When it comes to being legendary, Mariah Carey doesn’t just fit the mold—she broke it, reimagined it, and trademarked the glitter. Now, as the recipient of the Ultimate Icon Award at the BET Awards 2025, Carey finally joins the ranks of artists formally recognized for the impact she’s had on music, culture, and generations of fans. And honestly? It’s about time.

Mariah didn’t arrive in the industry with a whisper—she came with a whistle note. Her 1990 self-titled debut album introduced the world to a new vocal powerhouse who could not only hit notes that defied biology, but also write her own chart-topping songs. "Vision of Love" wasn’t just a hit—it was a vocal blueprint for an entire era of singers. It’s hard to imagine the landscape of '90s and 2000s R&B and pop without her influence. Artists like Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Jazmine Sullivan, and countless others all cite her as an inspiration. Her influence is that deep.

And while many artists fade with time, Mariah reinvented herself, again and again. Hip-hop collabs? She was way ahead of her time—dropping “Fantasy (Remix)” with Ol' Dirty Bastard in 1995 before genre-crossing was the norm. Pop bangers, sultry slow jams, Christmas dominance, and full-blown memes? She did that too.

Though Carey may not have traditionally been framed as a BET Awards mainstay, her work has always resonated with Black audiences. From her gospel-infused performances to her soul-rooted songwriting and early collaborations with producers like Jermaine Dupri and artists like Da Brat, Mariah has always had one foot firmly planted in Black music culture. This Ultimate Icon honor serves not just as recognition of her commercial success, but also of her credibility within the culture.

BET is, and always has been, a space that amplifies Black excellence and influence. To see Mariah standing on that stage, receiving one of the highest honors, is not just fitting—it’s symbolic. It acknowledges her longevity, her impact, and her ability to evolve while still holding onto the musical roots that made her beloved in the first place.

Beyond the notes and the chart records (and let’s not forget, she has 19 No. 1 hits, second only to The Beatles), Mariah Carey is a visionary. Her songwriting? Impeccable. She wrote or co-wrote all of her hits. Her control over her image? Unmatched. She’s been directing, producing, and marketing herself like a CEO since long before artist autonomy was trending.

She’s also weathered storms. From public divorces to music industry clashes, she’s survived it all—and made it look damn good while doing so. Through it all, her sense of humor, honesty, and unshakeable belief in her worth have turned her into more than just a diva. She's a cultural force.

As Mariah steps into this new chapter, it’s clear that her influence isn’t waning—it’s expanding. Whether she’s mentoring young artists, trending on TikTok, or teasing another Christmas takeover, she remains one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in pop and R&B.

And now, the Ultimate Icon Award at the BET Awards 2025 cements what many of us have always known: Mariah Carey is a genre-blending, record-breaking, note-hitting legend whose contributions have transcended time and trends.

If you're even thinking of missing her honor moment, don’t. Watch Mariah Carey receive her well-earned crown live at the BET Awards 2025 on Monday, June 9 at 8PM ET/PT on BET. Because witnessing history—especially glitter-soaked, vocal-run-heavy, red carpet-slaying history—is always worth your time.