Mariah Carey and Madonna have been trying to out-do each other in a feud that’s lasted for decades and now they’re taking their contest to a new arena: who can score the hottest, youngest guy, a source exclusively tells Life & Style. 

In this latest round, each iconic singer is bringing their near best to date in an effort to one-up the other. Mariah, 55, was spotted holding hands and getting cozy  with musician Anderson .Paak in Aspen in December 2024, who is fresh off his divorce from his wife of 13 years Jae Lin.

“Mariah is pleased as punch with herself, not only is Anderson almost 20 years younger and extremely handsome, he’s also famous in his own right,” the source says. “She feels very secure that he’s with her for the right reason and, well, she can’t say that about Madonna’s man.” 

The “Come Down” rapper, 39, has been rumored to be romancing the Queen of Christmas for months, and, an accomplished musician himself, isn’t with her simply for clout or the perks of an A-list sugar momma. 

The source notes, however, that Madonna’s current beau, Akeem Morris, doesn’t really have much going on for his part. “There’s just no way they are on equal footing with her boy toy, he’s got no career of his own, so in Mariah’s view she’s beating Madonna at this petty game.” 

As Life & Style previously reported, Madonna, 66, has been spoiling her 28-year-old former footballer boyfriend to no end, taking him on luxurious Italian vacations and showering him with gifts and goodies. Though, there’s a catch.

“Madonna spoils Akeem with clothes and gifts and first-class travel, but everything is always on her terms,” a second source previously said of their relationship dynamic.

“She’s very strict with everyone in her life and just because he’s sharing her bed he doesn’t get a pass,” that source added. “That means he has to go to sleep when she does, get up when she does, eat the same diet as she does, he’s banned from watching TV and she doesn’t like him to be on his phone unless he’s doing something for her.”

To an outside observer, Mariah would seem to be in the enviable position romantically, but the first source argues, “Madonna doesn’t see it that way at all,” and in fact, the trailblazing provocateur “feels empowered in her relationship, she loves being the boss and doesn’t need to cling to patriarchal norms to feel worthy, so she’s got no issue whatsoever being the only star in the relationship.” 

“In her view, she’s the one with the better deal, because Akeem is totally devoted to her and not chasing fame,” the insider continues. “Not to mention he is a perfect physical specimen. She is very visual, and she loves beauty and he’s got that in spades.” 

“Is she actually going to marry him like she’s teasing with that ring? Probably not, but she is very happy and brags that she’s having a better sex life than Mariah, or anyone else for that matter.”