American singer Mariah Carey has received extensive recognition for her enduring popularity and impact on popular culture and the music industry. Widely considered one of the greatest singers in the history of popular music, Carey's career has left a profound legacy.
Since her debut in 1990, Carey has been a significant figure in breaking down racial barriers for multiracial Americans within the music industry and in popular culture. Navigating challenges and the complexities of race during her rise to fame in the 1990s, facilitated broader public conversations about multiracialism and representation; especially at a time when such discussions were still emerging. Carey often faced media scrutiny for her racial background leading to Carey speaking out on the issue. Carey's success and resilience helped pave the way for greater inclusiveness in the industry, making her a validating presence for many and a source of inspiration for other multiracial artists.
Carey is also credited with revolutionizing the usage of distinguished vocal stylings including that of melisma and the whistle register. Noted as the forerunner of both techniques, journalists have noted Carey's subsequent impact on the competitors on American Idol and other artists who emerged since the 1990s. Carey is also credited with being one of the first artists to successfully merge hip-hop with pop through her collaborations and helped popularize remixes, notably with "Fantasy" featuring Ol' Dirty Bastard. Her career has been praised for its longevity and has influenced and inspired many artists in music industries all over the world. Her music has also been recorded, performed and sampled by various acts. She has also received several honours and tributes.
Throughout her career, Carey has been commercially successful and well-received by music critics. She has broken numerous records domestically and internationally. In the United States she has broken several Billboard records. She has gained 19 number-one singles, the most for any solo artist, spending 93 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. As a holiday icon, she has broken many holiday records and has since been referred to as the "Queen of Christmas". Her album Merry Christmas (1994) is the best-selling Christmas album of all time in the US.