Their association gradually evolved into something more significant, becoming a staple in both their personal and professional lives.

Speculations about the couple's split were rife, especially when Tanaka was notably absent from various events with Carey. The absence of Tanaka was particularly evident during Carey's public appearances. Public perception then quickly shifted to acknowledge the change in their relationship status.

The breakup has stirred a mix of emotions, from curiosity to empathy. Fans, eager to understand the dynamics of their split, have looked to social media and other news outlets to gather details about what caused their parting. The news of the breakup also coincided with the speculation about Carey's financial status. These reports point to the need for her to manage her resources more carefully, as she navigates her new chapter.

From the early days of their relationship to the final announcement, the public had a front-row seat to the couple's journey. The public appearances, the social media posts, and the overall visibility of their relationship made it a topic of widespread interest. With the ending of their relationship, both Carey and Tanaka must navigate their new realities separately.

The breakup has also sparked fresh analysis of their relationship dynamics, which included the couple's personalities and goals, and how they interacted. These aspects became more apparent as the relationship drew to a close.

As both Carey and Tanaka go forward, it is evident that the end of their relationship signifies the start of a new phase in their lives. The future for both of them is full of uncertainties. It may include finding new opportunities and building fresh relationships.

It should be noted that their personal life has always been the focus of media attention. The public remains interested in how they navigate their individual lives, with fans awaiting to know their future plans.

In the end, the breakup of Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka serves as a reminder of how life changes, how relationships evolve, and the need to make the best decisions for one's future. The story of Carey and Tanaka is a reminder of the many twists and turns that shape life.

The news has reminded everyone of the fragility of love, even in the most public of relationships. This breakup will affect not only the parties involved but also their fans. This news will affect the entertainment world in general, as fans will keep on tracking the developments in their lives.

As they move on, Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka carry forward a history of shared moments. The public will be watching for what comes next.

Mariah Carey Hold Hands With Boyfriend Bryan Tanaka Photos

Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka in Beverly Hills 07/20/2017 • CelebMafia

Mariah Carey & Bryan Tanaka from The Big Picture Today's Hot Photos

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