Mariah Carey Finally Calls Out Beyoncé and J.Lo, Claiming They Stole Her Career

Have you ever wondered how some of the biggest stars in music reached their legendary status? For Mariah Carey, the answer is both dazzling and deeply complicated.

In the 1990s, Mariah wasn’t just a singer—she was a musical force who wrote her own songs, produced her records, and stunned the world with her five-octave range.

She was everywhere: radio, MTV, award shows. But Mariah’s power and control over her career made her a threat to an industry uncomfortable with a woman—especially a woman of color—holding that much autonomy.

Things took a dark turn with her then-husband, Tommy Mottola, who was also the head of Sony Music, Mariah’s label. Their relationship became a cage, and when Mariah finally broke free, it didn’t just end in heartbreak; it started a behind-the-scenes war.

Rumors swirled about sabotage, with industry insiders allegedly pulling strings to undermine her career and push new stars into the spotlight she once dominated.

Enter Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé. While Mariah doesn’t directly accuse these women of plotting against her, there’s no denying the industry’s calculated moves.

After leaving Sony, Mariah was set to release her movie *Glitter* and its soundtrack. But suddenly, J.Lo released a song using the exact same sample Mariah had secured for her single “Loverboy”—and J.Lo’s version dropped first.

The culprit? Many point to Mottola, who allegedly redirected the sample to J.Lo, undermining Mariah’s comeback.

The controversy didn’t end there. J.Lo, who began as a dancer and actress, emerged almost overnight as a pop star, with major producers and hit songs—some with vocals and hooks sung by other artists like Ashanti, who later revealed her voice was often used uncredited on J.Lo’s tracks.

J.Lo received the spotlight, awards, and hits, while the women behind the music remained in the shadows.

Beyoncé’s rise also intersects with Mariah’s legacy. Early in her career, Beyoncé openly praised Mariah, crediting her as a vocal inspiration. But as Beyoncé’s solo stardom soared, that public admiration faded.

Some say Beyoncé’s team deliberately distanced her from Mariah’s “diva” image to craft a more controlled, polished legacy. The industry’s machinery, hungry for a new queen, opened doors for Beyoncé that had been slammed shut for Mariah, especially with the added influence of Jay-Z.

Meanwhile, Mariah battled negative press, mental health rumors, and continued industry sabotage. She watched as her innovations and style were repackaged and handed to others, while her own contributions were minimized or erased.

The infamous “I don’t know her” moment—Mariah’s response when asked about J.Lo—became a pop culture meme, symbolizing the underlying tensions and industry gamesmanship.

Songwriters and producers have since spoken out about tracks being rerouted and credits withheld. Ashanti, for example, later expressed frustration at hearing her own voice on J.Lo’s hits. The pattern is clear: the industry often lifted the work of Black and biracial women, giving it to more “marketable” faces.

Now, rumors suggest Mariah may finally be ready to speak openly about the sabotage she endured—whether through a documentary, memoir, or interview. If she does, it won’t just be her story, but a broader reckoning for an industry that often sidelines the very women who built its foundation.

Despite everything, Mariah’s legacy endures. She remains a chart-topping icon, referenced and revered by the very stars who once benefited from her erasure. If Mariah finally tells her side, it could change the conversation about credit, control, and the true cost of stardom in the music industry.