Music

30 Dreamy Vintage Snapshots of a Young Mariah Carey

Image may contain Mariah Carey Dancing Leisure Activities Person Adult Performer Solo Performance Face and Head
Photo: Getty Images

You don’t strictly need a reason to celebrate the majesty of one Ms. Mariah Carey, but this very Thursday—which just so happens to be the legendary diva’s 56th birthday—is a pretty good day to do so.

I know it’s hard to believe (seriously, Mariah, drop the skincare routine, not that I’m likely to be able to afford any part of it), but Carey is now officially in the back half of her 50s—and she’s got the well-developed musical catalog and matching sense of style to prove it. While we wait for news of her hotly anticipated 16th album, here are 30 throwback photos of Carey over the years to help inspire your next carefully coordinated waistless-denim aughts look.

  • Image may contain Benny Mor Patti Russo Richard Tee Van McCoy Stage Electronics Speaker Adult Person and Wedding
    Photo: Getty Images
    1/30

    1990

    Mariah Carey made her first appearance on Saturday Night Live in October 1990, singing “Vision of Love” and “Vanishing” from her self-titled debut album.

  • Photo: Getty Images
    2/30

    1991

    Carey at the 33rd Annual Grammy Awards, where she took home the prize for best new artist. Her speech was short and very sweet.

Emma Specter is the Culture Writer at Vogue, where she covers film, TV, books, politics, news, and (almost) anything queer. She has previously worked at Garage and LAist and has freelanced for outlets including The Hairpin, Bon Appetit, them, The Hollywood Reporter, and more. Her first book, More Please: On ... Read More
Marley Marius is a features editor at Vogue, where she covers film, theater, and art (among other things). She has been at the magazine since 2017. ... Read More
Features Editor