March 18, 2025: American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey was honored with the prestigious Icon Award at the 2025 iHeart Radio Music Awards in a star-studded ceremony held in Los Angeles on Monday, as reported by Deadline.
Known for her legendary vocal range and diva persona, Carey brought her trademark humor to the stage as she accepted her award. Upon stepping onto the stage, she humorously remarked, “Is the lighting OK? Cause I don’t like bad lighting,” giving the production team a moment to adjust the stage lighting. True to her diva style, Carey also asked the audience whether they liked her outfit, twirling for the cheering crowd to showcase her ensemble, much to their delight.
During her acceptance speech, Carey reflected on her long-standing relationship with radio and the magic of hearing her own songs on the airwaves. "As a kid, I used to listen to my favorite artists on the radio and dream of being on the airwaves myself. Now, for those of you who may not know what airwaves are, think of it as the non-WiFi of streaming," Carey joked. She further added, "Even now, I still get excited when I hear one of my songs playing on the radio. It never stops being magical."
The evening also saw Lady Gaga receive the Innovator Award. Dressed in a stunning red gown, Gaga thanked a variety of individuals who helped shape her career, including her two Italian-American grandmothers. "They didn’t invent technology or art; they invented possibility, shaping the future with nothing more than their minds," Gaga said, paying tribute to her ancestors. She also expressed her solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community during her emotional speech.
The evening marked an unforgettable night for both Carey and Gaga as they were recognized for their profound influence on the music industry. Lady Gaga’s fans are also looking forward to seeing her in the second season of the popular series "Wednesday," starring Jenna Ortega.
