Mariah Carey is setting the record straight after her reaction to Muni Long’s tribute performance at a recent award show went viral.
During the show, where Carey was honored with the Icon Award, Long took the stage to perform Carey’s classic ballad “We Belong Together.” While many praised Long’s powerhouse vocals, a cutaway shot of Carey looking off to the side quickly spread online, with fans interpreting the moment as shade toward the rising R&B star.
Carey is now clearing the air on her reaction. In a recent interview with GQ, Carey explained that she had no idea the tribute was even planned. “I didn’t know it was happening,” she admitted. “No one told me about it.”
Carey did, however, emphasized that she felt flattered by the performance and expressed admiration for Long’s talent. “I’m honored and I’m flattered,” she said. “I just don’t like people doing my songs.”
The pop legend even compared her stance to Prince, noting that the late icon was also famously protective of his catalog, despite making rare exceptions.
During a previous interview, Muni Long shared her perspective. The singer revealed that Carey herself asked her to perform the tribute and later praised her rendition. “She told me I did a great job,” Long shared in a recent interview, though she chose not to release footage of Carey’s compliments.