Mariah Carey, deemed the “Songbird Supreme” by Guinness World Records, has dominated the music industry for decades with her jaw-dropping vocal range and unparalleled talent.
As one of the most successful female artists of all time, it’s no surprise that fans are always looking for other singers who possess a similar style or share qualities reminiscent of Carey’s iconic sound.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 13 amazing singers similar to Mariah Carey. Read on to learn who these powerhouse vocalists are and how they offer a unique spin to their craft!
1. Whitney Houston
A true force to be reckoned with in pop music, Whitney Houston has an iconic and powerful voice that has impacted singers like Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Alicia Keys.
With a vocal range that spanned over three octaves, her innate singing talent earned her countless accolades throughout her career as she cemented herself as one of the musical legends of our time.
Originally from New Jersey, Houston rose to prominence in the 1980s and became one of the best-selling music artists with popular tracks such as “I Will Always Love You” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”
Houston and Carey possess exceptional vocal abilities and share a similar range, power, and control in their performances. Additionally, Houston’s emotional depth and ability to connect with listeners through her music are qualities that resonate with fans of Mariah Carey.
2. Celine Dion
The legendary Canadian singer Celine Dion has managed to carve her unique space among iconic vocalists like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. Possessing an exceptional voice and outstanding performance abilities, she has made a name for herself in the music industry as one of the all-time greats.
She regularly garners comparisons to influential contemporaries such as Mariah Carey—both artists possess innate talents capable of moving audiences on a profound level.
Beyond powering ballads like “My Heart Will Go On” or “The Power of Love,” Celine Dion’s remarkable voice also showcases vulnerability and emotion that deeply resonates with fans across generations.
3. Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera, a pop music icon of the late 1990s from New York, has always openly admired Mariah Carey. With powerful vocals reminiscent of Carey’s, Aguilera cites artists like Whitney Houston, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald as her primary influences.
She gained recognition as a teen pop sensation with her self-titled debut album and spawned hits like “Genie in a Bottle” and “What a Girl Wants.” In 2001, a collaboration with Lil’ Kim, Mýa, and P!nk resulted in the chart-topping hit “Lady Marmalade” for the film Moulin Rouge!
Both Aguilera and Carey have experimented with different genres and styles, showcasing their versatility and pushing boundaries within the pop and R&B genres, From soulful ballads to upbeat dance tracks.
4. Ariana Grande
The chart-topping singer from Florida Ariana Grande, with tremendous vocal prowess, has garnered an ever-growing fanbase. Her pop music has taken the industry by storm, earning her numerous nominations and awards, including Top Female Artist from Billboard Music Awards in 2019.
Before becoming a singing sensation, Ariana started as an actress on Nickelodeon’s shows Victorious and Sam & Cat. She later transitioned into being a full-time singer-songwriter.
Known for her impressive vocal range, often compared to Mariah Carey’s, Grande has delivered a number of hits such as “Problem,” “Side to Side,” and “Thank U, Next.” Her music features pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences, especially appealing to the younger generation.
5. Toni Braxton
Originally from Maryland, Toni Braxton is a legendary American singer and songwriter who has made her mark in the music industry with several hit songs in her over a three-decade career.
Braxton’s debut album was released 25 years ago and remains one of the biggest-selling albums by any artist. The self-titled album boasts hit singles like “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again.”
Both Braxton and Carey have created powerful and timeless ballads. Their ability to convey raw emotions through their music resonates with fans, whether it’s Braxton’s “Un-Break My Heart” or Carey’s “Hero.”
6. Beyoncé
Texas-born singing powerhouse Beyoncé emerges as an undeniable pop and R&B talent in the music industry. From her beginnings with Destiny’s Child, she has continuously shattered records and established groundbreaking benchmarks.
With hits like “Crazy in Love,” “Single Ladies,” and “Formation,” Beyoncé has consistently topped the Billboard charts for over two decades. She has also collaborated with numerous artists, from Shakira to Ed Sheeran.
Beyoncé and Carey possess remarkable vocal ranges, breathtaking high notes, and impressive vocal runs. They’ve also become symbols of female empowerment, promoting messages of self-confidence, independence, and resilience.
7. Jennifer Hudson
A powerhouse vocalist from Chicago, Illinois, Jennifer Hudson has been compared to Mariah Carey due to her impressive vocal range and passionate performances. She even considers Carey as one of her musical heroes.
Hudson rose to fame as a finalist on the third season of American Idol and has since established herself as a prominent vocalist and actress. She has gained attention for her powerhouse vocals on songs like “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” and “Spotlight.”
Apart from being a Grammy-winning artist, Hudson has been involved in producing Broadway musicals such as A Strange Loop, which won a Tony award for Best Musical in 2020.
Both Hudson and Carey are versatile artists and have successfully transitioned between different genres, incorporating R&B, soul, pop, and gospel elements into their music.
8. Kelly Clarkson
Hailing from Texas, Kelly Clarkson is one of the most versatile singers in the music industry. Her influences range from soulful legends like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Etta James, and Stevie Wonder to rock acts.
After winning the first season of American Idol in 2002, she has been known for her dynamic and soulful vocals. Over the years, Clarkson has delivered numerous hits such as “Since U Been Gone,” “Because of You,” and “Breakaway.”
Both Clarkson and Carey have powerful voices that can effortlessly convey a wide range of emotions, from vulnerability to strength. They’re excellent songwriters, infusing their personal experiences and feelings into their music, allowing fans to connect with their heartfelt lyrics.
9. Adele
After her very successful debut album, 19, in 2008, Adele went on to become one of the most popular female singers in the music industry today. The English singer has a phenomenal voice that can touch your soul and make you feel all sorts of emotions.
Her songs have topped charts, broken records, and inspired millions worldwide. Adele’s song “Easy on Me” prevented Mariah from claiming a record for having a single from three consecutive albums top the Hot 100 for seven or more weeks.
Both artists are often vocally compared, with powerful voices, incredible vocal control, the ability to hit impressive high notes, and an undeniable stage presence.
10. Alicia Keys
This singer-songwriter and musician from New York has significantly impacted the music industry. Alicia Keys started her career at just 13 years old and has become known for her exceptional talent in playing the piano while singing simultaneously.
Over the course of her career, Keys has released four chart-topping albums, including the seven-times Platinum certified Songs in A Minor. “No One,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” and “Fallin'” are among some of her most popular tracks.
In addition to similar sound and vocal abilities, Keys and Mariah Carey are excellent songwriters, famous for infusing their personal experiences into their music and creating beautiful, relatable lyrics.
11. Leona Lewis
After winning the third series of The X Factor in 2006, there was no going back for the British pop singer Leona Lewis: she soon became famous. Known for her powerful and soulful vocals, Lewis has been compared to Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion by several US magazines.
Apart from her win on The X Factor UK, Lewis has also made a name for herself in the music industry with successful albums like Spirit and Echo. She draws inspiration from artists such as Carey and Prince and has cited them as musical influences that have helped shape her sound over time.
With her celebrity status cemented not only in Britain but worldwide, it’s clear that Lewis is one of many successful female musicians who have taken the industry by storm.
12. Jessie J
English singer Jessie J made her mark in the pop music industry first as a songwriter for other artists such as Miley Cyrus and Chris Brown. Then in 2011, she made quite a name for herself with her solo debut album, Who You Are.
She is known for her powerful vocals and acrobatics during performances, and her hit songs “Price Tag,” “Domino,” and “Flashlight” have become anthems of self-empowerment and positivity.
Jessie J and Mariah Carey are exceptional singers who have left an indelible mark on the music industry with their powerful voices and dynamic performances. Interestingly, too, born on the 27th of March, Jessie J shares the same birthday as Carey.
13. Jennifer Lopez
For over two decades, Jennifer Lopez, also known as J.Lo, has been a pop culture icon in the music industry. Her impeccable style and talent have made her one of the most successful artists today. Some of her chart-topping singles include “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” and “Jenny from the Block.”
The New York-born singer is known to have some tension with Mariah Carey, which reportedly began when Carey was asked about Lopez during an interview. She famously responded: “I don’t know her.” This ignited a fire that fuelled their rivalry over the years.
Despite their feuds, both Lopez and Carey are famous for their impressive vocals and music incorporating elements of pop and R&B, and both artists are worthy of their title as two of the greats in the music industry.
Summing Up Our List Of Singers Like Mariah Carey
If you’re a fan of Mariah Carey’s vocal range and style, there are many other talented singers to discover, from Whitney Houston to Adele and Alicia Keys to Jessie J.
These artists share similar qualities that make them stand out in the music industry—all are known for their impressive vocal range, emotive performances, and ability to captivate audiences with their soulful deliveries.
Whether you’re looking for powerhouse vocals or soothing melodies, this list has got you covered, as each of these singers will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
