Mariah Carey is marking the 20th anniversary of her iconic 2005 album The Emancipation of Mimi with an expansive deluxe reissue, honouring one of the most defining moments in her legendary career.
It includes hits like We Belong Together, Shake It Off, and It’s Like That, as well as dance remixes, acapellas, and previously unreleased material.
Among the most anticipated is When I Feel It, now officially released after 20 years.
“Twenty years ago, I was facing a crossroads in my career. The Emancipation Of Mimi was more than just an album title; it was a declaration of artistic freedom. Twenty years later, I celebrate this album with all of you,” wrote Carey in a letter to fans included in the vinyl edition.
Nick Bowden, Junior Label Manager International for Universal Music Group South Africa, noted that We Belong Together has now been certified 7x Platinum by the RIAA. He confirmed that Carey will host an exclusive Spotify Listening Party on 2 June, where fans can join her to revisit the album and ask questions.
Thank you to all my lambs for making #Mimi20 so special. Feeling blessed by your love and appreciation for this project ❤️❤️❤️ I’ll be hosting a listening party on @Spotify tomorrow at 5pm ET! Join us @ https://t.co/XOyVYCSpEm pic.twitter.com/QcrwT80NG2
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) June 1, 2025
The anniversary celebrations also include The Mimi Sessions, an intimate piano medley filmed during her Las Vegas residency, and a sold-out global tour. A dedicated fan site, Mimi20.com, offers voice memos and exclusive content.
Originally released in 2005, The Emancipation of Mimi became the year’s best-selling album, earning three Grammy Awards and cementing Carey’s return to form. Two decades later, the album’s legacy remains a “masterclass in ‘show, don’t tell’”.
The 20th Anniversary Edition is offered as a lavish 45-track 5LP vinyl box set and a 40-track Digital Deluxe Edition.
