Mariah Carey is an American singer, songwriter, and producer known for her five-octave vocal range, melismatic singing style, and use of the whistle register. Originating from New York City, she emerged in the early 1990s and has been active since then across pop, contemporary R&B, soul, and adult contemporary genres, with ventures into hip hop and dance-pop. Her music combines strong vocal ornamentation, elaborate vocal layering and harmonies, and a blend of pop songwriting with R&B and gospel-influenced vocal techniques. Carey is also known for writing and producing much of her repertoire and for crafting both up-tempo singles and ballads that emphasize vocal performance and melodic hooks.