What is Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey's age difference? Comedian opens up about relationship insecurities in his marriage with singer
Comedian, rapper, and television host Nick Cannon opened up about his previous marriage with music icon Mariah Carey, sharing insights into his insecurities during their high-profile relationship.
On October 24, 2024, Cannon appeared on the Ray Daniels Presents podcast, candidly discussing his experiences surrounding his marriage with Mariah Carey. Cannon reflected on marrying at a young age, especially to one of the world's most iconic stars, and shared how this unique dynamic impacted his sense of self.
"I could care less about that. But going to myself with that pressure of, 'Who am I?' I got married in my 20s, you know what I mean? To the biggest star in the world," Cannon said.
Nick Cannon (born on October 8, 1980) and Mariah Carey (born on March 27, 1969) have an 11-year age difference. The couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony in the Bahamas in May 2008, with Cannon at 27 and Carey at 39. The couple finalized their divorce in 2016 and share 11-year-old twins, son Moroccan Scott and daughter Monroe Scott.
Nick Cannon opens up about the challenges of marrying a superstar, Mariah Carey
During Ray Daniels Presents podcast appearance on Thursday, Nick Cannon shared that he was not concerned with others' opinions or perceptions during his marriage to Mariah Carey. Instead, his focus was on his sense of identity.
Cannon acknowledged that at the time of their marriage, Carey was a global superstar, while his achievements seemed minimal by comparison.
"I didn't actually really care what the world thought because the perception, you know, that is what it is. People are going to love you one day, hate you the next day. My trajectory was here and then hers — she's already in a different stratosphere," Cannon said.
The comedian further elaborated that he often found himself lying awake at night, contemplating his sense of self-worth and questioning whether his identity was defined solely by his relationship with Mariah Carey rather than by his achievements or individuality.
While he acknowledged there was nothing wrong with being known as her partner, he noted that having his own identity was something he deeply valued and frequently reflected upon.
"I would lay up at night thinking, like, 'Is this who I am? Am I Mariah's man? Is that what my life is supposed to be?' There's nothing wrong with it," Cannon added.
After the couple welcomed twins in 2011, Nick Cannon reflected on moments from early parenthood. He recalled instances where he would find himself carrying purses and diaper bags and waiting on the sidelines for Mariah Carey, while she enjoyed her spotlight moments, which he acknowledged she truly deserved.
Cannon further noted, however, that Mariah needed someone who could match that role, admitting he was not the ideal match for that role.
"I'm carrying a purse, the diaper bag and, you know, I'm standing on the corner like, 'Wait.' She's rocking being the alpha. She deserves it. I believe she needs a dude like that. I'm just not that dude," Cannon further added.
Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey first met in August 2005 at the Teen Choice Awards. 3 years later, in April 2008, the couple sparked dating rumors, and within just two months of dating, they tied the knot.
While Cannon and Carey kept the details of their wedding private, Carey told People in May 2008, that she had found her "soulmate" in Cannon, describing a love she had never experienced before. Additionally, Cannon remarked that Carey is "ten times more beautiful" on the inside than she is on the outside.
"She is beautiful on the outside and 10 times as beautiful on the inside," Cannon said.
Since their marriage, Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey were frequently spotted together at various events, including the Golden Globes and America's Got Talent. In April 2013, they celebrated their fifth anniversary and their twins' second birthday with an extravagant party at Disneyland.
However, in December 2014, during an interview with Good Morning America, Cannon confirmed that they had separated, although he did not disclose the reasons behind their split. After finalizing their divorce in 2016, the couple continued co-parenting their children.