Throughout her career spanning over three decades, Carey has achieved numerous milestones, including 19 Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, five Grammys, and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Carey’s openness about her admiration for Tupac humanizes her, revealing a playful and vulnerable side, and adding to the lore surrounding Tupac’s charisma and influence.

The moment with Tupac at the AMAs was a major highlight for Carey, despite her busy hosting duties, and it continues to resonate with fans as a compelling 'what-if' scenario in music history.

Mariah Carey recently opened up about a brief but memorable encounter with Tupac Shakur at the 1996 American Music Awards, which left her feeling 'more than butterflies' and wishing they had connected more deeply.

She expressed her admiration for Tupac, noting she would have loved to collaborate with him on a song and highlighting her love for hip-hop despite some opposition from others.

She is currently promoting her upcoming sixteenth studio album, 'Here For It All,' scheduled for release on September 26, 2025, with singles like 'Type Dangerous' and 'Sugar Sweet' featuring Kehlani and Shenseea.

Carey reflected that a partnership with Tupac would have been an 'unmatched power couple,' and her comment 'I wish' underscores her regret or longing for what might have been.

In addition to her new album, Carey is set to receive the VMA Vanguard Award, recognizing her influence and contributions to music, and will perform at the MTV VMA ceremony.

Carey’s admiration for Tupac is reflected in her music, notably sampling his song 'Me and My Girlfriend' in her 1999 track 'How Much,' which demonstrates his lasting influence on her work.

The 1996 AMAs was a significant cultural moment, showcasing the convergence of pop, R&B, and hip-hop, with Carey and Tupac representing the pinnacle of their genres.

Tupac, known for his lyrical talent and activism, left a lasting impact beyond music, captivating those around him with his charm and poetic persona.

Carey previously expressed her admiration for Tupac in her 2020 memoir, emphasizing her respect for his presence and style.