VIDEO: Nick Cannon Reflects on Insecurities During Marriage to Mariah Carey

 

Nick Cannon recently opened up about his insecurities experienced during his marriage to singer Mariah Carey. In an appearance on the "Ray Daniels Presents" podcast, Cannon revealed that he struggled with the perception of being "the kid from Nickelodeon" married to one of the biggest pop stars in the world.

Cannon, who was a fan of Carey growing up, began dating her in 2008 after appearing in her "Bye Bye" music video. At the time, he was 27, and Carey had just turned 39. Following the video's release, the couple tied the knot in a secret ceremony, welcomed twins Moroccan and Monroe in 2011, and eventually divorced in 2014.

Reflecting on his feelings, Cannon stated that the dynamic of their relationship, especially given their age difference and Carey's immense fame, affected him psychologically. "Psychologically, that started messing with me," he admitted.

He described his initial excitement about marrying Carey but also expressed doubts about his identity in the relationship. "I would lay up at night, thinking, like, 'Is this who I am? Am I Mariah's man?'" Cannon shared. He acknowledged that while he enjoyed the luxurious lifestyle that came with being married to Carey—waking up at noon and being pampered—he lost touch with his "hustler" spirit.

Cannon's feelings of insecurity deepened after the birth of their twins, as he grappled with his role within the family. He recounted moments of feeling emasculated, noting, "I'm carrying a purse, the diaper bag. I'm standing on the corner waiting," while Carey confidently embraced her role as the alpha.

Despite these struggles, Cannon praised Carey for her understanding and support during their time together. He also shared concerns about whether his professional achievements, such as his positions at Nickelodeon and Island Def Jam, were influenced by Carey's connections. He expressed the internal conflict of trying to prove his masculinity while being married to such a powerful woman.

Cannon's battles with health issues, including his ongoing struggle with Lupus, provided him with a new perspective on life and career. He humorously remarked, "That’s probably why I have 12 kids now," acknowledging that he realized he had a lot left to accomplish.

Today, Cannon has built a successful entertainment empire, reportedly generating around $100 million annually. Meanwhile, Carey remains one of the best-selling recording artists in history, holding the record for the most No. 1 songs among female soloists.

Cannon's candid reflections highlight a broader conversation about gender roles and insecurities in relationships, particularly for men who find themselves in partnerships with successful women.