When Mariah Carey looks back on her early career, there is one visual chapter she wishes she could erase entirely—the music video for Someday. While the track itself became a major success, even reaching the top of the charts, the video remains, in her own words, something she “hates” and finds deeply uncomfortable to revisit.
At the time, Carey was still establishing herself in the industry, signed to Sony Music and navigating the expectations placed on a young artist with enormous commercial potential. Although her voice clearly leaned toward R&B and soul, the label had a different vision—one that positioned her as a more conventional pop star. That disconnect became especially visible in the Someday video.
For Carey, the issue was not just about aesthetics—it was about identity.
She has spoken candidly about how the styling and overall presentation in the video did not reflect who she truly was as an artist. From the way her signature curly hair was altered to the choreography that felt unnatural, every element seemed to push her into a mold she did not fit. Instead of highlighting her vocal power and individuality, the video leaned into a polished, generic image that left her feeling disconnected from her own work.
That discomfort translated on screen.
Carey has admitted that she looked uneasy throughout the video, something fans later picked up on as well. What was meant to be a vibrant, youthful visual instead became, for her, a symbol of lost control. She has even described the video as “hideous,” a strong word that reflects just how far removed she felt from the final product.
Over time, that experience became a turning point.
As Carey gained more influence and confidence, she began taking greater control over her image and creative direction. She made it a priority to ensure that her visuals matched her artistic identity—glamorous, powerful, and unmistakably her own. This evolution helped define her later career, where every detail, from styling to cinematography, aligned with her vision as a self-proclaimed “glambassador.”
Looking back, the Someday video represents more than just an early misstep.
It serves as a reminder of a period when she did not yet have the authority to say no. The industry’s attempt to shape her into something more marketable clashed with her authentic self, creating a tension that would eventually push her to reclaim control. That journey—from being molded by executives to becoming one of the most image-conscious artists in music—became a defining part of her legacy.
Today, while the song remains a milestone in her career, the video stands as something she would rather leave behind. Not because it failed commercially, but because it does not represent the artist she fought to become.
In the end, Mariah Carey’s relationship with Someday is not about regret alone—it is about growth. It marks the moment she began to understand that true artistry requires not just talent, but the power to protect one’s own image and voice.