At the iHeart Radio Music Awards, Mariah Carey’s reaction during a performance became a viral moment, sparking conversation and curiosity. The legendary singer was honored at the event, where Grammy-winning artists Money Long and Tori Kelly performed in her honor. As the performance unfolded, Mariah’s reaction from the front row caught the attention of fans. While her rumored boyfriend, Anderson .Paak, seemed to be enjoying the show, Mariah appeared to have some mixed feelings, giving off a subtle vibe that she wasn’t entirely pleased with the medley. Her facial expressions, which many speculated were critical, quickly spread across social media, leading to a viral reaction.

Despite the buzz surrounding her reaction, the deeper story at the awards ceremony is the strong bond between Mariah Carey and Money Long. Money, an R&B artist, has long been an admirer of Mariah, calling herself a “lamb,” which is Mariah’s loyal fanbase. Money shared that over the years, she has had several opportunities to work with the music icon and that Mariah has always been a supportive and encouraging influence on her career. “She’s always been super encouraging,” Money said, reflecting on how Mariah’s guidance has shaped her journey in music. The two artists worked together on a remix of Money’s hit song “Made For Me” in 2023, marking another milestone in their relationship. Money expressed deep gratitude to Mariah, stating that if it weren’t for the legendary artist, many new-generation performers like herself wouldn’t have the opportunity to succeed. “If it wasn’t for her, artists like me wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” Money added, emphasizing Mariah’s pioneering role in shaping the music industry.

In addition to Money, Tori Kelly also performed in tribute to Mariah Carey. This wasn’t Tori’s first time honoring Mariah—last year, she performed as part of a Mariah tribute at the Recording Academy Honors. Tori admitted to feeling pressure before the performance but embraced the moment as one of significance in her career. “I’m freaking out a little bit. It’s a full-circle moment tonight,” Tori said, acknowledging how special it was to perform for the artist who had influenced her deeply. Tori went on to describe Mariah as the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time), recognizing her as an unparalleled force in music. Tori also revealed how much Mariah has inspired her, saying, “If you’ve heard my music, you can probably tell how much she’s inspired me.”

Beyond the viral moment involving Mariah’s reaction, the iHeart Radio Music Awards highlighted the immense influence Mariah Carey has had on the music industry and younger artists today. Money Long and Tori Kelly’s tributes to Mariah served as heartfelt reminders of her legacy, both as a singer and as an inspiration to those who follow in her footsteps. Mariah’s presence at the event was more than just a star appearance—it was a testament to how deeply she continues to shape the world of music, even as new artists rise to fame. Whether through her powerful performances, her influence on others, or moments like the one at the iHeart Awards, Mariah Carey’s impact remains undeniable.