How old is R&B icon Mya, the Grammy-winning star whose unforgettable music, talent, and timeless presence have captivated audiences around the world? At 46, Mya continues to turn heads, radiating a youthful glow that reflects her commitment to wellness and self-care. Behind that glow is a disciplined lifestyle that balances her demanding career as a singer, actress, and philanthropist with a plant-based diet, regular detox practices, and a personal commitment to celibacy.

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She even works out in heels, yes, you read that right. During an interview with Women’s Health published June 1, Mya revealed the step-by-step workout routine that helps keep her looking like a walking fountain of youth, which includes deep squats, weight training, and sometimes running on the treadmill in heels. 

“I literally run, do dance routines, skipping, jumping,” she revealed, noting that she sometimes sings while performing the unique routine. The workout hack helps her prepare for her performances so she’s ready to hit the stage “and kick some butt,” she shared.

But these practices alone are just the tip of the iceberg for the star’s incredible success in the music industry and in turn, her youthful appearance. Her journey to stardom began at a young age. According to her official website, Mya, born Oct. 10, 1979, entered the scene at the ripe age of 18 with the debut of her eponymous album in 1998.  

The explosive project produced hits like “It’s All About Me” featuring Sisqó, which crossed over into the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 (peaking at No. 6) and was certified Gold. Fans would grow to love “Movin’ On” featuring Silkk the Shocker, a popular mid-tempo empowerment anthem that peaked at No. 34 on the Hot 100 and reached the top five of the R&B chart.

Since then, Mya has established herself as a defining force in popular culture, transcending genres, platforms, and creative mediums while building a career with global reach and lasting cultural impact.

Mya proved she could be versatile and an artist capable of moving effortlessly across musical styles. She appeared on the iconic hip-hop track, “Ghetto Supastar” with Pras & ODB in 1998, as well as the 2000 reggae smash, “Girls Dem Suga” with Beenie Man, a song that became an anthem of the decade.

Read more about her career after the flip.

Mya’s sophomore album, Fear of Flying, arrived in 2000 and also achieved double-platinum status. The critically recognized project produced enduring favorites including “Case of the Ex,” “Free,” and “Best of Me,” further cementing her position as one of the era’s most recognizable R&B and pop artists.

In 2001, Mya joined Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, P!nk, and Missy Elliott for a celebrated reinterpretation of LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade,” featured in Baz Luhrmann’s “Moulin Rouge.” The record became a landmark commercial and cultural success, earning the Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. The collaboration also showcased Mya’s ability to operate at the intersection of R&B, pop, hip-hop, and mainstream culture.

Her third studio album, Moodring, was released in 2003 to critical acclaim and featured singles including “My Love Is Like Wo,” “Fallen,” and LGBTQ+ fan favorite “Whatever B–”. The project also included the promotional single “Real Compared to What” with Common, which was used as the Coca-Cola theme song.

From 2004 through 2007, Mya continued expanding her creative footprint across music, film, television, fashion, and gaming. She recorded the theme song for Disney’s “Atlantis” with Diane Warren and contributed to EA’s James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing video game, where she also voiced NSA agent and Bond girl Mya Starling. Her performance in Rob Marshall’s Academy Award-winning film Chicago earned her a Screen Actors Guild award and further demonstrated her ability to translate her performance artistry from music into acting.

In 2008, Mya took another significant step toward creative independence by launching her own independent label, Planet 9. Through the label, she released nine projects and compilations, including “Sugar & Spice” (2008, Japan), “The Perfect Edition” (double disc, 2009, Japan), and the R&B/hip hop mixtape “Beauty & the Streets” Vol 1 (2010).

She continued her independent musical journey with the 2011 release of “K.I.S.S.” (Keep It Sexy & Simple) in Japan, followed by a worldwide edition in 2012. In 2014, Mya released two EPs, “With Love” and “Sweet XVI,” followed by the 2015 EP “Love Elevation Suite.”

In 2016, Mya released “Smoove Jones,” an album that earned a Grammy Award nomination from the Recording Academy for “Best R&B Album.” She followed the project with “T.K.O (The Knock Out)” in 2018 and continued releasing music independently, issuing 13 individual singles between 2019 and 2021.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mya has also spoken publicly about the personal practices and lifestyle choices that have shaped her approach to wellness, longevity, and maintaining balance throughout her career.

When asked how she stays fit and youthful throughout her career Mya told media personality Gina Views in August that
eating hydrating fruits and raw foods, as well as getting enough sleep, have helped keep her health and wellness in tip-top shape. Using fewer chemical-based products and switching to natural products like coconut oil and shea butter have also helped. 

Additionally, in July, the singer revealed that celibacy was key to keeping her young and on track career-wise. During a July 25 appearance on the Way Up with Angela Yee show, the R&B icon revealed that she was celibate for seven years, noting that the self-discipline practice brought more “mental clarity” to her life.

“Just doing without, it shifted my mindset,” Mya shared of her journey. “It was no longer a focus. The rush to be in a relationship, the rush to be married, the rush to be in something because that’s what you’re taught to do — to have kids or procreate. And I think there’s a lot of pressure on women to be able to do that.”

For the “Lady Marmalade” singer, self-love has played a crucial role in her longevity as an artist, and it’s become a “beautiful” practice.

“Love is beautiful, and I think the world always needs more of it, but I think you must start with yourself,” she continued. “And I have to start with self always, versus expecting from other sources.”

She added, “So it was just reconditioning. I think it’s something that was necessary because it’s a very spiritual thing. And you must be very selective if you want better results. That self-accountability started with me by shutting that part of my life off.”

At 46, Mya is wiser, sharper, and fully embracing the life she’s created, having the time of her life and proving that age is truly just a number. Her journey is a reminder that there is no expiration date on your dreams, your ambition, or your ability to accomplish anything you set your mind to.

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