Mariah Carey’s Viral Reaction To Muni Long’s “We Belong Together” Performance
Mariah Carey is finally clearing the air about that viral clip of her reaction to Muni Long’s “We Belong Together” performance at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. As fans remember, Carey was honored with the Icon Award. During the show both Muni Long and Tori Kelly delivered tributes. Kelly gave her version of “Always Be My Baby” while Long took on Carey’s 2005 smash hit.
During Muni’s set, the cameras caught Carey turning to Anderson Paak with an unimpressed look. Of course, the internet ran with it, assuming shade. Clips quickly went viral, sparking endless debates about whether Carey was throwing side-eye or just caught in a bad camera moment.
Y’all look at Mariah’s reaction while Muni Long was singing a tribute to her. I am hollering 😂😂😩😩😩 pic.twitter.com/RRZqtNgjF1
— LeTroy Davis (@letroydavis) March 18, 2025
RELATED:Mariah Carey And Muni Long Speak Amid MC Tribute Criticism From 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards
Mariah Carey Explains Her True Feelings About The Tribute
Now, months later, Carey opened up during a new GQ interview where the topic of covers came up. She admitted she had no clue Muni was even singing “We Belong Together” at the time because of the venue’s acoustics…
“I didn’t even hear the cover. I didn’t know it happened. No one told me,” she explained. “I just didn’t know that she had done ‘We Belong Together’ [as a cover] ‘cause her song was so similar to ‘We Belong Together.’ I had no idea that she did ‘We Belong Together.’”
She doubled down on her love for Long, while also admitting something fans may not have expected.
“I’m very honored and flattered that she did it. I love Muni Long, she’s a great person, umm, but I just don’t like people doing my songs.”
Muni Long’s Response To The Viral Clip
Muni Long didn’t stay silent when the internet tried to pit her against the legendary diva. At the time, she hopped online to set the record straight:
“She asked me to do it. You thought I chose to get on TV and sing a Mariah Carey song? You thought that was my choice? Why would I do that? Nobody can sing Mariah’s songs like Mariah. Nobody. I didn’t chose that. She asked me to do it and of course I said yes ’cause why would I ever say no? I did my best, and that’s all I can do.”
Her words made it clear: the performance was not her idea, but a request from Carey herself. And while fans tried to stir drama, the two women have maintained a solid relationship over the years.
Mariah Carey Shares Why She Hates Covers Of Her Songs
Carey made sure to note that her feelings aren’t personal toward Muni at all—it’s simply her stance on covers in general. The Grammy legend even mentioned that Prince once told her he didn’t like her singing covers of “The Beautiful Ones.”