“Mariah Carey Opens Up About Turbulent Marriage to Tommy Mottola: ‘I Feel Angry’ and Reveals Secrets Behind Her New Album”

In a rare and candid interview, Mariah Carey has opened up about her tumultuous marriage to music executive Tommy Mottola, shedding light on the emotional complexities of their relationship and its lasting impact on her life and career.

The interview, featured in the September 2025 issue of Harper’s Bazaar UK, marks a significant moment in Carey’s public narrative, offering a glimpse into the personal struggles that have shaped her journey.

Carey, now 56, married Mottola in 1993 when she was just 23 years old.

At the time, Mottola was the head of Sony Music, and their union quickly became one of the most talked-about in the entertainment industry.

However, behind the glitz and glamour, Carey describes the marriage as a period of intense control and emotional turmoil.

She likens their mansion in Bedford, New York, to a “prison,” and has referred to herself as a “child bride” during that time.

The relationship ended in divorce in 1998, but the scars have lingered.

In the interview, Carey admits to still feeling “angry” about that period of her life.

She acknowledges that while she has made peace with many aspects, the anger sometimes resurfaces.

To cope with these emotions, Carey turns to humor, describing it as her “release.

” “Humor is my release, and people who know me know that,” she explains.

“I’ll make little jokes about what happened because otherwise I could make every day a sob story.”

The impact of the marriage on Carey’s career was profound.

She reveals that her artistic freedom was severely restricted during that time, with Mottola controlling much of her musical direction.

Her desire to explore R&B and urban genres was often dismissed, leading to a sense of creative imprisonment.

It wasn’t until the release of her 1997 album Butterfly, after the divorce, that Carey felt she could truly express herself musically.

Looking ahead, Carey is channeling her experiences into her upcoming album, Here for It All, set to release on September 26, 2025.

The album features tracks like “Type Dangerous” and “Sugar Sweet,” and marks her first independent release under her own imprint.

In an Apple Music conversation with singer SZA, Carey discussed the creative process behind the album, emphasizing the intentional placement of the title track as the final song to provide a satisfying conclusion to the project.

Here for It All is described as a deeply personal work, reflecting Carey’s journey of healing and self-discovery.

The album includes collaborations with artists like Shenseea, Kehlani, Anderson .

Paak, and the Clark Sisters, blending various musical influences to create a sound that is both contemporary and reflective of her roots.

Carey has expressed excitement about the album, describing it as a culmination of her experiences and growth.

As Carey prepares to release this highly anticipated album, fans and critics alike are eager to hear how her past experiences have influenced her music.

The forthcoming tracks are expected to offer a raw and unfiltered look into her life, providing insight into the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her into the artist she is today.

In conclusion, Mariah Carey’s revelations about her marriage to Tommy Mottola offer a poignant glimpse into the personal struggles that have influenced her artistry.

Her ability to transform pain into creativity continues to resonate with audiences, reaffirming her status as one of the most influential and resilient figures in the music industry.