Mariah Carey honored with iHeartRadio’s Icon Award, but fans can’t stop talking about her less-than-impressed reaction

Mariah Carey's most recent viral response is proof that she has experienced her share of memorable moments. Her unimpressed response to a tribute performance stole the show at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, where she accepted the coveted Icon Award.

What happened during Mariah Carey’s tribute?

Mariah Carey goes viral after expressing dissatisfaction with the iHeartRadio Music Awards tribute.

Fans quickly turned her reaction into an internet sensation. They flooded social media with memes and reactions, turning her expression into a trending topic. The night also saw major wins for Lady Gaga and Nelly.


Mariah's unimpressed expression began a social media frenzy and swiftly became a viral GIF as Tori Kelly and Muni Long honored the legendary singer with a rendition of her classic songs, as quoted in a report by The Mirror US.

"Mariah Carey's face the whole time the girls are singing," someone fan said, and another fan added, "This is SENDING ME! Mariah Carey did not find it funny.

According to a third, "Mariah is me just perpetually over it." "The intro was so ICONIC," said yet another fan. Mariah Carey will not be seen again.

Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Kenny Chesney, Muni Long, Nelly, and other celebrities performed at the star-studded event, which was held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, as quoted in a report by The Mirror US.

Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift were the top nominees for the awards show, which is now in its 12th year. Taylor Swift's Era's Tour was acclaimed as the "Tour of the Century."

Rapper Nelly won the coveted 2025 iHeartRadio Landmark Award, honoring musicians whose music has had a significant cultural impact over the years, as quoted in a report by The Mirror US.

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Are Mariah and Anderson .Paak dating?

An online discussion was started by more than just Mariah's response. She also started rumors that she and Anderson were dating. Paak after he was seen with her when she accepted her award as an icon.

The pair was spotted looking extremely close while dining in Aspen, Colorado, which sparked the rumors. It was during the holidays that Mariah and Anderson were first spotted spending time together, as quoted in a report by The Mirror US.

Mariah thanked John Sykes, the president of iHeartRadio, during her acceptance speech, referring to him as her "first manager."

FAQs

Why has Mariah Carey's reaction gone viral?
Fans noticed that she appeared unimpressed during a tribute performance of her songs. Her facial expression quickly became a meme, resulting in widespread online discussion.

Is Mariah Carey dating Anderson.Paak?
Rumors are swirling after the two were spotted together at the awards ceremony and previously seen having dinner in Aspen, fueling speculation about a romance.