**What Happened to Trey Lorenz’s Career After Mariah Carey?**

Trey Lorenz, a name synonymous with vocal talent and soulful melodies, became an unforgettable voice in the early ’90s alongside Mariah Carey. Known for their iconic duet “I’ll Be There,” Lorenz rose to fame seemingly overnight.

However, despite his immense talent and the momentum of a chart-topping single, his solo career never reached the heights many expected. What happened to Trey Lorenz after his time with Mariah Carey?

Born in Florence, South Carolina, Trey Lorenz discovered his passion for music early on. While studying marketing at Fairleigh Dickinson University, he performed in a short-lived group called Squeak and the Deep.

His big break came in a chance encounter when he was invited to a recording session with a then-unknown Mariah Carey. Their chemistry was instant—Mariah noticed his powerful voice and quickly brought him into her circle as a background vocalist during her debut and *Emotions* album eras.

Lorenz’s defining moment came during Mariah Carey’s 1992 MTV Unplugged performance. The duo’s spontaneous cover of the Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There” captivated audiences with its raw emotion and vocal brilliance.

The live recording became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning them a Grammy nomination. With this success, Lorenz was offered a solo record deal with Epic Records, personally brokered by Tommy Mottola, Mariah’s then-husband and head of Sony Music.

In September 1992, Lorenz released his self-titled debut album, led by the single “Someone to Hold,” co-written by Mariah Carey. The song performed well, peaking at number five on the R&B charts and breaking into the Billboard Hot 100’s top 20.

However, the album itself stalled at number 111 on the Billboard 200, failing to achieve the commercial success the label had hoped for. Despite his vocal talent, the album’s rollout lacked vision. Epic Records failed to market Lorenz effectively, opting for safe, mid-tempo ballads instead of showcasing his versatility with more dynamic tracks.

To make matters worse, the B-side of his lead single, “Wanna Girl,” was shelved by the label. Less than a year later, the same track was reworked and released by another artist, Jeremy Jordan, whose version became a commercial success.

This marked the beginning of Lorenz’s quiet exit from the spotlight. Epic Records dropped him, and plans for a second album were abandoned.

Despite the setbacks, Lorenz never left music. He continued to tour with Mariah Carey, providing background vocals for her live performances and contributing to her albums.

Behind the scenes, he co-wrote several tracks for Mariah, including “Crybaby” and “Subtle Invitation.” His voice also appeared on movie soundtracks like *Men in Black* and *Money Train*. Though his solo career faded, Lorenz remained a respected figure in the industry.

In 2006, Lorenz released an independent EP, *Mimi Presents Trey Lorenz: Mr. Mista*, under Mariah Carey’s imprint. While it didn’t receive widespread attention, it was a testament to his enduring passion for music.

Today, Lorenz continues to perform with Mariah Carey, his voice a constant reminder of his timeless talent. Though the music industry may not have given him the recognition he deserved, Trey Lorenz’s legacy as a gifted vocalist and songwriter remains undeniable.