Mariah Carey flaunts giant new ring on night out with fiance James Packer
Three might be a crowd, but not for Mariah Carey, James Packer and her massive engagement ring. The newly affianced singer proudly displayed her 35-carat sparkler when they stepped out Thursday night.
The “Always Be My Baby” diva accompanied her billionaire Aussie beau for their first official appearance since Packer popped the question last week, hitting the red carpet at the 2016 G’Day USA Gala at Vibiana in downtown L.A. There, Mimi let her new bauble shine against an understated shimmery black gown, keeping the spotlight on her gargantuan rock.
See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour >>
The singer, 45, was inseparable from Packer on the red carpet, refusing to take any solo photos, Us Weekly reported.
“She was proudly flashing that ring around,” a guest told the mag. “Her ring totally overpowered her black dress.”
Packer, 48, a former entertainment mogul who made his fortune with a gaming empire, proposed a week ago during a private dinner with friends in New York City. He’s been romantically linked to the mother of two since since June 2015, when they cruised the Mediterranean on his yacht.
See more of Entertainment’s top stories on Facebook >>
Inside the Aussie-themed event, which included Hugh Jackman, Seal, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden among its attendees, Carey was seated with Julie Bishop, a member of the Australian House of Representatives, and Bishop’s husband, businessman David Panton. She also exchanged laughs and whispers with her fiance, People said.
Bishop took notice of their pre-wedded bliss, which garnered them an onstage mention, Us said.
“May I say James Packer and Mariah, that you’ve taken an Australian American engagement to a whole other level?” Bishop said during her address. “Best wishes for a happy engagement!”
The bride and groom are living large, reportedly leasing a mansion in a ritzy gated community, the Oaks, in Calabasas, TMZ reported this week. The one-acre estate, which never officially hit the market, runs about $250,000 a month and is said to be family-friendly, boasting sweeping vistas and a theater, sauna and gym, the site said.
Still, it might take some time before they walk down the aisle: Carey still hasn’t finalized her divorce from actor Nick Cannon, and Packer is still in the process of ending his marriage with his second wife, TMZ said.
Follow me on Twitter @NardineSaad.
ALSO:
Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard parody ‘Africa’ music video on Africa vacation; Toto approves
Leonardo DiCaprio and Pope Francis meet to discuss climate change goals
What rumors? Busy Jennifer Lopez has no idea people think she’s engaged again
More to Read
The biggest entertainment stories
Get our big stories about Hollywood, film, television, music, arts, culture and more right in your inbox as soon as they publish.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.