Summary
Mariah Carey skipped the red carpet at the 2025 BET Awards but made a grand entrance on stage in a stunning gold ensemble. Performing her new single and receiving the Ultimate Icon Award, Carey reaffirmed her legendary status with glamor, elegance, and a powerful message about confidence and self-love.
Mariah Carey knows how to make an entrance—and she proved that once again at the 2025 BET Awards, choosing to bypass the red carpet and deliver a sensational surprise performance instead. The five-time Grammy-winning singer brought not only her vocals but also her signature diva glam, showcasing a show-stopping gold ensemble that had the audience in awe.
With no red carpet appearance, fans and media wondered whether Carey would show up. But in true Mariah fashion, she saved the best for the stage. From her fierce performance look to her graceful acceptance of the Ultimate Icon Award, Mariah reminded everyone why she’s still the queen of timeless pop and R&B.
A Surprise Stage Entrance That Stole the Show
Rather than walking the traditional red carpet, Mariah Carey made her first appearance of the evening directly on stage, wrapped in a glittering gold trench coat. As the music kicked in, the coat came off to reveal a metallic gold mini dress that sparkled under the lights.
She performed her brand-new single, “Type Dangerous”, giving fans a taste of what’s to come from her next musical era. The crowd roared as she transitioned into her early 2000s hit, “It’s Like That”, bringing nostalgia and flair in equal measure.
Mariah was joined on stage by Anderson .Paak on drums and a special surprise verse from hip-hop legend Rakim, who delivered lines inspired by “Eric B. Is President.” The stage turned into a disco-funk paradise, full of vibrant energy and golden hues, matching Mariah’s radiant look and voice.
A Glamorous Fashion Statement
Mariah Carey has always been known for her iconic style—and her 2025 BET Awards looks were no exception.
Performance Look:
- Metallic gold mini dress that hugged her curves
- Matching gold stiletto heels
- Statement jewelry, including sparkling hoops and stacked bracelets
- Sleek straight hair, channeling a 1990s pop diva vibe
Award Ceremony Look:
Later in the night, as she accepted her Ultimate Icon honor, Mariah changed into a white floor-length corset gown. The dress featured a sweetheart neckline and diamond embellishments, giving her the appearance of a modern-day goddess.
She wore her honey-blonde locks in a half-up, half-down ponytail, evoking memories of her early 2000s red carpet looks. Her soft, glowing makeup completed the vision—a perfect mix of classic elegance and superstar glam.
Honored with the Ultimate Icon Award
One of the biggest moments of the night came when Mariah Carey received the Ultimate Icon Award, a special recognition to mark the 25th anniversary of the BET Awards. Joining fellow icons Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin, Carey gave an acceptance speech that resonated with both longtime fans and younger viewers.
In her speech, Mariah encouraged everyone to:
- “Be a diva, be a boss”
- Embrace their individuality
- Lead with confidence and authenticity
She spoke about the power of self-love, sharing how staying true to herself helped her navigate decades in the music industry. Her message was met with a standing ovation and emotional reactions from many in the audience.
A Return to the BET Stage
While Mariah is no stranger to the BET Awards, she hasn’t performed at the ceremony since 2022, when she appeared alongside rapper Latto for their remix of “Big Energy.”
This year’s performance marked a significant return—not only because of the new single but because of what it symbolized: a living legend embracing her legacy and still pushing artistic boundaries.
Her ability to blend past and present—by debuting a new track while nodding to her classic hits—was a masterclass in how to evolve while staying true to your roots
Fans and Fashion Critics React
Social media quickly exploded with praise for Carey’s appearance. Fans tweeted about her “legendary entrance,” “age-defying glam,” and “undeniable stage presence.” Fashion blogs and entertainment outlets also hailed her outfits as “Best Dressed of the Night.”
Even those who initially thought she might skip the event were left speechless by her surprise moment. As one fan put it on Twitter: “Mariah didn’t walk the carpet because the whole stage is her runway.”
What’s Next for Mariah Carey?
With the release of “Type Dangerous”, there’s growing speculation about a new Mariah Carey album on the horizon. She hasn’t dropped a full studio album since “Caution” (2018), though she’s released holiday specials, re-releases, and remixes in the years since.
Given her electric BET Awards performance and the buzz surrounding her latest track, it’s likely we’ll be hearing more from Mariah very soon—perhaps even a 2025 tour or another Vegas residency.
Why Mariah Carey’s BET Awards Appearance Mattered
Mariah Carey’s 2025 BET Awards appearance wasn’t just about glitter, gowns, or even vocal runs—it was about legacy, reinvention, and resilience. At 56, she continues to inspire new generations of artists while staying firmly rooted in what made her a star to begin with: powerful vocals, undeniable glamour, and unshakeable confidence.
Her appearance served as a reminder that true icons don’t fade—they evolve, shine brighter, and command the stage with more grace than ever.
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Final Thoughts
Skipping the red carpet didn’t make Mariah Carey any less visible at the BET Awards 2025—in fact, it made her even more unforgettable. From her dazzling gold outfit to her empowering acceptance speech, she left her mark as the night’s ultimate diva.
Whether she’s performing new music, honoring her past hits, or giving fans words to live by, Mariah Carey remains one of the most influential performers of all time.
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