"That’s not a good way to feel"— Mariah Carey shares advice for Chappell Roan and young artists alike on struggles with fame

Singer Mariah Carey shared advice on adjusting to fame for younger artists like Chappell Roan. In an interview with AP published on Friday, October 4, 2024, the All I Want For Christmas Is You hitmaker was asked to comment on novice pop stars struggling with fame as someone who has remained in the public eye for so many years.

Carey remarked that she has had her "share of dramas." She explained that she grew up thinking she wanted to be a singer and write songs, adding:

"But “I want to be famous” was right there with it. I feel like it was probably because I didn’t feel like I was good enough on my own because of the things I went through growing up. And that’s not a good way to feel."

Roan has recently been making headlines for not endorsing a candidate in the upcoming presidential elections and canceling two shows to "prioritize her health." In an Instagram Story on September 2024, the Good Luck, Babe! hitmaker explained that "things (had) gotten overwhelming."

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"Go into this industry with a love of your talent"— Mariah Carey advises younger artists in the industry

Mariah Carey's suggestion came upon being made aware of Chappell Roan making headlines for speaking about dealing with fame. Carey advised the new generation of singers to love "what's real" to them. She remarked:

"My advice would be try your hardest to go into this industry with a love of your talent or what’s really real for you."

The superstar singer continued:

"If it’s like, “I want to be famous. I want to run around with those people, whoever they are, the famous people,” then it’s probably not the best idea."

Roan gained prominence in the industry with her 2020 single, Pink Pony Club. She followed it up with her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (2023). While the album was listed in several best albums lists, it did not gain public attention until Roan's stint as a supporting act on Olivia Rodrigo's Guts World Tour.

By mid-2024 the album was among the top 5 on Billboard 200 chart and Chappell Roan shot to fame. However, since then the singer has frequently commented on her struggles with fame and dislike of "superfans" who lack boundaries.

In a September 2024 interview with The Guardian, she explained that fans have called her "ungrateful" as a result. She added that as a result of her overnight success, she finds it "hard to keep up" and was diagnosed with severe depression.

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"I was a little bit apprehensive"— Mariah Carey about her beloved fourth studio album, Merry Christmas

Elsewhere in the interview, Mariah Carey spoke about becoming synonymous with the holiday season thanks to her 1994 hit All I Want For Christmas Is You, from her fourth studio album, Merry Christmas.

The singer explained she was initially hesitant about doing the album, which turns 30 this November.

"I was very young and was just starting out and I felt like people do Christmas albums later in their lives."

Mariah Carey continued:

"I was a little bit apprehensive and then I was like, “I love this.” And I decorated the studio and just had the best time."

Merry Christmas debuted at No. 30 on Billboard 200, peaking at No. 3. Its single All I Want For Christmas Is You has frequently peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 over the years. Despite its commercial success (certified nine-time platinum by the RIAA), the album was met with mixed reactions by the critics. However, in retrospect, many have praised it.

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Mariah Carey is set to embark on her Christmas Time tour to celebrate 30 years of the album. It begins on November 9 and will run through December 17.