What is the title of Mariah Carey's 1998 single that is a cover of Brenda K. Starr's song?

The title of Mariah Carey's cover of Brenda K. Starr's song is "I Still Believe." Carey recorded it as a tribute to Starr, who had employed Carey as a backing vocalist before her solo career began. The song originally appeared on Starr's 1987 album and became her signature hit.

Carey's version was recorded for her 1998 compilation album #1's and released as a single in 1999. That timing explains a common source of confusion: the recording is associated with 1998, while the U.S. single release came the following year. Carey co-produced the version with Stevie J and Mike Mason, giving the ballad a polished pop and R&B treatment.

The song's personal meaning is especially important. Starr supported Carey early in her career and helped get her demo tape to Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola. Carey later described the cover as a way to honor the singer who had encouraged her when she was still an unknown performer. It is also easy to confuse this track with Carey's original hits such as "My All," "Honey," or "Heartbreaker," but none of those is a cover of Starr's song.