Mariah Carey, the singer behind gems like Always Be My Baby, stirred conversation after downplaying the value of the Grammy Awards. In a recent “Over/Under” segment with Pitchfork, she offered her unfiltered view of music’s most prominent ceremony.
Grammys Didn’t Escape Her Criticism
Despite 34 nominations and multiple wins, Carey said, “I think the Grammys are overrated.” She added with warmth, “But we love everybody.” Her comment lands with striking clarity, delivered with both frankness and good humor.
Reports also note Carey has called both the show and the award itself “overrated,” signaling frustration with the Recording Academy’s treatment of her over the years. On the “Las Culturistas” podcast last year, she claimed the Academy “scammed” her, stating, “They toy with me.”
Her skepticism gains weight amid her rocky Grammy history. In 1996, Carey endured one of the biggest Grammy snubs, losing in all six categories for Daydream, despite widespread acclaim.
In 2024, the Recording Academy did honor her with a Global Impact Award — a nod to her lasting influence, even as competitive wins have been scarce.
New Music Ahead
While reflecting on the Grammys, Carey also previewed her next musical chapter. In a separate interview with Apple Music, she described her upcoming album as “a special occasion/Mimi’s emancipation,” indicating it is nearly complete. “It’s finished,” she said, while adding, “I don’t wanna tell too much about it because I just don’t want to reveal the whole thing.” A second single is reportedly on the way.
Carey’s new single, Type Dangerous, she called a “heavy record” with “real weight,” promising that the album will also deliver the ballads fans expect. The track samples Eric B. & Rakim’s Eric B. Is President, a project Carey said came about unexpectedly during a moment in Aspen, where music played and inspiration struck.