Mariah Carey’s Performance at the BET Awards Sparks Buzz

The legendary R&B singer skipped the red carpet but delivered a dazzling performance of her new single. Later in the evening, she received a well-deserved honor.

Mariah Carey shook up the stage at the 2025 BET Awards on Monday evening, June 9, 2025. The coveted event took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

The longtime songstress chose not to walk the red carpet ahead of the award ceremony but stole the spotlight when she debuted her new single, "Type Dangerous," alongside rapper Rakim.

She wore a shimmering gold mini dress with fringe details and a deep neckline, paired with glittery high heels and statement jewelry.

Beside her, Rakim donned a three-piece ensemble with a red satin shirt and tie underneath, and accessorized with a bowler hat, sunglasses, and gold jewelry.

Flanked by an all-male dance crew in white suits, they moved effortlessly around Carey while she noticeably kept her dancing minimal. Fans noticed the contrast, and social media was abuzz with reactions.

"Miriah doesn't have to move. She already know she is it !! Dance for what ?? [sic]," one fan wrote. "It's called I ain't got to prove myself to y'all I'm rich," another noted.

"All she gotta do is show up and wear a gold outfit and we're happy," a commenter declared.

However, while some defended the singer's minimal dancing, others expected more. "She's beautiful but can she do something else than just stand there and move her hips like we know she's Mariah Carey but dang," one disappointed fan said.

Others were a bit more critical, as one person wrote, "Suddenly, she forgot how to walk. Giving 0." "To old know no movement at all stiff," a viewer added. "Love Mariah but isn't she a bit stiff?" another asked.

Later in the evening, Carey changed into a shimmering floor-length gown with a corset-style bodice. She accessorized with diamond bracelets and a statement diamond necklace.

Carey was then called to the stage once again to receive the Ultimate Icon Award, her first ever BET award presented by none other than Busta Rhymes.

"My life and career have been quite the adventure. It took me a while, but I realized life is far too short to live for anyone else's approval," she said in her acceptance speech.

Jamie Foxx, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg were also recipients of the Ultimate Icon Award.