Muni Long sets the record straight, addressing the perceived side eye from Mariah Carey during her tribute performance at the iHeartRadio Music Awards earlier this week.
- Mar 20, 2025
AceShowbiz - The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards were a spectacle, but one moment that caught major attention was Mariah Carey's viral reaction to Muni Long's tribute performance.
Long, 36, took to the stage on March 17 to honor Carey by performing her hit "We Belong Together." However, a cutaway clip of Carey, who was honored with the Icon Award that night, led to speculation that she was less than impressed - leading to a social media uproar.
In reality, the situation was quite different. Long took to social media to clarify the rumors. Posting a video, she explained, "The people that's got a lot to say, you don't understand how this paying homage and having respect for people."
She then dropped the bombshell that Carey was the one who requested her to sing the tribute. "She asked me to do it," Long disclosed, dismissing the notion that she would voluntarily choose to perform a challenging Mariah Carey song on live television.
Long, a Grammy winner herself, emphasized her respect and admiration for Carey, mentioning that no one can sing Mariah's songs like Mariah herself. "I did my best, and that's all I can do," she stated firmly.
Long also revealed that she had footage of Carey praising her performance but chose not to share it due to imperfect lighting. "And I'm not gonna do that to my girl. You know how Ms. Carey is about her lighting," she added.
On Wednesday, March 19, Carey herself took to social media to express her gratitude. Posting a photo of herself with Long and Tori Kelly - another artist who paid tribute by singing "Always Be My Baby".
Carey wrote, "So beyond grateful for these two gorgeous, uber-talented, kind, incredible musicians who made my heart so full of joy with their tribute performances at the @iheartradio awards. I love and appreciate you so much!!!"
In a more lighthearted reveal, iHeartRadio posted a clip showing Carey smiling after Long's final note, countering the viral side-eye narrative.
Long, overwhelmed with gratitude, commented, "Thank you @mariahcarey for choosing me to honor you in this magical moment! You ARE my Icon and I am your forever lamb. I love you! The little girl in me is screaming."
Despite the initial social media frenzy, the real story shows a heartwarming connection and mutual respect between two talented musicians. For Long, the performance was a dream come true, and for Carey, it was a cherished tribute.
