Did Mariah Carey Shade? Her iHeartRadio Reaction Says It All

Mariah Carey once again proved why she’s the undisputed queen of memes at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards, this time with a single look.

The legendary singer was honored with this year’s Icon Award during Monday night’s ceremony, where Market Kelly and Muni Long paid tribute to her with a medley of her biggest hits.

While Mariah Carey was seen enjoying parts of the performance, one particular reaction had viewers obsessed, and it quickly went viral.

Mariah Carey made a grand entrance at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, proving once again that nobody does diva glamour quite like her.

Although the legendary singer skipped the red carpet, she made an unforgettable impression backstage, where she was captured in a body-hugging, mermaid-style gown that radiated pure star power. The sparkling bodice and off-the-shoulder sleeves elevated the dramatic silhouette, while the floor-sweeping train was so extravagant that it required an escort to carry it, a move fitting for an Icon Award recipient.

For beauty, Carey embraced her signature early 2000s aesthetic, wearing her honey blonde hair in luscious crimped waves with a deep side part. She completed the timeless look with a glossy nude lip, adding the final touch of old-school Mariah glam.

Carey’s iHeartRadio Music Awards honor is just the latest in a string of accolades recognizing her legendary status. The singer is officially the best-selling female artist of all time, with a career filled with historic achievements.

As Muni Long took center stage to belt out Carey’s classic ballad “We Belong Together,” the camera panned to Carey, who slowly turned her head, offering a serious side-eye while those around her danced enthusiastically.

Fans wasted no time turning the moment into a meme.

“This gif of Mariah Carey will go down in history,” one X user wrote. Another crowned her the “meme queen.”

One fan even joked, “She was wondering why they didn’t book Ariana (Grande).”

Despite the viral moment, Carey was also seen smiling and swaying along to other performances in the tribute, particularly during “Always Be My Baby” and more of her chart-topping classics.

Carey didn’t just dominate the internet with her reaction. She also stole the spotlight onstage while accepting her Icon Award.

Before diving into her speech, the Songbird Supreme made sure the moment was just right, asking, “Is the lighting OK? Because I don’t like bad lighting.”

Once the lighting was seemingly approved, Carey gave an emotional speech, reflecting on her legendary career. “As a kid I used to listen to my favorite artists on the radio and dream of being on the airwaves myself,” Carey said. “Now, for those of you who may not know what airwaves are, think of it as the non-WiFi of streaming.”

“Even now I still get excited when I hear one of my songs playing on the radio,” she added. “It never stops being magical.”

Carey elevated her glamorous ensemble with a magnificent 104-carat cushion-cut diamond necklace by Harry Kotlar, ensuring all eyes were on her as she accepted her award. The dazzling piece sparkled under the lights of the Dolby Theatre, commanding just as much attention as the Queen of Christmas herself.

The necklace wasn’t the only luxury accessory in her collection that night. Carey paired the statement piece with a chunky diamond-and-white gold bracelet from Akillis and large diamond studs from Zydo, completing her ultra-glamorous look.

In December 2024, Carey celebrated yet another milestone as her holiday classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” topped Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for a record-breaking 17th total week.

“The carol, which leads the Hot 100 for a third consecutive week this holiday season, also solely claims the third-longest domination in the chart’s 66-year history,” Billboard shared on Instagram.

Carey responded with gratitude, writing on her Instagram Stories, “This is amazing!!!! Will never ever ever ever ever take this for granted. Merry early Christmas!!!!”

With her iHeartRadio Icon Award now added to her collection, Carey continues to cement her place as one of music’s most enduring superstars, all while serving looks that are just as legendary as her voice.