min read · September 26, 2025 · Entertainment

Mariah Carey's Reaction to Muni Long's Cover: The Diva Speaks Up!

Mariah Carey Sets the Record Straight on Viral Reaction to Muni Long's We Belong Together Cover

The drama that unfolded at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards has finally come to an end, with Mariah Carey breaking her silence on the viral reaction that had fans and social media users buzzing. The 56-year-old Grammy winner was seen giving a side-eye glance to Muni Long as she performed a cover of Carey's hit track "We Belong Together" during a tribute performance for the singer.

In an interview with GQ, Carey revealed that she didn't even know Long had recorded her song as a cover. "I didn't hear the cover," Carey explained. "I didn't know it happened. No one told me." The singer also expressed her love and respect for Long, stating that she was "very honored and flattered" by the tribute performance.

However, when asked about her reaction on stage, Carey revealed a more nuanced side to her personality. "I just don't like people doing my songs," she stated bluntly. When pressed further, Carey explained that she's always felt protective of her music and legacy. "But about [my cover of] The Beautiful Ones, Prince said he didn't like when people did covers of his songs. And I was like, 'Oh no, he doesn't like it.' But then he told me that he liked Honey."

The tension between Carey and Long had been building up to a head for weeks, with fans taking sides on social media. Some accused Long of being "pitchy" and "off-key," while others defended her performance as an homage to the original song.

But Long herself revealed in a clip shared by The Shade Room that she was actually asked by Carey to perform the cover track. "You thought I chose to get on TV and sing a Mariah Carey song? You thought that was my choice?" Long stated, visibly upset. "Why would I do that? Nobody can sing Mariah's songs like Mariah. Nobody."

Long also revealed that Carey had praised her performance backstage, saying she did a great job and appreciated it. But when asked about the viral reaction on stage, Long joked, "If she pushed me down the stairs, if she told me she hated it, I would say thank you." The comment sparked laughter from fans, but also raised questions about the real reason behind Carey's seemingly dismissive behavior.

The drama surrounding the iHeartRadio Music Awards has now come to an end, but the aftermath of the event is still being felt. With Mariah Carey preparing to release her 16th studio album "Here For It All" on September 26, fans are eager to see what new music she will bring to the table.

And in a surprising twist, Carey opened up about her personal life and career during Apple Music's Flowers event at the Lincoln Center. The singer spoke candidly about her late mother Patricia, who passed away last year at the age of 87. "My mom was an opera singer," Carey revealed. "She made her debut at Lincoln Center." When asked for advice from her mother, Carey shared a poignant story.

"My mom told me, 'Don't say if I make it. Say when I make it,'" Carey recalled, getting emotional. SZA, who was sitting next to Carey during the interview, comforted her and offered words of encouragement.

Carey's words about being a "diva" also sparked laughter from fans. "My mom would say, 'So and so is very much the diva,' and I had to learn what that meant on my own," Carey explained. "But I think I'm probably very much a diva."

The aftermath of the iHeartRadio Music Awards has left fans with more questions than answers about Mariah Carey's reaction to Muni Long's performance. But one thing is for sure: the drama surrounding this event will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Mariah Carey's Reaction to Muni Long's We Belong Together Cover Explained

The viral moment that had everyone talking at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards has finally been explained by Mariah Carey herself. The singer revealed in an interview with GQ that she didn't even know Muni Long was performing a cover of her hit track "We Belong Together."

But what sparked the tension between the two singers? Was it Long's rendition of the classic song, or something more?

The Background Story

Back in March, Muni Long took to the stage during the iHeartRadio Music Awards for a tribute performance ahead of Carey accepting the Icon Award at the ceremony. At one point as Long sang "We Belong Together" - the camera had briefly cut to Carey as she slowly turned her head away from the stage and gave a side-eye glance to her right.

The reaction was swift, with fans taking sides on social media. Some accused Long of being "pitchy" and "off-key," while others defended her performance as an homage to the original song.

Long Speaks Out

Days after the event, Muni Long addressed Carey's viral reaction in a clip shared by The Shade Room. "The people that's got a lot to say, you don't understand how this paying homage and having respect for people," she stated.

But what sparked the controversy? Long revealed that Carey had actually asked her to perform the cover track. "You thought I chose to get on TV and sing a Mariah Carey song? You thought that was my choice?" Long asked, visibly upset.

"I did my best, and that's all I can do," she added. But what about Carey's reaction on stage? Long joked, "If she pushed me down the stairs, if she told me she hated it, I would say thank you."

Carey Speaks Out

Mariah Carey finally broke her silence on the viral moment during an interview with GQ. The singer revealed that she was actually unaware of Long's cover and had no problem with it.

"I just don't like people doing my songs," Carey stated bluntly. When pressed further, Carey explained that she's always felt protective of her music and legacy. "But about [my cover of] The Beautiful Ones, Prince said he didn't like when people did covers of his songs."

Carey also revealed a more nuanced side to her personality, stating that she was actually honored by Long's tribute performance. "I love Muni Long, she's a great person," Carey explained.

The Aftermath

"I think one of the main things that my mom said, was 'Don't say if I make it. Say when I make it,'" Carey recalled, getting emotional. SZA, who was sitting next to Carey during the interview, comforted her and offered words of encouragement.