The Reason Why Mariah Carey & Bryan Tanaka Allegedly Split

The speculations surrounding Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka's relationship continue, with new sources blaming the longtime couple's separation on their differences.

The Queen of Christmas and her backup dancer have got fans wondering about the status of their romance since reports of their breakup surfaced. While Carey has fueled the rumors with solo appearances without Tanaka, the duo are yet to confirm the split.

As the world awaits the lovebirds' thoughts on their relationship, informants are satisfying the public's curiosity with claims about their romance, including why they allegedly broke up!

When Carey and Tanaka debuted their relationship in 2016, many were shocked by their 14-year age gap. But the couple proved critics wrong and enjoyed seven blissful years together, a relationship many hoped would lead down the aisle.

Unfortunately, those who echoed concerns about the lovebirds' significant age gap may have been on to something. Sources recently revealed the "All I Want For Christmas Is You" singer and her beau parted ways because they wanted different things in life.

At 54, Carey has already achieved her dreams of being a mother with two children — fraternal twins Moroccan and Monroe — who she shares with ex-husband Nick Cannon. However, the same could not be said for Tanaka, who has no children at 40.

"He wants to have a family. That's not where she is at," one insider told PageSix about the split. Tanaka's wish to be a dad might have contributed to the breakup, with another informant echoing similar sentiments, "He wants to start having his own life."

This is not the first time Carey and Tanaka have experienced relationship issues. The pair previously separated in 2017, but they quickly reconciled later that year. It is uncertain if their current situation is a brief hiatus in their romance; however, Tanaka's alleged wish for a family is concerning, given his girlfriend's age.

Additionally, Carey seems willing to move on from her backup dancer. In an interview earlier this month, she noted the year had been challenging; however, she vowed to "have fun" during the holiday season "come hell or high water." In her words:

"I've been looking forward to this Christmas for, like, the whole year. Since last year — because last year wasn't the greatest. I'm thankful for them all, but it wasn't my most fun version of Christmas ever."

Carey started fanning the breakup rumors in mid-November when she commenced her "Merry Christmas One and All!" tour without her longtime beau. Per sources, the backup dancer was also significantly absent in her plans to celebrate the holidays in Aspen, marking the first time since their relationship began.

The nicknamed Songbird Supreme did not stop there as she got fans concerned about her emotional state by sharing pictures that lacked her signature jovial aura. "I hope everything is ok your energy seems off," one person noted in the comment section. Another agreed, writing:

"Amazing looks, voice, but something on the inside ain't right. Her face shows it all. Hope she pulls through whatever it is."

Fans' concerns were justified as Carey and Tanaka's last public show of affection came in March. The entertainer's beau fondly celebrated her birthday on Instagram with a cute picture of the duo alongside the words: "This is one of my favorite pictures. Ever. Happy Anniversary, my Beautiful Queen."

With or without Tanaka, Carey continues to bring joy to others as the beloved Queen of Christmas. She visited the White House to ring in the holidays with President Joe Biden and Vice-president Kamala Harris amid the heartbreaking breakup speculations.

The "It's a Wrap" hitmaker was all smiles in the pictures she shared on Instagram, detailing her time in the politician's house. She donned a sparkly two-piece number for the formal event, featuring a gown and a blazer with pink hems.

Carey accessorized with a pair of pink open-toe heels and a simple diamond necklace. In the snaps, her children — Monroe and Moroccan — were by her side in similar formal outfits. The twins were captured addressing Biden in his office, while other slides showed the mother of two posing with the president.

The entertainer also took pictures with Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff. "Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting President Biden & Vice President Harris at the White House to ring in the holiday season!" She captioned the post. "While there, we got to see all the festive decor and spread some cheer."