Mariah Carey receives Academy’s Global Impact Award with subtle dig at Grammys
Mariah Carey bagged the Recording Academy's Global Impact Award 20 years after winning Grammys
Mariah Carey received the Global Impact Award from the Academy’s Black Music Collective with a subtle jab at the Grammys, which the singer last won 20 years ago.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the All I Want for Christmas is You hit maker while receiving the honour shaded Grammys in a comical way, saying, “Is this a real Grammy? I haven’t seen one in soooooo long.”
She continued with a laugh, “It’s weird. I don’t know,” adding, “We’ll figure out what this is later.”
Carey, who was awarded for being a “Black music creator whose dedication to the art form has greatly influenced the industry and whose legacy of service inspires countless individuals worldwide,” delivered an empowering speech.
“When I first started in the music business, I was often told to conform to certain expectations. I was not encouraged to focus on my love for Black music,” began the Emotions songstress in her speech.
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She continued, “It took countless arguments, endless tantrums — I’ll call them tantrums — and mostly unwavering determination but, eventually, I was able to reveal my authentic self, as they say, and create music that came from my heart. In doing so, I discovered a newfound sense of freedom and fulfillment.”
The We Belong Together crooner also noted, “I accept this award on behalf of every person who has ever felt silenced or marginalized, who has ever been told their voice doesn’t matter. Your truth matters.”
Mariah Carey concluded her speech with a vow that, “We will continue to pave the way together for a future where authenticity is celebrated, diversity is embraced, and music has the power to change the world.”
Other artists including the likes of Babyface, Whitney Houston, Yolanda Adams, Tory Kelly and Busta Rhymes also paid tribute to the singer onstage.
