Mariah performed “Vision of Love” at the 1991 Grammys announcing her arrival as music’s most promising new star. (All Photos WireImage unless otherwise marked)
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Two years later she was a huge star and her 1993 “MTV Unplugged” album only further cemented her status as the most intimidating female vocalist working.
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In June 1993, Mariah married music executive Tommy Mottola.
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In 1995, Mariah started straightening her iconic curls
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The next year, as her marriage slowly started to disintegrate, Mariah’s clothes became shorter and sexier.
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In 1997, as Mariah and Tommy separated, she took a deeper interest in fashion.
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At the 1997 VMAs, Mariah declared her independence in a risque dress that was basically two draped panels and a bare midriff. This would go on to become her signature style.
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At the 1998 Divas Live concert, Mariah shared the stage with Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Celine Dion and Shania Twain. But her barely there skirt got most of the attention.
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Later that year, she shared the VMA with another diva — Whitney Houston. The two, who sang a duet of “When You Believe,” performed an adorable skit where they both “accidentally” wore the same gown.
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At the Billboard Awards, Mariah continued to assert her sexuality through fashion.
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At a 2000 tribute to Diana Ross, Mariah wore the first of many butterfly-inspired ensembles.
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In 2001, the flop heard round the world, “Glitter” debuted.
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During the promotional rounds for the film, Mariah took her hair a few shades lighter and permanently ditched the curls.
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In September 2001 Mariah appeared on “TRL” for what would become one of the most talked about, and memorable, talk show appearances ever as she stripped down and generally acted like a lunatic.
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On Feb. 9, 2003 Mariah performed at the halftime celebration of the 2003 NBA All-Star Game (Photo: Getty)
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In 2003, she kicked off her Charmbracelet world tour
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At an afterparty for her 2003 Charmbracelet tour, Mariah begun a new trend for herself — bra’s as tops.
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Later that year, she loosened the definition to include bikini tops.
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And barely there dresses.
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This shot from 2003 is so quintessentially Mariah, no? Finger in the ear and belting in a barely there ensemble.
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Mariah stood center stage at the Super Bowl on Feb. 3, 2002 to sing the national anthem in a stunning electric blue gown. (Photo: Reuters)
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Mariah got everyone’s engines revving at the 2003 Daytona 500 in this skin-tight pit crew catsuit.
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In October 2003, Mariah started her now annual Halloween party tradition. Year one: Mermaid.
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Mariah took a stand against New York City’s Rockefeller drug laws looking like a slightly intoxicated housewife.
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In 2004, her Halloween party tradition continued as she played a bride and Diddy brought the Trojans for her wedding night.
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After a few years of less-than-stellar CDs, Mariah came back at the 2005 American Music Awards with “The Emancipation of Mimi,” a killer figure and amazing extensions.
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Later that year, she met future husband Nick Cannon at the Billboard Awards when he presented her with the Female R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year award.
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Mariah kept racking up accolades — this time at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards and a rare segue into hippie chic.
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Through all the ups and downs, Mariah’s one constant accessory has been her Jack Russell terrier, creatively named Jack.
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Mariah Saved the Music in style once again in 2005.
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The little black dress was always anything but traditional when Mariah put her own spin on it.
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Mariah looked like every high school boy’s dream when she performed during the halftime of an Atlanta Falcons/Detroit Lions game in 2005. (Photo: Getty)
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For her 2006 Tour, Mariah’s motto was, “if it ain’t broke, don’t cover it!”
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For the Golden Globes that year Mariah went for a sleek and simple style, making most everyone’s best dressed List.
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Capping off an already stellar year, Mariah took home a slew of trophies at the 2006 Grammys.
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Mariah rung 2007 in with style — specifically a skin tight gown that accentuated her favorite assets — the girls.
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Only Mariah (and Posh Beckham) could get away with throwing a ceremonial pitch in sky-high heels (Photo: Getty)
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Pastels were on the menu in 2008 as many of Mariah’s ensembles embraced Easter hues.
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While promoting her new album, “E=MC2” on “Good Morning America” last year, Mariah had a mic malfunction — her background track wasn’t synched up properly causing her to chastise her crew live on air.
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Following their unexpected nuptials, Nick made his debut as Mariah’s Halloween party as a firefighter.
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And a carton of milk.
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Mariah made her “American Idol” debut last year rocking her fiercest accessory — a Swarovski encrusted mic stand.
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The happy couple posed at Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People party in 2008.
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While promoting her single “Touch My body,” Mariah did just that all over the globe.
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With a blissful marriage and thriving career, Mariah has never been happier or more successful! Happy birthday Mariah, we here at PopWrap love you dearly!
