Mariah Carey Says It ‘Annoyed’ Her When People Called “The Emancipation of Mimi” a ‘Comeback Album’ (Exclusive)

Mariah Carey, the iconic singer behind hits like “Emotions” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” recently shared her thoughts on how her 10th studio album, “The Emancipation of Mimi,” was labelled as a ‘comeback album’. As the album marked its 20th anniversary on April 12, Carey expressed in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE that she was initially “annoyed” by the term’s association with the record. She mentioned, “At the time, it annoyed me when they called it a comeback album. But now I’m just like, ‘Oh yeah, my comeback album.'”

The Grammy-winning artist further elaborated on her perspective, questioning the need for multiple comeback narratives in her career. Nevertheless, Carey admitted that she now sees the description as “somewhat accurate”, acknowledging that fans who are familiar with the album tend to appreciate its significance. She shared, “But not everybody knows that album,” indicating that there is still room for discovery of the songs and the essence encapsulated within them. “The Emancipation of Mimi” holds a special place in Carey’s heart, embodying a chapter in her musical journey that she cherishes.

Reflecting on the production process of the acclaimed track “We Belong Together” from the album, Carey delved into the creative intricacies during a recent episode of Vevo’s “Footnotes.” The R&B sensation recounted how the song, penned in collaboration with Jermaine Dupri, emerged as a pivotal piece towards the latter phase of the LP’s development. The music video for “We Belong Together” incorporated elements of a love triangle storyline, intertwining seamlessly with its predecessor, “It’s Like That.” This narrative innovation marked a first for Carey, extending the visual storytelling across multiple music videos.

In a striking fashion choice for the video shoot, Carey opted to wear her original Vera Wang wedding dress from her marriage to Tommy Mottola in 1993, offering a sentimental resonance to the visual narrative. The widely successful album, released on April 12, 2005, garnered immense commercial success, selling six million copies in the United States alone and amassing a total of 10 million copies worldwide. Notably, the album also earned Carey 10 prestigious Grammy nominations, cementing its place as a significant milestone in her illustrious career.

Throughout her musical odyssey, which includes marriages to Tommy Mottola and Nick Cannon, as well as the birth of her twins, Moroccan and Monroe, Carey’s resilience and artistic evolution continue to captivate audiences globally. She remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists and loyal fans alike, embodying the essence of perseverance and reinvention in the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry. As Carey navigates accolades like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination with humility and grace, her enduring legacy shines brightly, illuminating the path for a new generation of artists to follow in her footsteps.

In conclusion, Mariah Carey’s candid revelations about her acclaimed album, “The Emancipation of Mimi,” offer a glimpse into the complexities of artistic identity and public perception within the realm of music. As she reflects on her storied career and the enduring impact of her music, Carey’s insights resonate with authenticity and introspection, underscoring the multifaceted journey of a music icon in pursuit of creative excellence.