Mariah Carey is taking drastic action to shed her diva reputation and reconnect with her ‘sweet’ roots after being rattled by the response to her savage side-eye at a recent awards show.

The pop icon, 55, looked unimpressed as she watched Muni Long and Tori Kelly belt out her hits at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards last week – and her withering rightward glance set social media alight.

But the negative reaction to that viral video has now kickstarted a dramatic makeover. The Daily Mail can reveal Mariah has brought back her legendary 90s curls as part of a shift away from her diva image and toward the ‘cute, innocent and sweet’ look she was celebrated for during her breakthrough years.

New pH๏τos show Mariah’s voluminous hair on a night out with rumored boyfriend Anderson .Paak, 39, in West Hollywood on Sunday. It marks a dramatic change from her usual coiffed waves and radiant make-up.

She wore a black sequined jacket and dress as she left the ritzy Birds Street Club with her partner.

A source exclusively told the Daily Mail of the transformation: ‘Mariah did not expect the online hatred that she got from her reactions when she was being honored last week. She didn’t mean for people to think she is ungrateful to be honored. 

Mariah Carey is dramatically trying to ‘undo’ her diva makeover and return to her roots after her savage expression at an awards show went viral recently – pictured Sunday with curls

Last week the pop icon, 56, looked unimpressed as she watched Muni Long and Tori Kelly belt out a few of her hit tracks at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards – with the star’s side eye setting social media alight 

‘She just is not an actress – she is a singer. Mariah is following the advice of those around her and pulling out the old hairdo to remind people of the cute, innocent and sweet Mariah that was known only for her tremendous vocals. 

‘She also recognizes the shade in this as well, as she is reminding everyone of just how powerful her voice is in comparison to everyone out there. This is why she reacted the way that she did.’

However, Mariah remains ‘unapologetic’ about her reaction to Muni Long and Tori Kelly’s performances. 

The insider added: ‘They were good but they were not Mariah. Mariah will never say I am sorry for her actions. She is forever unapologetic but in every sweet thing she does there is also a hint of shade. She chose to let her hair do the talking for this.’ 

The source also opened up about Mariah’s ‘honest reaction’ to singers covering her tracks.

They added: ‘Mariah’s expressions speak for themselves. One thing about Mariah is that she will always give an honest answer or honest reaction. It is rather odd that iHeart would have musicians who cannot hold a candle to Mariah’s vocal range do a tribute to Mariah. 

‘This is like having a contestant auditioning for American Idol to do a Carrie Underwood song in front of Carrie Underwood. What could they expect? While Mariah is honored at being honored, she knows her talent. 

‘She knows her vocal range and she knows the huge impact she has had on the music industry. Mariah also knows when an artist sings one of her songs but doesn’t sound like Mariah.’ 

Another moment caught on camera showed Mariah with a big grin – which slowly faded as the performance continued. 

Fans quickly shared their own thoughts on X, with one saying, ‘Mariah Carey is not feeling these performances and is not hiding that fact. lol #iHeartAwards 2025 #MariahCarey.’

Maria at the Grammy Awards in 1991. A source exclusively told the Daily Mail: ‘Mariah is following the advice of those around her and pulling out the old hairdo to remind people of the cute, innocent and sweet Mariah that was known only for her tremendous vocals’

Carey and Anderson .Paak, 39 looked loved up as they arrived 

The pair were enjoying a glitzy night out in WeHo

In a departure from her ballgowns, the star wore bold black sequins

Carey posed with the Icon award after the iHeartRadio Awards last week

As Long sang We Belong Together – the camera briefly cut to Carey in a now-viral clip on X as she slowly turned her head away from the stage and gave a side-eye glance to her right

Another moment that was also caught on camera showed Mariah with a big grin on her face – but slowly faded as the performance continued

Fans quickly shared their own thoughts on X, with one penning, ‘Mariah Carey is not feeling these performances and is not hiding that fact. lol #iHeartAwards 2025 #MariahCarey’

‘I have so many questions…,’ another wrote, and one added, ‘This going to be a new Meme! i’m telling you’

A social media user typed, ‘Mariah watching ppl butchering her songs lol,’ and a fan commented, ‘Mariah Carey reaction to Muni Long singing her song just SENT ME OMFG’

‘I have so many questions…,’ another wrote, and one added, ‘This going to be a new meme! i’m telling you.’ 

Another social media user typed, ‘Mariah watching ppl butchering her songs lol,’ and a fan commented, ‘Mariah Carey reaction to Muni Long singing her song just SENT ME OMFG.’ 

‘The way Mariah Carey can’t help but show her disinterest on her face but I get it I’m the same my face tells everything. She cracks me up. Personally I thought Tori killed it though!’ another penned. 

One added, ‘Now mfs mad at Mariah.. Man Mariah Carey a real vocalist bruh. Of course she don’t want yall performing her song.’

Carey and Paak have been working on new music together but there have been dating rumors for months.

Mariah and Anderson were seen holding hands in Aspen as they enjoyed an affectionate trip to Aspen back in December.

Anderson had been giving social media followers a sneak peak of their musical collaboration, and over the summer shared video of him and Mariah at the legendary Electric Lady music studios in the Big Apple.

Anderson linked up with Mariah again this past Halloween – he shared a snap of himself dressed as a member of Daft Punk as he celebrated the holiday alongside Carey.

Mariah was last in a long-term relationship with back-up dancer Bryan Tanaka however they went their separate ways last year, while in January Anderson filed for divorce from Jae Lin after more than 10 years of marriage and two children together.

Mariah was previously married to actor Nick Cannon from 2008 to 2016 and they share 13-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan together.

Anderson filed to end his marriage to Jae Lin in January 2024 after 13 years of marriage and two children together.