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Mariah Carey Receives iHeartRadio Icon Award in Show-Stopping Style
A Night of iHeartRadio Icons
The iHeartRadio Music Awards has become a star-studded celebration of the year’s biggest songs and artists, honoring the music that dominates iHeartRadio’s stations and app. This year’s ceremony at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre (March 17, 2025) had an extra dose of glamour and nostalgia as pop legend Mariah Carey received the iHeartRadio Icon Award, a prestigious honor reserved for artists with truly remarkable careers.
The Icon Award is a special honor reserved for artists with truly remarkable careers, and Mariah – with her five Grammy wins, countless chart-topping hits, and a legacy spanning three decades – fit the bill perfectly. Fans in the arena buzzed with excitement, ready to witness a defining moment in pop culture history as the Songbird Supreme herself took center stage to add yet another accolade to her legacy.
LL Cool J’s Heartfelt Introduction
Hip-hop icon LL Cool J took the stage to present the Icon Award to Mariah, setting a warm, celebratory tone. In his introductory speech, LL Cool J praised Mariah’s unparalleled contributions to music – from her five-octave vocal range to her 19 #1 hits – calling her “one of the greatest voices of our generation.” He recounted how Mariah’s songs had become part of the soundtrack of our lives and declared her “a true icon who has inspired us all.” As the crowd erupted in cheers, LL Cool J welcomed Mariah to the stage.
Notably, Mariah didn’t walk up alone – her friend (and rumored beau) Anderson .Paak was by her side, literally lending a hand. The Silk Sonic star helped Mariah up the stairs as LL Cool J announced her name, beaming with pride as she made her way to the podium. It was a sweet moment that showed Mariah was surrounded by love and support during her big honor. (And yes, there was definitely a standing ovation from the audience for the elusive chanteuse!)
Mariah’s Show-Stopping Look
Mariah dazzled at the awards in a black, shimmering figure-hugging gown with a dramatic mermaid fishtail skirt. The glamorous dress hugged her curves and flared out at the bottom, giving pure old-Hollywood meets modern-diva vibes. She paired the look with sparkling diamond jewelry and her signature loose curls cascading over her shoulders.
Ever the perfectionist, Mariah made sure every detail was right when she got onstage – “Is the lighting OK? ’Cause I don’t like bad lighting,” she quipped with a grin as soon as she hit the spotlight. LL Cool J chuckled and replied, “It’s OK.” Mariah then gave the crowd a twirl and cheekily asked, “Do you like the ensemble?” showing off the full sparkle of her gown to huge cheers. It was a fashion moment only Mimi could deliver – complete with its own built-in spotlight and attitude.
A Family Affair and a Rumored Romance
In the audience, Mariah had a proud entourage cheering her on. Her 13-year-old twins, Monroe and Moroccan Cannon, sat front-row to watch their mom shine, and they weren’t the only special guests. Seated right beside Mariah all night was Grammy-winning artist Anderson .Paak, who has been sparking romance rumors with the pop diva in recent months.
The two arrived at the venue together with Mariah’s kids and stayed by each other’s side throughout the evening. Cameras even caught .Paak gently holding Mariah’s hand as they walked in, and he stood up to assist her when she went onstage to accept her award. His huge smile as he watched her address the crowd said it all – he looked as proud as any boyfriend would!
Musical Tribute by Muni Long and Tori Kelly
Before Mariah received her award, the iHeartRadio Music Awards honored her the best way they know how – through music! Singers Muni Long and Tori Kelly hit the stage to pay tribute to Mariah’s incredible catalog, performing a medley of her classic hits.
R&B songstress Muni Long poured her heart into a soulful rendition of the Valentine anthem “We Belong Together,” while Tori Kelly wowed the crowd with her powerhouse vocals on the feel-good jam “Always Be My Baby.” The performance had everyone feeling nostalgic, and Mariah watched on from the audience as the younger singers tackled those famously tricky melisma runs.
An Acceptance Speech Full of Humor and Heart
When it was finally time for Mariah to speak, she proved exactly why she’s an icon, delivering an acceptance speech that was equal parts witty, nostalgic, and heartfelt. After ensuring the lighting and her outfit were flawless, Mariah began by sincerely thanking iHeartRadio for the honor. She then took the audience on a little journey through her past, reminiscing about her childhood dreams. “As a kid I used to listen to my favorite artists on the radio and dream of being on the airwaves myself,” she said, reflecting on the days before streaming music. “Even now I still get excited when I hear one of my songs playing on the radio. It never stops being magical,” Mariah admitted, her voice full of genuine gratitude.
She continued by sharing that even after all these years, the thrill of hearing her songs on the radio hasn’t faded. In a cheeky aside, Mariah couldn’t resist delivering a little shade in classic Mariah fashion. She thanked iHeartMedia’s President John Sykes for believing in her early on, saying, “He was my first manager, by the way. Some people think it was this other guy, but it wasn’t him. It was John,” referring to her ex-husband (Sony Music exec Tommy Mottola), who famously discovered her.
By the end of her speech, Mariah had tears in her eyes, and so did many in the audience. She lifted her shiny heart-shaped trophy high, receiving another wave of thunderous applause. She thanked her fans, the Lambily, and remembered that on this St. Patrick’s Day, she wanted to thank her late mother, Patricia Carey, for giving her the gift of music. In that moment, it was clear that Mariah Carey – the songwriter, the vocalist, the survivor – truly deserved the title of Icon.
