Aside from their widely-discussed recent outing, Mariah Carey and Anderson Paak sparked even more reactions and romance rumors at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Music superstars Mariah Carey, 55, and Anderson Paak, 39, were recently spotted sharing a moment in Los Angeles, sparking intrigue among the public. The music icon and the Grammy-winning artist appeared to be in high spirits as they exchanged smiles near a light blue car.

This latest sighting has only intensified speculation about their relationship. In an online image of the duo, the pair appears comfortable in each other’s company, sharing smiles and an unmistakable sense of ease.

The 55-year-old, ever the glamorous diva, donned a shimmering black ensemble that caught the light. Her voluminous curls framed her face as she exchanged a warm, engaged moment with Paak. Meanwhile, the Silk Sonic musician exuded his signature laid-back style. He rocked a flannel jacket over a yellow graphic t-shirt and accessorized with a stylish backward cap.

Adding to the intrigue, People magazine reported that Carey and the 39-year-old were spotted holding hands during their outing, fueling speculation that their connection may be more than just a friendship.

Upon learning about the duo’s latest outing, netizens were quick to flood social media with reactions — many of which centered on their noticeable age difference. While some people supported the pair, others were more critical, offering mixed opinions on their rumored romance.

“She likes them young lol,” one person noted, while another quipped about Carey being a “sugar mama,” as the spectator referenced the singer’s former relationship with fellow A-lister Nick Cannon.

Others took the humor a step further, comparing their dynamic to a familial relationship. “Aww mother & son,” wrote an Instagrammer. One particularly blunt commenter simply stated, “She’s 16 years older than him.”

On the other hand, there were plenty of supporters who viewed the pair’s rumored romance in a positive light. “Cute couple,” a supporter praised, keeping their response short and sweet. “That man is smitten! Yeah they dating 😂 [sic],” one netizen remarked, pointing to Paak’s visible excitement in the widely circulated image.

Others expressed happiness for Carey, with one fan sharing, “I hope he don’t hurt her my queen deserves to be happy and treated right just saying [sic]!!” “I like them together,” penned a fellow admirer.

Some commenters also speculated that this alleged romance is hardly new, claiming that the two have been an item for a while now. “They’ve been together for months. And good for them. I think they make a great couple. Looking forward to the new music. I know it’s going to be 🔥,” opined a supporter.

Though opinions varied, one thing was clear — Mariah Carey and Paak’s public outings have certainly captured the internet’s attention.

Carey and Paak continued to fuel speculation about their relationship with their appearances at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. The two attended the event together, accompanied by Carey’s twins, Moroccan and Monroe Cannon.

An Instagram post shared by Hollywood Unlocked captured various moments of the duo throughout the night, further amplifying the conversation surrounding their dynamic.

One particularly telling moment came when Carey took the stage to accept the Icon Award. Paak was seen holding her hand as he assisted her up the stairs, a gentlemanly gesture that did not go unnoticed. Another man, walking beside them, also provided support by gently holding Carey’s arm.

In another moment, during which they were seated and watching a video tribute honoring the legendary songstress, Carey and Paak shared sweet interactions. They were seen exchanging words, and occasionally leaning toward one another.

As expected, the internet had a lot to say about Carey and Paak’s public display of camaraderie at the awards show, which Hollywood Unlocked’s post highlighted via screenshots of comments.

Many were stunned by their presence together, with one netizen pondering, “Wait… so Anderson Paak and Mariah are really a thing?” Another person echoed the same surprised reaction, “Anderson Paak and Mariah Carey are dating???”

Others focused on Paak’s demeanor throughout the evening, pointing out how thrilled he appeared to be sitting beside the music icon. “Mariah really has Anderson Pakk [sic] showing every tooth in his mouth,” one person observed, referencing his wide, beaming smile throughout the event.

Another spectator highlighted, “Anywhere Mariah is there Anderson is.” Included at the end of Hollywood Unlocked’s post was a screenshot from a People magazine article about how Carey and Paak were spotted holding hands while leaving their second dinner date in a week in Aspen last year (2024).

That occasion marked the second time the duo were spotted in Aspen together last year, as cameras first captured Carey and Paak hand-in-hand at Catch Steak restaurant for dinner on December 22, 2024.

Eyewitnesses at the time noted that the duo appeared to be in high spirits as they walked into the venue. Adding to the intrigue, Paak was seen keeping Carey close, placing a supportive arm around her waist as he held the door open for her.

However, despite the seemingly intimate moment, sources quickly shut down dating rumors, clarifying that their relationship was strictly professional.

According to reports, Carey and Paak were spending time together in Aspen for work, having been in the studio collaborating on new music. While they enjoyed dinner together that evening, they ultimately left the restaurant separately.

While it remains unclear what exactly they are working on musically, Paak previously teased their creative partnership by sharing footage of the two at New York City’s famed Electric Lady Studios last summer — suggesting that whatever they’re cooking up could be significant.

Whether it’s a musical masterpiece in the making or the start of a new romance, Carey and Paak’s connection continues to captivate fans. With their recent outings and undeniable chemistry, all eyes remain on the duo as the public eagerly awaits what’s next.