Mariah Carey lit up the 2025 BET Awards in Los Angeles on Monday night, staying true to her signature glamour in a dazzling gown.
Not only did she take the stage to perform, but she was also honored as one of this year’s recipients of the prestigious BET Ultimate Icon Award, alongside Jamie Foxx, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg.
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Mariah Carey Wears A Bridal Gown During BET Awards
For her performance, Carey dazzled in a gold dress, but she changed things up later in the evening. While accepting her award, she stepped out in a striking floor-length white gown featuring visible boning and corset detailing, topped with a sweetheart neckline.
Her hair was styled sleek and straight in a half-up, half-down look, and she accessorized with a sparkling diamond necklace.
During her acceptance speech, she emphasized that life is too short to chase others’ approval—and proudly acknowledged herself as the icon she’s become.
Mariah Carey Accepts Ultimate Icon Award
"If you’re gonna get one, might as well start with the Ultimate Icon Award. My life and career have been quite the adventure. I will spare you the long, drawn-out saga tonight. It’s all in my book anyway," she said, adding, "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. Thank you so much, so I decided to own who I am. My extra-ness, my fabulousness, and yes, my success and my iconic-ness, I guess, that's what they're telling me tonight and I appreciate it!"
The mother of two added, "I’m so grateful for you all to celebrate it with me tonight. Thank you so much. I just want to encourage everyone out there to believe in yourself. Love and respect yourself. Be a diva, be a boss, be anything you wanna be. But be iconic while you’re doing it."
