Anderson .Paak is part of Mariah Carey’s so-called “hand-holding club”, or at least that’s how she described it lightheartedly on “CBS Mornings”. The Grammy Award winner engaged in conversation with co-host Gayle King on Wednesday (Sept. 24) about her forthcoming album, Here For It All, as well as her reported relationship with the Silk Sonic artist.

Photographs of the two individuals were taken in December 2024, while they were seen holding hands in Aspen. “He was there at Christmas, and everyone is well aware of what Christmas signifies to people,” King said. When they saw him with Mariah at Christmas, people assumed that the relationship must be serious.

“It’s definitely something special — it’s Christmas,” the “We Belong Together” singer replied. “She added that he enjoyed it, before King asked if she felt the same way.” Carey replied, “I did.”

Carey said to King, “He simply enjoys holding my hand.” He suddenly takes hold of my hand, and I have no idea what he is doing. Watch the full video below.

Anderson .Paak joined Carey on stage at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in March, where she received the prestigious Icon Award. Only a week after that, the two were spotted walking hand in hand as they left the Birds Street Cafe in Los Angeles.

The Malibu creator revealed in May that he had collaborated with Carey on “some music”. The public will get to hear the results when Here For It All is released on Friday, September 26. She verified that they worked together on “Play This Song,” which includes his vocals, and that he is also listed as a writer on “Type O Negative,”

Carey’s sixteenth studio album will also include the pre-release single “Sugar Sweet” featuring Kehlani and Shenseea. The only other guest appearance, aside from Anderson .Paak, features gospel icons The Clark Sisters.