Mariah Carey once again proved why she is the queen of pop culture during the iHeartRadio Music Awards event. Her reaction to a tribute performance quickly became the internet’s favorite meme as the cameras caught Mariah giving a slow side-eye while Tori Kelly and Muni Long sang some of her greatest hits.
Fans wasted no time turning the moment into a hot topic on social media. One user on X said the GIF of Mariah will go down in history, while another dubbed her the “meme queen.” Some even joked that she may have been wondering why Ariana Grande was not booked for the tribute instead.
Mariah Carey’s presence at the iHeartRadio Music Awards
Even beyond the viral meme, Mariah commanded attention throughout the night. The singer received this year’s Icon Award while wearing a glittery black gown. Though she skipped the red carpet, her presence on stage was nothing short of stunning. She took a moment to acknowledge her own standards, even pausing to check the stage lighting.
She then gave a heartfelt speech, expressing how she still finds magic in hearing her songs on the radio. After the show, she took to Instagram to thank iHeartRadio, while Tori and Muni celebrated their tribute by sharing fan reactions online.
Mariah Carey continues to be a cultural icon
Mariah has always been a pop culture phenomenon, and this latest meme is just another instance of her influence. From her vocals to her effortlessly meme-worthy moments, she continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether she’s singing, serving side-eye, or setting lighting standards, Mariah is an entertainer.
this gif of Mariah Carey will go down in history 😂 #iHeartMusicAwards pic.twitter.com/AJZsBbd72U
— justice (@justicexlambiIy) March 18, 2025
With this viral moment, and as the memes circulate, it is clear that Mariah’s reign is far from over. “I love Mariah Carey!!!! She’s a true ICON,” a fan gushed, while another said she must have been unimpressed by Tori and Muni.