Mariah Carey on the Grammys: “They’re Overrated”

In a candid interview on Pitchfork’s Over/Under series, Mariah Carey shared her honest take on a number of topics, including reality TV, Christmas, and, notably, the Grammys, a prize she’s won five times throughout her illustrious career.

When asked about the prestigious music awards, Carey didn’t hold back. “I think the Grammys are overrated,” she admitted. “This goes for both the show and the award itself. But we love everybody,” she added, offering a nuanced perspective on the industry’s highest honor.

Mariah Carey, who has been nominated 34 times over the years, won her first two Grammys in 1991 for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for “Vision of Love.”

Her next big wins came in 2006 for her album The Emancipation of Mimi, which earned her three Grammys. Most recently, in 2024, she was awarded the Recording Academy’s Global Impact Award.

Reflecting on the moment, Mariah Carey remarked humorously that she hadn’t seen a “real Grammy” in a long time, underlining her indifference toward the glittering trophy.

The conversation took a more personal turn when Carey discussed the challenges she faced early in her career. She recalled being pressured to conform to industry norms and was discouraged from embracing her love for Black music.

“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,” Carey explained.

In her speech when accepting the Global Impact Award, Mariah Carey made an emotional plea for authenticity in the music industry. “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,” she said. “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.”

Aside from the Grammys, Mariah Carey also shared her views on other pop culture topics. When asked about Love Island, she called the reality series “great,” but expressed her belief that “being a diva is overrated.” As for Christmas, she joked that it’s surprisingly “so underrated.”