Mariah Carey’s reaction at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards went viral after her facial expression during a tribute performance caught viewers’ attention. The tribute, featuring Muni Long and Tori Kelly, honored Carey with renditions of her classic hits. Her seemingly unimpressed response quickly sparked social media buzz.
Here are the key details about Mariah Carey’s viral moment at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Mariah Carey’s expression goes viral after Muni Long’s tribute
Mariah Carey’s facial expression went viral at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards during a tribute by Muni Long and Tori Kelly. As Long performed “We Belong Together,” Carey turned her head away and gave a side-eye glance toward Anderson .Paak, sparking widespread social media reactions.
Several fans commented on social media about Carey’s reaction. One user wrote, “Mariah Carey being absolutely unimpressed during these performances is taking me out.” Another added, “The way Mariah Carey can’t help but show her disinterest on her face but I get it I’m the same my face tells everything.” A third user tweeted, “This gif of Mariah Carey will go down in history.” Another speculated, “She was wondering why they didn’t book Ariana [Grande].”
The iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles honored Mariah Carey with the Icon Award. LL COOL J hosted the event, featuring performances by Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, GloRilla, Kenny Chesney, and Nelly. Nelly received the Landmark Award, while Lady Gaga earned the Innovator Award.
While accepting the Icon Award, Carey made a lighthearted remark about the stage lighting, saying, “Is the lighting OK? Because I don’t like bad lighting.” She thanked iHeartRadio for the honor and spoke about her childhood dream of hearing her songs on the radio. “Even now I still get excited when I hear one of my songs playing on the radio. It never stops being magical.”
Carey thanked her fans, the “Lambily,” calling their support her greatest gift. She also honored her late mother, Patricia Carey, for inspiring her music.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Comingsoon.
