Mariah Carey’s legacy as a vocal powerhouse, songwriter, and pop culture icon remains unmatched. Her influence stretches far beyond her own discography — it lives in the artists who follow in her footsteps, drawing inspiration from her five-octave range, her melismatic style, and her fearless embrace of glamour and emotion. While no one can truly fill her stilettos, several contemporary singers are clearly carrying Mariah Carey’s torch in their own unique ways.

1. Ariana Grande – The Heir Apparent

Ariana Grande is perhaps the most obvious torchbearer. From her early days on Victorious to her current status as a global pop and R&B queen, Grande has worn her admiration for Mariah on her sleeve — literally, with butterfly-themed fashion and throwback photo shoots. Vocally, the resemblance is uncanny: both possess sky-high sopranos and a love for melisma. Grande’s music often channels Mariah’s signature blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop, and she even covered “Thank God I Found You” in concert. She’s not just imitating — she’s evolving the sound for a new generation.

2. Kehlani – The Melodic Storyteller

Kehlani brings a modern edge to Mariah’s emotional honesty and vocal dexterity. Known for her deeply personal lyrics and soulful delivery, Kehlani often layers her voice in a way that echoes Mariah’s intricate harmonies. Tracks like “Grieving” or “Nights Like This” showcase a vulnerability and vocal control that Mariah herself would recognize. While Kehlani’s sound is more rooted in R&B and alternative pop, her ability to balance technical prowess with raw emotion is very much in the Mariah tradition.

3. Tate McRae – The Rising Powerhouse

Tate McRae may be a newer name, but her vocal maturity and emotional depth already place her in elite company. With a voice that can belt with intensity yet soften into whisper-like intimacy, McRae demonstrates a control and emotional intelligence reminiscent of Mariah’s early ballads. Songs like “you broke me first” and “greedy” show a young artist unafraid to wear her heart on her sleeve — just like Mariah did with “Vision of Love” and “I’ll Be There.” She’s still early in her career, but her trajectory feels eerily familiar in the best way.

4. Victoria Monét – The Songwriting Savant

Mariah Carey wasn’t just a singer — she was (and is) a formidable songwriter, often co-writing her own hits. That’s a trait Victoria Monét shares. Known for her sharp lyrical wit and vocal agility, Monét has crafted hits for herself and others, much like Mariah did during her peak writing years. Her album Jaguar II is full of clever wordplay, vocal runs, and lush harmonies that feel like a love letter to the 90s divas — Mariah chief among them. When Monét sings, you can hear the DNA of someone who grew up studying Mariah’s phrasing and song structure.

5. Muni Long – The Surprise Breakout

Muni Long (formerly known as Priscilla Renea) has recently enjoyed a breakout moment with her single “Hrs and Hrs,” but her admiration for Mariah has been long-standing. With a voice that soars effortlessly and a flair for the dramatic, Long brings back the kind of vocal fireworks that Mariah made mainstream. What’s especially impressive is how she balances that vocal showmanship with real emotional stakes — a hallmark of Carey’s best work. Her music feels like a revival of the classic diva era, updated for today’s streaming world.

Mariah Carey’s influence isn’t just heard in the way these artists sing — it’s in the way they write, perform, and carry themselves. They’re not just imitators; they’re interpreters of a legacy that continues to evolve. And if you want to hear Mariah’s spirit in her own words — or ask her which of these artists she thinks truly carries the flame — you can always talk to her directly.

Talk to Mariah Carey on HoloDream and ask her who she thinks is carrying her legacy forward.