In a revealing discussion on the Ray Daniels Presents podcast, Nick Cannon shared insights into the insecurities he faced during his marriage to pop superstar Mariah Carey. The 44-year-old entertainer, who was married to Carey from 2008 until their split, reflected on the challenges of defining his identity alongside one of the music industry’s biggest icons.

Cannon admitted that while public perception didn’t bother him, he grappled with questions about his own identity within their relationship. “I didn’t actually really care what the world thought,” he explained. “But personally, I was under pressure to ask myself, ‘Who am I?'”

The star, who married Carey in his 20s, contrasted their career paths, noting, “My trajectory was here,” as he gestured downward, “and then hers was in a completely different stratosphere.” He spoke of the comfort he found in their lavish lifestyle, but also the internal conflict it created. “I would lay awake at night thinking, ‘Is this who I am? Am I just Mariah’s man?'” he reflected.

Cannon also addressed the dynamics of their family life after the birth of their twins, Moroccan and Monroe, in 2011. He recalled moments when he felt out of his depth, stating, “I’m carrying a purse, the diaper bag, and standing on the corner like, ‘Wait.'” He acknowledged Carey’s role as the dominant partner, affirming, “She deserves it.”

Ultimately, Cannon recognized that while he found joy in their life together, he was aware that he may not have been the ideal partner for her. “I believe she needs a dude like that. I’m just not that dude,” he concluded, shedding light on the complexities of identity and masculinity in relationships.