At the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Mariah Carey’s reaction to a tribute performance has become the talk of the internet.
The iconic singer, 55, who recently made headlines for a concerning stage performance, was in the spotlight once again as she watched Muni Long and Tori Kelly perform some of her most famous tracks.
The moment quickly went viral, leaving fans laughing and commenting on Mariah’s honest and unfiltered expressions.
A Side-Eye That Says It All
During Muni Long’s rendition of We Belong Together, cameras caught a priceless moment when Mariah Carey, sitting beside her rumored boyfriend Anderson .Paak, gave a dramatic side-eye while watching the performance.
In the now-famous clip, which spread across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Mariah turns her head away from the stage, clearly unimpressed.
Anderson, on the other hand, was caught enthusiastically dancing along to the song.
Fans couldn’t help but laugh, with one commenting, “Mariah Carey is not feeling these performances and is not hiding that fact. lol #iHeartAwards2025 #MariahCarey.”
Fans React to Mariah’s Honest Reaction
The reactions from fans were quick and humorous, with many commenting on Mariah’s visible disinterest.
One fan joked, “Mariah watching people butchering her songs lol,” while another said, “This going to be a new meme! I’m telling you.”
It’s clear that fans appreciated Mariah’s unfiltered reaction, with one user writing, “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 Tribute to Her Legacy
Despite her reaction to the tribute performances, Mariah Carey was gracious as she took the stage later that evening to accept the coveted Icon Award.
In a black gown that highlighted her elegance, she made a lighthearted comment about the lighting, joking, “Is the lighting okay? Because I don’t like bad lighting.”
She continued by sharing how much it still excites her to hear her songs on the radio, calling it a magical experience that never fades.
Carey also took a moment to honor her late mother, Patricia Carey, who passed away in August 2024.
“On this Saint Patrick’s Day, I want to honor my mother for giving me the gift of music,” she said, concluding her heartfelt speech with an emotional tribute to her late mother.
Glamour on the Red Carpet
After accepting her award, Mariah was seen posing on the red carpet, showing off her stunning ensemble.
Her hair, styled in glamorous curls, framed her face perfectly, while her silver jewelry and diamond pendant caught the light.
Mariah’s look was nothing short of iconic, adding even more to her presence at the prestigious event.
Other Stars Shine at the iHeartRadio Music Awards
The red carpet was full of stars, each bringing their own flair to the event.
Kelsea Ballerini turned heads in a sparkling gray bandeau top and matching skirt, while Madison Beer flaunted her legs in a black sequin minidress.
Ashanti showcased an edgy look with a black leather skirt, and Tori Kelly, who performed in tribute to Mariah, was also a standout on the carpet.
From Jenny McCarthy’s sheer chainmail dress to Kelsea Ballerini’s glowing smile, the evening was filled with standout fashion moments that matched the excitement of the awards.
Mariah’s Moment at the iHeartRadio Awards
Despite the viral reactions to her side-eye, Mariah Carey’s time at the iHeartRadio Music Awards was filled with grace, humor, and a deep appreciation for her fans and the music industry that has supported her for decades.
Whether or not she was impressed by the tribute performances, one thing is for certain: Mariah Carey remains an icon in every sense of the word.