Mariah Carey Pays Tribute to Late Mother During 2025 iHeartRadio Music Icon Award Acceptance Speech
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Mariah Carey was awarded the Icon Award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards ceremony that took place on March 17 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The globally acclaimed singer, now 55 years old, was introduced by host LL Cool J and took the stage to accept the prestigious award. During her acceptance speech, Carey took a moment to remember and honour her late mother, Patricia Carey. The emotional tribute came after R&B artists Muni Long and Tori Kelly performed some of Carey’s biggest hits, adding to the heartfelt atmosphere of the evening.
In her acceptance speech, Carey shared her gratitude for receiving the Icon Award, acknowledging her childhood dreams of being a music artist that have now come to fruition. She expressed her excitement at hearing her songs played on the radio, emphasising the magical feeling it still brings her. Carey also took the opportunity to thank her loyal fans, fondly referred to as her “Lambily,” for their unwavering support throughout her career. The singer’s connection with her fans was evident as she expressed her endless appreciation for their love and loyalty.
The highlight of Carey’s speech was the heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Patricia Carey, on Saint Patrick’s Day. The singer reflected on the profound impact her mother had on her life, specifically in nurturing her love for music. The past year had been a difficult one for Carey as she lost both her mother and sister, Alison, in tragic circumstances. Reflecting on the loss, Carey shared her broken heart and the blessing of spending precious moments with her mother before her passing, requesting privacy and respect during such a challenging time.
Prior to Carey’s emotional speech, R&B artists Muni Long and Tori Kelly delivered moving performances in honour of the singer. Long captivated the audience with a rendition of “We Belong Together,” while Kelly’s soulful performance of “Always Be My Baby” had Carey visibly moved in the crowd. Host LL Cool J praised Carey for her unmatched talent, highlighting her chart-topping success and status as one of the greatest singers, songwriters, and artists of all time.
The Icon Award is a prestigious accolade that Carey now shares with distinguished recipients such as Cher, Elton John, and Jennifer Lopez. The iHeartRadio Music Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in the music industry, with this year’s event featuring performances by renowned artists including Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, and Nelly. Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen lead the nominations, each receiving 10 nods, followed closely by Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, and Sabrina Carpenter.
Carey, known as the best-selling female artist of all time, recently concluded her successful Celebration of Mimi residency in Las Vegas, showcasing her enduring popularity and musical prowess. Her iconic festive hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” marked another milestone by dominating the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a record-breaking 17th week. The singer expressed her deep gratitude and joy for such accomplishments, emphasising that she never takes her success for granted.
The iHeartRadio Music Awards ceremony was broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, captivating audiences with memorable performances and well-deserved honours. Carey’s emotional tribute to her late mother, along with her impactful speech, resonated with fans and fellow artists alike, underscoring the enduring legacy of her music and the profound influence of her talent. The event was a celebration of musical excellence and heartfelt moments, reaffirming Carey’s status as a true icon in the music industry.