{"id":271291,"date":"2026-01-30T04:16:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T04:16:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/271291\/"},"modified":"2026-01-30T04:16:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T04:16:18","slug":"mariah-carey-reveals-she-almost-sold-her-publishing-rights-for-5k","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/271291\/","title":{"rendered":"Mariah Carey Reveals She Almost Sold Her Publishing Rights for $5K"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mariah Carey nearly made a life-changing decision as a teenager. At Billboard<\/a>\u2018s Power 100 event, the singer<\/a> introduced Billboard\u2018s Executive of the Decade, Jody Gerson. During her speech, she made a shocking reveal.<\/p>\n

\u201cI almost sold my publishing when I was 18 years old, for $5,000. We remember some of the songs in the catalog, right?\u201d Carey told the audience. \u201cBut I was just thinking: If I had someone like Jody there to protect me, it never would\u2019ve gotten that far.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carey held on to her rights, thus setting herself up for success. <\/p>\n

She continued her speech by noting that \u201cnone of us would be in this room today if it weren\u2019t for the transcendent power of one thing\u2014a song.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one I know is a fiercer protector of or advocate for songs and songwriters than the woman that I\u2019m here to introduce,\u201d Carey said of Gerson. \u201cSince she became chairman\/CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group a decade ago, Jody Gerson has reigned not just as the most powerful woman in the music industry, but as one of the most influential executives in entertainment.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mariah Carey Praises Judy Gerson<\/p>\n

@billboard<\/a> <\/p>\n

An iconic pen \u270d\ufe0f\u2728 @Mariah Carey shares how she almost sold her publishing rights at 18 years old while presenting UMPG\u2019s Jody Gerson with Executive of the Decade at Billboard Power 100. <\/p>\n

\u266c original sound \u2013 billboard<\/a> <\/p>\n

Since Gerson stepped into her role, she has \u201capproximately tripled her company\u2019s publishing revenue,\u201d Carey said. All the while, she has continued \u201cchampioning songwriters and fighting for the value of a song at every turn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the process she\u2019s shown the music industry how to lead a global music giant with grace, integrity, selflessness and the utmost respect for both songwriters and her staff,\u201d Carey continued, \u201cwhile always speaking her mind and using her role as what she calls \u2018a platform to build strategic bridges with influential leaders beyond the music industry.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

When it came time for Gerson to take the stage, she said she has \u201cthe best job in the world.\u201d In that role, she works with and supports \u201csome of the greatest artists and songwriters of all time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a world so fraught with tension, turmoil and uncertainty,\u201d Gerson added, \u201cI am proud to be in an industry that brings music into the world, and with it hope, unity and healing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Photo by Gilbert Flores\/Billboard via Getty Images<\/p>\n