Mariah Carey Delivers a Hilarious and Moving iHeartRadio Music Awards Speech

March 19, 2025

Mariah Carey was honored with the Icon Award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, and the pop megastar delivered an acceptance speech that was sometimes heartfelt, sometimes funny, and a hit with the audience and online. According to iHeart, the Icon Award was recognition for Carey’s “record-breaking contributions to music and endless collection of hits that stand the tests of time.”

With LL Cool J presenting her with the award, Carey gave a memorable acceptance speech–poking fun at her own image while acknowledging her fans.

“I just want to ask you a question — is the lighting OK?” she joked. “Because I don’t like bad lighting.”

Carey shared her gratitude at being honored.

“Even now, I still get excited when I hear one of my songs playing on the radio. It never stops being magical,” she said. “I appreciate you all more than you know. And to my fans, my family, you’ve been with me through every step of this journey. Your love and loyalty are the greatest gift, and I’m endlessly thankful for each one of you.”

“And to my fans… you’ve been with me through every step of this journey. Your love and loyalty are the greatest gift and I’m endlessly thankful for every one of you.”

She also recognized her late mother. “On this St. Patrick’s Day, I want to honor my mother, Patricia Carey, for giving me the gift of music. Love you! Love you! Love you!”

Carey was also at the center of the night’s most viral moment – as she gave a questionable reaction to tribute performances from Tori Kelly and Muni Long.

Social media reacted to her speech – and to her reaction:

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