Mariah Carey was celebrated with the prestigious Icon Award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Monday, March 17, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The 55-year-old music legend took the stage to accept the honor, delivering a heartfelt speech that paid tribute to her late mother, Patricia Carey, and her devoted fans.
Host LL Cool J introduced Carey, praising her unparalleled career and global impact. “Year after year, decade after decade, Mariah has continued to share her stunning voice, her songwriting, and her deeply personal story with millions of fans everywhere,” he said. “She’s broken virtually every chart record, including 19 No. 1 hits. She’s one of the greatest singers, songwriters, and artists of all time.”
Before Carey’s speech, R&B stars Muni Long and Tori Kelly performed two of her biggest hits: We Belong Together and Always Be My Baby. Carey, visibly moved, sang along from the audience.
Carey began her speech with her signature humor, joking about the lighting before expressing her gratitude. “Thank you, iHeart, for this incredible honor,” she said. “As a kid, I used to listen to my favorite artists on the radio and dream of being on the airwaves myself. For those who don’t know what airwaves are, think of it as the non-WiFi version of streaming,” she quipped.
She also thanked her fans, affectionately known as the “Lambily,” for their unwavering support. “Your love and loyalty are the greatest gift, and I’m endlessly thankful for each one of you.”
Carey concluded with a touching tribute to her late mother, Patricia Carey, who passed away in August 2024, alongside her sister Alison. “On this Saint Patrick’s Day, I want to honor my mother for giving me the gift of music,” she said.
Carey joins an elite group of past Icon Award recipients, including Cher, Pink, Elton John, and Jennifer Lopez. Her career, marked by record-breaking hits and timeless music, continues to inspire generations of artists and fans.
The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards featured performances by Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Kenny Chesney, and Nelly. Leading the nominations were Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen with 10 nods each, followed by Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, and Sabrina Carpenter with nine nominations apiece.
