The lights of Los Angeles’ Century City Mall were outshone this week by the arrival of two music titans. On Thursday night, May 7, 2026, Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak fueled dating rumors during a high-profile outing that has fans convinced the "Hand-Holding Club" has a new power couple. Strolling through the Westfield Century City complex toward the AMC Theatres, the pair looked remarkably comfortable together, signaling that their long-rumored connection has moved from the recording studio to the public eye.
Are Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak dating?
While neither star has officially confirmed a romance, their repeated public appearances—including a May 2026 movie date at Century City Mall and a 2024 Aspen trip—alongside intimate musical collaborations on the album Here For It All, strongly suggest a relationship. During a recent podcast appearance, Carey teased there is "maybe a little love" between them.
A Sparkly Night at the Movies: The Century City Outing
The Mariah Carey Anderson .Paak movie date was anything but low-key. Both Grammy winners opted for high-fashion "sparkly" themes that turned the theater lobby into a mini-runway. Anderson .Paak donned a shimmering suit that radiated "smooth operator" energy, while Mariah Carey matched the aesthetic in a shimmering dark outfit.
The duo was spotted lining up at the concessions stand, just behind regular theatergoers, before heading into a screening of The Devil Wears Prada 2 movie. Given the film’s status as a massive box-office hit and a cultural touchstone, it served as the perfect backdrop for a pair known for their appreciation of glamour and legacy. Onlookers noted they appeared "super happy," frequently stopping by the MacGuffins Bar before settling into their seats, never once letting go of each other’s hands.
The 'Hand-Holding Club': A History of Their Connection
The rumors surrounding a Mariah Carey Anderson .Paak dating timeline aren't new; they actually trace back to December 2024. The pair first sparked headlines when they were seen spending the Aspen holiday season together. While sources at the time claimed they were simply "collaborating on new music," the body language suggested otherwise.
The narrative evolved further during Carey's interview with Gayle King and a later appearance on Keke Palmer’s podcast. When pressed about their closeness, Carey playfully referenced the "hand-holding club," a term that has since become a mantra for fans tracking their movements. This public "coyness" is a classic PR strategy, allowing the stars to maintain privacy while building massive brand engagement through "maybe a little love" teasers.
- December 2024: First spotted holding hands in Aspen, Colorado.
- September 2025: Collaboration on "Play This Song" released.
- Early 2026: Rumors swirl regarding Anderson .Paak and Jeannie Mai.
- May 2026: The high-profile Century City Mall movie date confirms their continued bond.
Musical Chemistry: Collaborations on 'Here For It All'
Beyond the red carpets and mall strolls, the foundation of their relationship is rooted in Electric Lady Studios. The two spent significant time together working on Carey’s latest album, Here For It All. Their standout track, "Play This Song," features Silk Sonic-style grooves and a lyrical intimacy that fans believe mirrors their real-life spark.
Anderson .Paak didn't just provide vocals; he also took a directorial role in her creative process. Their professional synergy is undeniable, with .Paak even collaborating with South Korean artist DEAN on the track "Aftertaste," further expanding his creative footprint while Carey prepares for her massive performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. Their relationship represents a merger of two powerful brands: the "Queen of Christmas" and the multi-instrumentalist visionary.
The Jeannie Mai Rumors: Clearing the Air
The road to this movie date wasn't without its detours. Earlier in 2026, the Anderson .Paak Jeannie Mai relationship became a hot topic after the two were seen together in West Hollywood. At the time, Mai was navigating a high-profile separation from rapper Jeezy. However, those rumors quickly faded as .Paak shifted his focus back to Carey.
While some tabloids suggested Mai might be "heartbroken" following the latest sightings of Mariah and Anderson, insiders suggest that the "Andy’s" sighting was more of a brief social connection than a serious romance. In contrast, the longevity of the Carey-Paak connection—spanning nearly two years—points to a much deeper commitment.
Balancing Fame and Family
Both stars are navigating the complexities of high-profile co-parenting. Mariah Carey shares 15-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe, with her ex-husband Nick Cannon. Carey has been vocal about maintaining a stable environment for her children, who are now entering their mid-teens and becoming fixtures in their own right.
Similarly, Anderson .Paak (real name Brandon Paak Anderson) is a father to Soul Rasheed, who stars alongside him in the upcoming film K-POPS!, set for a May 30 premiere on Netflix. .Paak’s divorce from his wife of over a decade, Jae Lin, was finalized recently, with the artist seeking joint legal custody. The fact that both stars are in similar life stages—balancing established careers with teenage children—likely contributes to their strong bond.
Key Takeaways
- Public Sighting: Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak were seen holding hands at Century City Mall on May 7, 2026.
- The Date: They attended a screening of The Devil Wears Prada 2 at the AMC Theatres.
- Fashion: Both wore coordinated "sparkly" outfits, with .Paak in a signature Anderson .Paak sparkly suit.
- Musical Link: Their relationship grew out of collaborations on the album Here For It All, specifically the hit "Play This Song."
- Past Rumors: This sighting effectively ends speculation regarding a romance between .Paak and Jeannie Mai.
- Future Projects: .Paak is gearing up for his DJ Pee .Wee tour and the release of K-POPS!, while Carey looks toward the 2026 Olympics.
Looking Ahead: Is a Music Video Next?
As the "Hand-Holding Club" continues to grow its membership, fans are left wondering what’s next. With the K-POPS! movie premiere date looming on May 30, it is highly likely we will see Carey on the red carpet supporting .Paak’s directorial debut. There are also whispers that Anderson .Paak may appear in Mariah's next music video, potentially one produced by Dem Jointz.
Whether they are living together in Los Angeles remains unconfirmed, but their frequent sightings at local hotspots suggest they are spending a significant amount of time in the city. For now, the "maybe a little love" seems to have blossomed into a full-blown Hollywood romance that is as sparkly as their outfits.
