The pop icon reflects on her surprise nomination and her forgotten ‘90s alt-rock era.
Image Credit: Mariah Carey / Instagram
The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees were revealed earlier this year, and one name instantly sparked conversation — Mariah Carey.
The living legend diva recently reacted to seeing her name on the ballot, admitting the recognition felt like one more milestone waiting to be checked off.
“It’s definitely an unchecked box,” Carey said when reflecting on the nomination.
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The singer also pointed to a lesser-known chapter of her career that she believes cements her place in the Rock Hall conversation — her long-rumored 1990s alternative rock project.
Back in 1995, Carey secretly recorded an underground alt-rock album titled “Someone’s Ugly Daughter.” The record was created under her alter-ego Chick, allowing the superstar to explore a grittier rock sound away from the expectations surrounding her chart-dominating pop and R&B catalog.
Reflecting on the era, Carey joked about the project’s significance in her musical evolution.
“Chick — that was a rock moment,” she said.
Over the years, the mysterious album has become a cult curiosity among Mariah fans, revealing a different creative side of the singer that few mainstream listeners knew existed at the time.
Carey’s rock-leaning moment also resurfaced earlier this year during her MusiCares Person of the Year tribute, where artists celebrated her legendary career.
Among the standout performances was Taylor Momsen, who brought Carey’s rock influence to life with a cover of “Love Is a Scam.”
With a career that spans pop, R&B, gospel, hip-hop and even alternative rock experiments, Carey’s nomination only adds another layer to the story of one of music’s most influential voices.
And if the Rock Hall does call her name next year, that “unchecked box” might not stay unchecked for long.
Listen to a Forgotten Track!
For more on the Rock Hall visit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Do you think Mariah Carey belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — and should her hidden alt-rock era count toward that legacy? Let us know below.
