When Muni Long took the stage at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards to honor Mariah Carey with a performance of the iconic ballad “We Belong Together,” she aimed to celebrate a legend. Instead, the R&B singer found herself at the center of online debate after cameras captured Carey herself seemingly looking away during the tribute, a moment the internet quickly memed into a frenzy.
The 36-year-old “Made For Me” singer delivered her rendition of Carey’s 2005 hit during Monday’s (March 17) ceremony as the five-time Grammy winner received the iHeartRadio Icon Award. While Long’s vocals earned praise from some viewers, attention quickly shifted to a split-second cutaway showing Carey, seated in the audience, glancing to the side with an inscrutable expression. Social media erupted with jokes and speculation, with users dubbing it a “side-eye heard ’round the world” and questioning whether the elusive diva disapproved.
Addressing the backlash head-on, Muni Long took to TikTok post-show to set the record straight. “The people that’s got a lot to say, you don’t understand how this paying homage and having respect for people works,” she asserted. Revealing that Carey personally requested the tribute, Long pushed back on critics.
“You thought I chose to get on TV and sing a Mariah Carey song? You thought that was my choice?” she said. “Nobody can sing Mariah songs like Mariah. Nobody. I didn’t choose that. She asked me to do it, and of course, I said yes, because why would I ever say no?”
Muni Long, who recently scored her first Grammy for Best R&B Performance, emphasized her humility in accepting the challenge. “I did my best, and that’s all I can do,” she said, adding that Carey later praised her efforts. “Even if she hated it, which she didn’t, because I have the footage of us talking afterward, I’m not gonna post it because her lighting wasn’t right,” she joked, referencing Mariah’s well-known preference for perfect lighting. “But she told me I did a great job. She appreciated it, and that’s it.”
She even humorously acknowledged Carey’s legendary status, quipping, “If she pushed me down the stairs, if she told me she hated it, I would say thank you.”
Mariah Carey also addressed the criticism, praising both Muni Long and Tori Kelly, who also performed during the tribute.
“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!!!” wrote the 55-year-old on her Instagram story.
Muni Long’s predicament underscores the near-impossible task of covering Carey’s music, known for its octave-defying vocals and emotional depth. Etiquette experts and vocal coaches alike have noted the pressure of performing for an icon whose technical prowess remains unmatched.
