Mariah Carey sets the record straight; her relationship with Muni Long is straight love. After the internet went wild over Carey's reaction to Long's tribute performance at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, the iconic singer immediately jumped in to quell the speculation.
When Muni Long stepped onstage to perform Carey's classic hit "We Belong Together" to honor the five-time Grammy winner, cameras captured a brief moment with social media abuzz. After being honored with the prestigious Icon Award, Carey appeared to serve Long a skeptical side-eye, something that social media soon deemed "shady" and "unimpressed."
Fans didn't hold back in their opinions, with some calling Carey's face "condescending" and "dismissive," while others defended her, saying she has a naturally expressive face. Nonetheless, the clip spread like wildfire, and speculation was rampant.
Not one to leave a narrative to the whims of the internet, Carey hopped on Instagram Stories on March 19 to set the record straight. Carey was specific about her feelings after posting a photo with Muni Long and fellow performer Tori Kelly.
"So beyond grateful to have these two beautiful, incredibly talented, kind, amazing musicians who filled my heart with so much joy tonight with their tribute performances at the @iheartradio awards. I love and appreciate you so much!!!" she wrote.
With that soul-sister message, Carey made it abundantly clear that she was grateful for the tribute and silenced the haters, mainly if those haters were basing their opinions on a camera shot taken in a split second.
Muni Long gave her take on the situation, clarifying there was never any bad blood. In a video response, she shared some details of what was happening behind the tribute's scenes.
Long added that she is very thankful that Carey selected her to sing the song, which is a tremendous honor.
"No one sings Mariah's songs better than Mariah. No one," Long candidly confessed, conceding the challenge of facing off against one of the most iconic voices in the annals of music.
She also admitted that Carey praised her performance privately, and it's backed up on video. But instead of posting the footage publicly, Long let the moment speak for itself.
Demonstrating her good humor, Long quipped that even if Carey had "pushed her down the stairs or said she hated it," she would still be grateful just to have had the opportunity.
Although social media might have attempted to stir the pot, Carey and Long have been unequivocal, and there is no drama here. Instead, the evening was a tribute to music, talent, and the spirit of one of the greatest vocalists ever.
So, the internet can speculate as it likes. Mariah Carey is still a legend. Muni Long gave a powerful tribute, and they still support each other. And isn't that what music is for?
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