Mariah Carey, the iconic pop star, is making a significant shift in her image after facing criticism from fans over her reaction at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
The 55-year-old singer, known for her powerful vocals and diva persona, has recently been under scrutiny after a viral moment where she gave a disapproving side-eye during a tribute performance.
Now, she’s taking drastic steps to reintroduce herself as the “sweet” Mariah of her early career.
A Dramatic Makeover in Response to Backlash
Mariah’s infamous glance at Muni Long and Tori Kelly, who performed her hits at the awards show, caused a stir on social media.
The reaction was so intense that Mariah decided to make some changes.
She’s revived her signature 90s curls, reminiscent of the era when she first made her mark in the music industry.
This change marks a sharp contrast to her usual polished look, showcasing a more youthful and innocent version of herself that many fans adored in her earlier years.
Recent photos of Mariah with her rumored boyfriend, Anderson .Paak, reveal her new look.
The two were spotted out in West Hollywood on Sunday, where Mariah donned a black sequined jacket and dress, her voluminous curls adding to the dramatic shift in her public image.
Mariah’s Intentions Behind the Transformation
An insider close to the pop star revealed that the backlash took Mariah by surprise.
She didn’t expect the negative reaction to her side-eye and didn’t mean to come across as ungrateful for the tribute.
According to the source, Mariah was following advice from those around her and decided to bring back her old hairstyle to remind fans of the sweet and innocent Mariah they first fell in love with.
The goal, they say, is to highlight her vocal prowess, which remains her strongest asset.
Despite the shift in her appearance, Mariah has stayed unapologetic about her reaction to the performances.
The insider further explained that while she respects the performances, they didn’t compare to her own vocal abilities.
Mariah will never apologize for her honest reactions, as she believes in showing her true feelings, even if it means giving a little shade.
Fans React to Mariah’s Unfiltered Honesty
The moment of Mariah’s disinterest, caught on camera, sparked a flurry of reactions from fans on social media.
One user joked, “Mariah Carey is not feeling these performances and is not hiding that fact,” while another wrote, “Mariah watching people butchering her songs.”
Fans were quick to embrace her raw, unfiltered reaction, with many expressing how relatable her facial expressions were.
Some fans defended Mariah, acknowledging her status as a legendary vocalist, saying, “Of course, she doesn’t want y’all performing her song.”
Mariah and Anderson .Paak: New Music and Relationship Rumors
Meanwhile, Mariah’s relationship with Anderson .Paak continues to capture attention.
The two have been working together on new music, and rumors of a romance have been circulating for months.
They were spotted holding hands during a trip to Aspen in December, and Anderson has been sharing glimpses of their music sessions on social media.
It seems their collaboration is not just professional but also personal.
Mariah’s love life has been a subject of interest for years.
She was previously in a long-term relationship with back-up dancer Bryan Tanaka, but they split last year.
Anderson’s divorce from his wife, Jae Lin, was finalized earlier this year after 13 years of marriage, adding fuel to the dating rumors.
Mariah, of course, was once married to actor Nick Cannon, with whom she shares 13-year-old twins, Monroe and Moroccan.
As Mariah continues to embrace a more relatable image, her personal and professional life remains as captivating as ever, with fans eagerly awaiting what’s next for the legendary singer.