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Mariah Carey added another milestone to her legendary career Monday night as she accepted the BET Ultimate Icon Award during the network’s 25th anniversary celebration at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

The pop and R&B powerhouse was honored alongside fellow entertainment legends Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg and Kirk Franklin, each recognized for decades of influence across music, film, and culture.

But despite her decades-long career, Carey revealed this was her first BET Award, and she made sure to make it memorable.

“This means so much, especially coming from BET,” she said, accepting the award. “This is my first BET Award. If you’re gonna get one, might as well start with the Ultimate Icon Award.”

A Dazzling Performance and New Music on the Way

Before accepting the award, Carey wowed the crowd with a performance of her new single, “Type Dangerous,” which dropped on June 6.

She made a dramatic entrance in a white coat and later revealed a shimmering gold mini dress beneath, taking the stage with rap icon Rakim, who was featured on the track. The song nods to his 1986 debut single “Eric B. Is President,” a clear sign Carey hasn’t lost her signature blend of vocal power and hip-hop edge.

Following her performance, Carey took a moment to reflect on her journey as both an artist and woman in the industry.

“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. “So I decided to own who I am — my extraness, my fabulousness, and yes, my success and my iconic-ness.”

Carey closed her speech with a message of empowerment:

“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.”

Introduced by a Fellow Icon

Busta Rhymes, who received BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, presented Carey with the honor and praised her trailblazing legacy.

“Mariah is the blueprint for hip-hop pop collabs before it was even cool,” Rhymes said. “If you wanted a ballad, she had it. If you needed a bop, she had that too. And let’s not forget — she is Christmas.”

Carey, clearly moved, thanked Busta for his heartfelt introduction.

“You’re still one of my favorites,” she told him.

Fan Reactions Pour In

Carey’s acceptance speech and performance quickly sparked reactions across social media.

Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to share their excitement:

• “Congratulations to the Queen Of Music on this much deserved honor at the #BETAwards . Mariah’s speech and performance of her new song #TypeDangerous were amazing and the highlight of the night.”
• “Every time she steps on stage it’s history being made, absolutely deserved!”
• “Mariah getting her flowers on that stage? Legendary moment. The queen of vocals claimed her crown again.”
• “Well deserved for a career that’s shaped music for decades.”

Many also expressed excitement for the upcoming music video for “Type Dangerous,” which Carey teased will premiere this Friday.

What’s Next?

The official music video for “Type Dangerous” is set to drop this Friday, and fans are already counting down the days. With new music, viral moments, and prestigious honors rolling in, Mariah Carey is showing no signs of slowing down.

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