TL;DR: At the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Mariah Carey received the Icon Award. However, it was her seemingly unimpressed reaction during a tribute performance by Muni Long and Tori Kelly that stole the spotlight, quickly becoming a viral meme.
The Night's Glittering Affair 🌟
On March 17, 2025, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles was abuzz with excitement as the iHeartRadio Music Awards celebrated the industry's finest. Among the night's highlights was the honoring of Mariah Carey with the prestigious Icon Award, acknowledging her monumental contributions to music. Fans worldwide tuned in, eager to witness the celebration of the 'Songbird Supreme.'
A Tribute Performance Takes Center Stage 🎶
As part of the homage to Carey's illustrious career, artists Muni Long and Tori Kelly took to the stage, delivering renditions of her classic hits. Long performed "We Belong Together," while Kelly sang "Always Be My Baby." Their performances aimed to capture the essence of Carey's timeless music and convey their respect for the legendary singer.
The Reaction That Sparked a Thousand Memes 😬
During Long's performance, cameras panned to Carey, capturing a moment that would soon set social media ablaze. The diva appeared to give a subtle side-eye, a gesture that fans quickly interpreted as disapproval. Within moments, this brief expression was immortalized as a meme, with fans sharing their amusement across platforms. One viewer tweeted, "Mariah Carey is not feeling these performances and is not hiding that fact. Lol."
Setting the Record Straight 🗣️
In the aftermath of the viral moment, Muni Long addressed the buzz. She clarified that Carey had personally selected her for the tribute and had praised her rendition. Long shared, "She told me I did a great job, she appreciated it." Carey herself took to Instagram, expressing gratitude towards Long and Kelly for their performances, stating they made her "heart so full of joy."
The Icon's Acceptance Speech 🏆
When Carey ascended the stage to accept her award, she did so with her signature flair. Noticing the lighting wasn't to her liking, she quipped, "Is the lighting OK? 'Cause I don't like bad lighting." The audience erupted in laughter, a testament to her enduring diva persona. In her heartfelt speech, Carey reminisced about her early dreams of hearing her songs on the radio and expressed gratitude to her fans, affectionately known as her "Lambily." She also honored her late mother, Patricia Carey, acknowledging her for "giving me the gift of music."
A Night to Remember ✨
The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards will be remembered not just for celebrating musical achievements but also for showcasing the ever-entertaining world of pop culture. Mariah Carey's candid reactions and the ensuing social media storm highlight the unpredictable nature of live events and the internet's swift ability to turn moments into global conversations.
Join the Conversation 💬
What did you think of Mariah Carey's reaction? Do you believe it was taken out of context, or was it a genuine display of her feelings? Share your thoughts and favorite memes from the night in the comments below!
