Pamela Anderson’S Secret Cameo In Mariah Carey'S “Loverboy” Revealed!

Unveiling the Hidden Voice Behind “Loverboy”

Mariah Carey's 2001 track “Loverboy” is a pop culture gem that holds secrets many fans might not be aware of. The lead single from her album Glitter has an unexpected connection to none other than Pamela Anderson, who lent her voice as a background vocalist. For years, this collaboration remained under wraps until Anderson confirmed her involvement at the World Music Awards in 2014. “I did background vocals on her album… I was the ‘Whoooo!’ That was me," she proudly revealed.

“Pam Anderson can sing. And she's one of the smartest people I have ever met in my life,” praised music producer Damion “Damizza” Young, who worked with the duo in the studio.

Behind the Scenes With Baywatch and Pop Icons

Damion “Damizza” Young shared his firsthand experience of the unique studio session. "So I go to the studio to finish up the recording of Loverboy, and Mariah says, 'Pam's coming by to do backgrounds,'" he recalled. As a self-professed Baywatch fan, he was thrilled at the prospect of working with Anderson. The session was as lively as you'd expect, complete with champagne and impromptu direction from Anderson herself.

Their collaboration not only showcased Anderson's vocal talents but also challenged stereotypes. As Damizza noted, "The dumb blonde thing is an act," highlighting Anderson's intelligence and versatility.

Mariah Carey's Glitter Era and Its Challenges

Released in 2001, “Loverboy” came at a tumultuous time in Mariah Carey's career. The song's production was marred by interference, with Tommy Mottola – her former husband and head of her record label – clearing a crucial sample for Jennifer Lopez's “I'm Real.” This forced Carey to rework “Loverboy” with a new sample, altering its original vision.

The challenges didn’t end there. Before Glitter's release, Carey faced exhaustion and a breakdown, leading to a two-week hospitalization. Despite these hurdles, “Loverboy” reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, though it ended her streak of topping the charts.

Reflecting on the era, Carey shared with Variety her evolving feelings about the song: "I used to hate it. I used to be so like, why did I do that? And then, you know, it became something that I really loved and it just sort of took on its own thing."

With Glitter approaching its 25th anniversary, Carey is planning something special, possibly a Deluxe version, to commemorate the album that marked a pivotal chapter in her life.