The artist fulfills all the requirements that the prestigious institution seeks – from longevity and versatility to influence and legacy – but has been ignored twice
When Mariah Carey received its second nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Earlier this year, the president of the foundation of the institution, John Sykesreleased a statement celebrating the new group of nominees. “These remarkable nominees each created their own musical style and attitude, impacting generations of music lovers”he wrote. Carey appeared in this year’s ballot next to Phish, Outkast, Oasis, Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper, Joy Division/New Order, Soundgarden, The White Stripes, Joe Cocker, Bad Company, Black Crowes, Chubby Checker and Manna.
Carey was also in the ballot in 2024. At that time, he appeared next to Cher, Ozzy OsbourneOasis, Sinéad o’connor, Mary J. Blige, Dave Matthews Band, Eric B. & Rakim, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Jane’s Addiction, Kool and the Gang, Lenny Kravitz and The Called Quest Tribe.
At the time, Sykes shared another version of his commemorative statement:
“These artists created their own sounds, which impacted generations and influenced countless others that followed their steps.”
The criteria expressed in these statements were no less true in 2024 or 2025 than in 2016, when Carey first became eligible for the prestigious tribute. In fact, it barely took a decade after the release of its debut album, Mariah Careyin 1990, for its influence to begin shaping a new generation of pop divas that would take control of their own vocals in the studio with the same authority they displayed on stage.
And yet, for the second year in a row, the singer, songwriter and producer was left out of the induction ceremony. Bad Company, Chubby CheckerJoe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, OutkastSoundgarden and The White Stripes will be part of the 2025 class. With each passing year, the legacy built by Carey becomes just more indisputable. What else Rock and Roll Hall of Fame wants her?
Last year, Mariah Carey admitted to being a little disappointed for not being chosen to join the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class.
About the theme, she spoke to Los Angeles Times:
“Everyone was calling me saying, ‘I think you’re going to come in!’ And I was excited about it.
She felt a similar expectation in 1996, when her album Daydream (1995) received six nominations to Grammy, including album of the year. Hits as “One Sweet Day”, “Always Be My Baby” and “Fantasy” – All # 1 on the American Parade – were among the nominees. “All these songs were huge”She said, so at least one would win, right? “Then I was sitting there all the time and didn’t get anything. I thought, ‘This is not fun. But what can I do?'”
These three songs represent only a fraction of the 19 singles that have reached number 1 in Mariah Carey’s career over the last 35 years – she has credits as a co -author in 18 of them. In 1998, it already had so many hits that launched its first collection, Number 1’sgathering the 13 hits that has accumulated in just eight years.
Carey currently celebrates the 20 years of The Emancipation of Mimialbum that introduced her to a new generation of listeners as a true hits factory. It was him that tracks came out like “We Belong Together”, “Shake It Off”, “Don’t Forget About Us” and “It’s like that” – Small excerpts of what Carey said to Rolling Stonein 2024, to be “My favorite work”.
In the history of rock and Roll Hall of Fameartists like Patti Smith and Solomon Burke They needed seven to nine nominations to finally be included. THE Chic It was nominated 11 times and never entered (though Nile Rodgers was included in 2017 with the musical excellence award). Janet Jackson and Joni Mitchell They were only recognized after three nominations, many years after the eligibility period. Donna Summerfive times in five years. And even Brenda Lee – whose single “Rockin ‘Around the Christmas Tree” competes with “All I Want For Christmas Is You” In the charts every year, it was only nominated in 2002, after three attempts. Like many of these artists, Carey should never have needed more than one. Like many of these artists, Mariah Carey should never need more than one nomination.
In 2022, Mariah Carey was included in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His speech had the dramatic touch that became his trademark, but also highlighted the years he went through “Walking alone and creating melodies, writing words in a notebook”. This tribute, in particular, had a huge weight. She said she needs to “constantly” to remind people that she is a songwriter. But it was more than that.
Questlove explained why:
“This is the power of success – especially at Mariah Carey level – because you can be ignored in certain ways, and people forget that you are an artist. People forget, and suddenly you become just one product.”
Resilience has always been a driving thread in Carey’s career. She never stays in the dark long before she returned to the spotlight (or the blinking lights of the holidays). He faced rivalries – real and manufactured, as with almost every pop star – but nothing that shaken his serene and impetized aura. He released 15 studio albums and won 6 of the 34 Grammys to which he was nominated. His legacy has built on a solid base of personal strength and one of the most unique voices that music has ever known. Mariah is at the same level as Janet and Whitney. Mariah is the root of Christina and Aryan. One in one million.
“There are not enough words. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this dream come true and for spreading your genius and magic in my song”said Ariana Grande when Mariah Carey – “The only, queen of my heart and inspiration of all life” – Participated in the remix of his single “Yes, and?”in 2024. This was always Carey’s dream. “I don’t want to be just categorized as ‘that era’. My goal is to have a lasting career. Otherwise, what is the meaning?”she said to Vibe In 1998. That’s what she worked for.
“THE [Sony] I only released four singles from an album of mine. While a Janet, for example, released about seven and was working the same album for two years. But with me it was like this: ‘Go to the studio! More songs! Sing! Sing! ‘”
More than 1,200 artists, historians and industry professionals – the Hall of Fame voters – shape the history of music with simple markings in a note of indications. Hall’s selection criteria should take into account the impact of an artist on music culture, such as Mariah Carey’s innovative success as a pop producer and songwriter in the midst of corporate machismo. It is also about influence on other musicians – as Lattowhich transformed “Fantasy” in a hit of the 2020s with “Big Energy”or Megan Thee Stallionthat sings “I Feel Like Mariah Carey / Got These N#Gg@S So Obsessed” In your single 1 single, “Hiss”. Hall also values reach and longevity – both in career and in the work. And there is Carey: at the intersection between pop, R&B and hip-hop (not to mention that alternative grunge album stored in some safe out there).
Whatever Hall is looking for, Mariah Carey already has. It’s in the voice. In the songs. In the legacy. She has already marked all the boxes. Now it’s Hall’s turn. Perhaps the third time is the Charmbracelet – But this tribute comes too late.
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Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
