The Ultimate Diva Accepts Her First-Ever BET Award in True Mariah Fashion
Mariah Carey finally has a BET Award to her name — and in true Mimi fashion, she didn’t just accept it, she owned it.
The multi-platinum pop legend received the Ultimate Icon Award at Monday night’s BET Awards 2025, delivering a fierce, fabulous, and unapologetically diva-worthy speech that brought the house down.
Mariah’s Message: Stop Living for Approval
Standing center stage in a shimmering gold minidress, Mariah took a moment to reflect on the journey that led her to that moment:
“It took me a while, but I finally realized life is far too short to live for anyone else’s approval — which is something I always did,” she said, locking eyes with the crowd.
“So I decided to own who I am. My extra-ness. My fabulousness. And yes… my success and my iconicness.”
It was a mic-drop moment met with roaring applause.
“Be Iconic While You’re Doing It” — Carey’s Call to Confidence
In a show filled with bold speeches and powerful moments, Mariah’s message hit a unique note — one of self-acceptance, shameless glam, and true diva energy.
She urged fans to embrace every piece of themselves, saying:
“Love and respect yourself. Be a diva. Be a boss. Be anything you wanna be. But be iconic while you’re doing it.”
A Night of Legends: Mariah Joins Elite Company
Mariah’s big win came alongside fellow recipients of the Ultimate Icon Award, including:
- ???? Snoop Dogg
- ???? Kirk Franklin
- ???? Jamie Foxx — who gave an emotional speech about surviving his 2023 stroke
Mariah’s addition to the list was long overdue, but well worth the wait.
Mimi Takes the Stage — And the Spotlight
The “We Belong Together” singer wasn’t done after the speech. She hit the stage with a glitzy performance of:
- ???? Her new single, “Type Dangerous”
- ???? Her 2005 bop, “It’s Like That”
Wearing a sparkling gold mini, diamond hoop earrings, and layered bracelets, Mariah owned the stage in her signature sultry, slow-glam form — letting her vocals, presence, and fashion do all the talking.
Fans React: ‘She’s Still THAT Girl’
Social media lit up immediately:
- @PopCultureQueen: “Mariah just reminded every single girl in that room why she’s STILL the queen.”
- @BETBuzz: “Mariah Carey talking about her ‘iconicness’ is the self-love energy we all needed tonight ????”
- @LambilyForever: “Mariah is BET’s newest ICON and she DESERVED. That speech??? Gold.”
Why This Win Matters
Though she’s a music industry titan, Mariah’s first BET Award came in 2025 — a surprising fact that only made the moment sweeter and more symbolic.
Her win serves as a reminder that no timeline defines your worth, and that confidence is timeless.
Mariah’s Closing Words Still Echo:
“Keep shining. Even when the world tries to dim your light, let them know you are the light.”
???? Want to See Mariah’s Dazzling Look & Full Performance?
Check out our gallery of the best BET Awards 2025 fashion moments, including Mariah’s golden glam, backstage exclusives, and more!
