There’s no doubt that Mariah Carey is meant for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In February, the R&B and pop icon was named among OutKast, Chubby Checker, and other artists as inductee nominations, making it Carey’s second time being in the running. However, with Carey being the undisputed ‘Songbird Supreme’ and last nominated for the Rock Hall in 2024, the singer-songwriter is long overdue for an induction. She deserves to see her name among fellow inspirations and past collaborators like Aretha Franklin, Missy Elliott, and Mary J. Blige, while broadening Black female representation in the institution.

Below are five reasons why it’s time for Mimi to see her name alongside the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame greats.

She Recently Received a Lifetime Achievement Honor 

While Carey could’ve taken the stage during the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards last month, the artist was appropriately honored by R&B vocalists Muni Long and Tori Kelly. The performance signaled Carey’s enduring impact on R&B’s contemporary generation and preceded the 20th anniversary of a classic Mimi album, which brings us to our next point…

She’s Celebrating Three Monumental Album Anniversaries This Year

This month, Carey celebrated twenty years of “The Emancipation of Mimi,” her 2005 comeback album, which delivered staples like “Shake It Off,” “It’s Like That,” and the Grammy-winning “We Belong Together.” In September, Carey’s fifth album, “Daydream,” will blow out thirty candles, followed by 15 years of her second holiday album, “Merry Christmas II You,” in November.

Newer Fans Should Know Her As More Than the ‘Queen of Christmas’

Speaking of Christmas, before Carey dropped “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” the vocalist was a powerhouse known for resounding ballads and fun pop anthems. To late millennials and Gen-Zers, Carey’s mainly known for her festive holiday concerts, but to the Lambily, she’s much more and younger audiences should learn this.

Mariah Stands Alone As the Only Female R&B Act On the Ballot

While Chubby Checker joins Carey on the ballot as a R&B and soul singer, the “Butterfly” vocalist stands alone as the only female act of her genre. While the potential inductees include multiple rock ‘n’ roll artists, the Rock Hall should be open to diverse representation and give Carey her rightful spot in the institution. 

She’s Among the Most Celebrated Female Vocalists of All Time

In addition to her five Grammy wins, Carey has sold a whopping 200 albums globally and has racked up nineteen Billboard No. 1 hits, the most by a solo artist. While her accomplishments are numerous, Carey deserves all her flowers while she can still smell them.