"Hold On Me" was written by Mariah. and Raheem DeVaughn and produced by Eddie Spencer and Brekiscus-Hollywood Jackson for Quest Productions. "This beautiful song serves as an anthem about love and perspective. Love can have powerful effects on the mind, heart, and body, creating an inescapable embrace. The person becomes like an energy pack: charging and elevating his/her intended," mentions Mariah..

On Valentine's Day, rising star, Mariah. and Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Raheem DeVaughn, stopped by The Kelly Clarkson Show to deliver an unforgettable vocal performance of their new chart-topping ballad, "Hold On Me."

Mariah. (with a period) returned to the music scene last year stronger than ever after taking a small hiatus from the industry to deliver the sultry ballad, "Hold On Me" alongside The Love King of R&B, Raheem DeVaughn.

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Mariah is an active partner and brand ambassador with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, supporting their "Love Music, Stop Cancer" Campaign, which raises awareness and funds to save lives through the initiative #MusicGives. #LoveMusicStopCancer.

Photo Credit: Darnell Lee Sr. & The Kelly Clarkson Show

Mariah. stands strong in her faith in God, and as a NICU Nurse and proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, she believes in never giving up. “Dream with your eyes wide open.”- Mariah. In celebration of the 105th Founders Day, Mariah. recently joined forces with Sorors Syleena Johnson, Leela James, Lexi Allen, and Anita Wilson to perform the Zeta hymn.

Mariah has been singing since the young age of 5 years old. The Church Choir, local talent shows, school plays, and Mom’s rigid vocal coaching were the bedrock of Mariah’s initial training. Born Mariah Dawn’e Hester in Shreveport, LA, she is an ‘old soul’ and animal lover with a flare for the arts- including public speaking, painting, pottery, and dance. Strong in her faith in God, this NICU Nurse and proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated continued to sing and perform while pursuing her degree and serving in multiple scholarly roles. Mariah. is also a prolific songwriter; as demonstrated by her initial Billboard R&B Top 30 charting release - ‘Material Girl’.

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Raheem DeVaughn, a Grammy award winner, four-time Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and CEO of DeVaughn Enterprises, is a revered figure in contemporary R&B and soul music. Known as “The Love King,” Raheem has built a lasting career with his rich, soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. His journey began with his Jive Records debut, The Love Experience (2005), but he achieved major success with his sophomore release, Love Behind the Melody (2008), which topped the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Album chart and earned two Grammy nominations. Over the years, Raheem has continued to evolve, producing a steady flow of hits, including Just Right and Don’t Come Easy. His passion for R&B is evident in albums like Decade of a Love King (2018) and Love Reunion (2019), along with his latest projects, Fall In Love and Summer of Love in 2023.

As an independent artist, Raheem has maintained creative control, fostering talent through his brand, New Era Soul Records, while contributing to the culture of R&B. His dedication to keeping the genre alive, while pushing boundaries, has earned him numerous accolades, including BET Awards and an NAACP Image Award nomination. “R&B and soul music is alive and well,” Raheem declares, and he continues to prove it with every release. His addition as host of this iconic show will further serve as an advocacy and exposure for his peers and supporters.

Watch the performance below!

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