Mariah Carey and Brett Ratner Fuel Romance Rumors in the Caribbean

Mariah Carey and Brett Ratner in St. Barts (FameFlynet)
Mariah Carey and Brett Ratner in St. Barts (FameFlynet)

Has Mariah Carey found herself a rebound romance with Brett Ratner?

Days after the Grammy-winning singer denied she was dating the Rush Hour director, the longtime pals were spotted strolling arm in arm — along with another female friend — in the Caribbean.

Carey, who turned 45 on Friday, and Ratner, who turned 46 Saturday, threw a joint birthday celebration over the weekend in St. Barts. The lavish soiree took place on a yacht Sunday night.

The above photo has fueled speculation that Mariah and Brett are more than friends. They have been spotted together more frequently since the "You're Mine" singer split with Nick Cannon last year.

Earlier this month, Carey posted a shot of her and the filmmaker "hanging out in the girls room" together. A few weeks later, they were seen having dinner along with Courtney Love.

Mariah shares pic with Brett on social media (Instagram)
Mariah shares pic with Brett on social media (Instagram)

Brett and Mariah do have a long history… of working together professionally, that is. They have been close friends since 1998 when he directed her "I Still Believe" music video. Ratner went on to direct seven more for the singer. Over the years, romance rumors have popped up, and repeatedly have been shot down.

On Saturday, a rep for Mariah told People that any reports of a romantic relationship between the pair is "ridiculous." However, the cuddly pictures that followed the denial may tell a different story.

TMZ posted a pic of Brett and Mariah getting close, sitting on a cushion with his arm around her and two glasses of champagne nearby. Sources alleged that they were in "full on couple mode" at their bash on Sunday and that "she's totally into him and he is nuts for her." But then hours later, the website posted shots of Ratner kissing a girl who was not Mariah.

Talk about a confusing love boat.

Whatever the case may be, it's clear that Carey is so over Nick Cannon. After breaking up last summer, the Americas Got Talent host, 34, filed for divorce in December 2014. They co-parent twins Moroccan and Monroe, who turn 4 next month.

Nick Cannon and Jessica White (AKM-GSI)
Nick Cannon and Jessica White (AKM-GSI)

Meanwhile, Nick has reportedly moved on with model Jessica White, 30. E! claims they are "taking things slow" and have agreed not to talk about their relationship "out of respect for Nick's family."

Mariah is gearing up for her residency and Caesar's Palace in Vegas. We'll see if Ratner is a frequent attendee.