Nick Cannon Opens Up About Identity Struggles During Marriage to Mariah Carey

Nick Cannon recently opened up about the insecurities he faced during his marriage to Mariah Carey. Speaking on the Ray Daniels Presents podcast on October 24, Cannon reflected on his relationship with the music icon, revealing that he struggled with his own sense of identity over the six years they were together, from 2008 to 2014.

Cannon shared that while he didn’t worry much about public opinions on their relationship, the significant difference in their fame levels weighed on him. “I got married in my 20s, you know what I mean? To the biggest star in the world,” he said, explaining that while his career was still finding its footing, Carey was already a global superstar. This disparity left him questioning his role, wondering, “Who am I?”

As he navigated the dynamic, Cannon admitted he felt a loss of identity, describing nights when he’d lay awake questioning, “Is this who I am? Am I Mariah’s man?” He added that things became more complicated after they welcomed twins, Moroccan and Monroe, in 2011. Cannon found himself taking on roles he wasn’t entirely comfortable with, carrying diaper bags and fading into the background as Carey continued to shine in her own right. “I guess she needs a dude like that. I’m just not that dude,” he concluded.

Cannon and Carey’s whirlwind romance began in early 2008 after Cannon starred in her Bye Bye music video. They married quickly in May of that year but ultimately announced their split in 2014. Both have since spoken openly about their marriage, with Cannon recently acknowledging he still has feelings for Carey. In August, he expressed a wish to reconcile, saying, “We belong together,” though he conceded that Carey might not share his sentiment.

Since their divorce, Carey has been in several long-term relationships, while Cannon has gone on to father ten more children with multiple partners.