For Mariah Carey, collaborating with Ariana Grande was more than just another musical project—it was the realization of a “fantasy” come true.
In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE, the 55-year-old Queen of Christmas opened up about her experience working alongside 31-year-old Grande. The duo first teamed up for the holiday track “Oh Santa!” in 2020 and, more recently, worked together again on the remix of “Yes, And?” from Ariana’s 2024 album Eternal Sunshine.
Revisiting their latest collaboration, Carey shared that it all began when Grande personally reached out to her. “Ariana called me about doing the remix, and I thought, ‘Why not? It would be fun to work together again,'” Carey recalled over the phone. “We’d already collaborated before, so this was just a cool moment to have. And I love her—I think she’s amazing.”
Not only did Carey have glowing praise for Grande’s vocal prowess, but she also spoke highly of her character. “Ariana is such a genuinely nice person,” Carey gushed. “She’s super talented, and working with her was an absolute joy.”
The “Yes, And?” remix is a celebration of self-empowerment, a message amplified by the harmonious blend of both artists’ voices. In the new version, the two powerhouse singers elevate the song’s central theme of personal strength, with Grande delivering the line, “Be your own f—in’ best friend,” while Carey contributes her iconic whistle notes. Carey’s ethereal high notes can be heard right at the beginning, setting the tone for the house-inspired beat. She also joins Grande in the pre-chorus and chorus, adding her own touch of magic.
The remix also gives Carey a chance to shine solo, especially during the second verse, where she sings, “Now, I’m so done with sharing / This hypocrisy with you / Baby, you have been rejected / Go back, no more pretending, bye.” The fiery lyrics are a testament to Carey’s unyielding strength and confidence, making her contribution to the track even more impactful.
In celebration of the remix’s release, Grande shared a playful Instagram video with Carey. In the clip, Grande struts in a polka-dot dress before the camera pans to Carey, who delivers a jaw-dropping whistle note. The video concludes with the two stars embracing each other in a heartwarming moment of mutual admiration.
Grande’s Instagram caption was filled with love for Carey, as she wrote, “i love you so much @mariahcarey yes, and? remix out now ” Carey quickly responded in the comments, expressing her gratitude, “Love you Ari!!! thank you for having me on this record .”
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