Mariah Carey was feeling emotions deeper than she’s ever dreamed.
While accepting the Icon Award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 17, the superstar shared her gratitude to all those who have supported her over the years. (See all the stars on the red carpet here.)
But before she began her speech, Mariah asked the most relatable question to the crowd.
“I just want to ask you a question—is the lighting OK? Because I don’t like bad lighting,” the 55-year-old quipped onstage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. And after host LL COOL J reassured her that she looked incredible, Mariah added, “Do you like the ensemble?”
The “We Belong Together” singer—who rocked a sleek black ‘fit with statement sleeves—went on to share what the award means to her.
“Even now, I still get excited when I hear one of my songs playing on the radio. It never stops being magical,” she explained. “I appreciate you all more than you know. And to my fans, my family, you’ve been with me through every step of this journey. Your love and loyalty are the greatest gift, and I’m endlessly thankful for each one of you.”
At the ceremony Mariah—who shares twins Monroe and Moroccan, 13, with ex Nick Cannon—ended with a special shoutout to her mother, adding, “I want to honor my mother, Patricia Carey, for giving me the gift of music.”
And she’s not the only one getting her flowers at the award show. Gracie Abrams is taking home the2025 iHeartRadio Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award, while Lady Gaga was named the 2025 iHeartRadio Innovator Award and Nelly is getting the 2025 iHeartRadio Landmark Award.
Not to mention, Taylor Swift won’t feel so much like a tortured poet anymore since she earned iHeartRadio’s Tour of the Century Award for her Eras Tour.
Who else will be stepping out at the show? Becky G, Billy Idol, Kelsea Ballerini, Offset, Robin Thicke and Victoria Monét are just some of the musical artists making appearances.
Read on to see more stars hitting high notes at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Kelsea Ballerini
In Alexandre Vauthier.
Mariah Carey
FINNEAS & Billie Eilish
Doechii
JoJo Siwa
In Versace.
Bad Bunny
Gracie Abrams
In Khaite.
GloRilla
In Valdrin Sahiti.
Becky G
In The New Arrivals RE25.
Jenny McCarthy
In Genny.
Nikki Glaser
In Stella McCartney.
Benson Boone
Tori Spelling
Ashanti & Nelly
Ashanti in Balmain.
Victoria Monét
Brandi Cyrus
In Dolce & Gabbana.
Cheryl Burke
LL Cool J
Chanel West Coast
Madison Beer
Hair styled using OGX products.
Offset
AJ McLean
Daniel Wai & Ariana Madix
Ariana in Miraco jewelry.
Janet Caperna & Brittany Cartwright
James Charles
Joel McHale
Robin Thicke
Muni Long
Linkin Park’s Emily Armstrong, Joe Hahn, Mike Shinoda & Colin Brittain
Tori Kelly
