Mariah Carey Is ‘Turned on’ by Anderson Paak Refusing to ‘Be Pushed Around’ in Relationship

Mariah Carey is happier than ever with Anderson .Paak, and a source exclusively tells Star that their dynamic is a big part of what’s keeping the spark alive.

The couple has been going strong for more than two years, and the source says the Grammy winner, 57, is drawn to the 39-year-old musician’s confidence and refusal to be pushed around.

“Mariah will always have a diva streak in her – she wouldn’t want it any other way – but that demanding nature pops up way more when she’s around work colleagues these days than with her romantic partner,” the source says. “Certainly Anderson’s not the kind of guy who’ll be pushed around and treated like a glorified assistant. He’s made that abundantly clear, and Mariah’s confided it’s a huge turn-on.”

The source adds that Carey had grown tired of past relationships that were missing a bit of excitement.

“She got so bored of those flaky, weak-minded partners who sat back and waited for her orders,” the source continues. “There was no challenge or stimulation for her so one by one they all fell by the wayside.”

The “Leave the Door Open” singer — real name: Brandon Paak Anderson — isn’t interested in playing a supporting role in the relationship with the diva.

“Anderson adores Mariah, but he’s a private guy who doesn’t want to be paraded around like some type of trophy,” the source shares. “He stands his ground, in other words. And that works for her. She’s very happy and telling people they could make it official in the not-too-distant future.”

The couple was first spotted together during the 2024 holiday season in Aspen, Colorado. Dating rumors began to fly just a few months later when the “Fantasy” artist was escorted by .Paak onstage to accept the Icon Award at the iHeart Radio Music Awards in March 2025.

While neither Carey or the “Just Sing” artist have publicly confirmed whether they’re dating or not, TMZ reported that they were seen together earlier this month at a showing of The Devil Wears Prada 2 at the Century City Mall.