Mariah Carey raises eyebrows after slurring lyrics at chaotic VMA after-party.
Mariah Carey appeared slightly off during an MTV Video Music Awards after-party on Sunday.
The event was held at the exclusive private members’ club The Twenty Two, where stars mingled over cocktails.
The 56-year-old hitmaker took the microphone to perform her 2002 track I Know What You Want alongside rapper Busta Rhymes.
At times, the legendary singer seemed drowsy as she swayed to the beat before easing into the lyrics.
At one point, she shut her eyes to focus on her voice, clearly proud of her delivery — but she still didn’t appear fully put together.
Some fans speculated that she might have been slurring her words, though it’s worth noting the setting was a lively after-party where alcohol was flowing. Others suggested she may have been thrown off by the sea of cell phones in her face and the pressure of an impromptu late-night performance.
At one point, Busta Rhymes placed his arm around her, encouraging, “Mariah, sing,” before jumping into the track himself. He later urged, “Come on Mariah, give me a note,” as she appeared ready to take a seat.
Carey then quipped, “Ok, we gotta promote this album right now,” referencing her upcoming record Here for It All, set for release on September 26. Shortly after, she added, “Please can I have one too, thank you, oh my God, you guys are so cute,” her words noticeably slurred.
According to The Sun, the singer partied well past 2 a.m. “She was clearly drunk and having a good time,” a source told the outlet.
She also called producer Jermaine Dupri to the microphone, saying, “Can we play a Jermaine Dupri record please? I can’t take this.”
Slurring her words, Mariah added, “Jermaine calls me a rapper. I don’t know what to say, but I love you. I’m not a rapper.”
Turning to the crowd, she remarked, “These people are so loud. Hello. We ain’t tryin’ to hear y’all. We don’t wanna hear y’all.”
Mariah then circled back to her new album: “The release date is the 26th. Who is touching my arm? Stop touching my arm, okay. So, whatever. I mean, what can I say, the 26th, fine, whatever, bye.”
Carey then insisted, “I’m doing the best I can with what I’ve got.”
The singer was dressed in a black leather dress and jacket, paired with lace-print high-heeled boots and sparkling diamond jewelry. She wore her blonde hair down and opted for flattering nude-toned makeup.
Earlier in the evening, Carey stunned in gold as she graced the stage at the annual awards ceremony at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. She also picked up an award and posed for photos alongside her friend Ariana Grande.
