When Muni Long dropped a new promo video for her latest single, Delulu, on Nov. 24, she enlisted a surprising helper — a diva-style impersonator of Mariah Carey. The clip, shared on Instagram, features the impersonator barging into what looks like an audition for Muni Long. The faux-Mariah delivers a theatrical, over-the-top audition singing a bit of “Delulu,” then offers the singer tongue-in-cheek advice.
Long caps the clip with a wink and a line: “I just … don’t like when other people sing my songs.” She added in the post’s caption: “THE DIVA!?!!!! My cute lil number? and maybe… I can come around to people singing my songs if this who singing it!
Comedy Sketch or Shade?
The promo immediately stirred speculation. Some fans saw it as playful marketing; others thought it might be a subtle jab at Carey, especially after an earlier moment at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in 2025. At that event, Muni Long had covered Carey’s “We Belong Together.” Some viewers interpreted Carey’s reaction in the crowd as less than enthusiastic — a clip that went viral.
Long, however, moved quickly to clarify. On her Instagram Stories she wrote: “Y’all don’t be delulu. I would never disrespect Queen Mariah!!!!!! Forever a Lamb.” She explained the skits were meant in jest. In her words: she was paying homage, not throwing shade.
She added that Carey herself asked Long to cover “We Belong Together.” “You thought I chose to get on TV and sing a Mariah Carey song?” Long asked in the video. “Nobody can sing Mariah’s songs like Mariah. Nobody.
To understand why fans reacted strongly, it helps to look back. Earlier in 2025, Long honored Carey by performing “We Belong Together” at the iHeartRadio Music Awards — a tribute meant to recognize Carey receiving the Icon Award.
Moreover, Long and Carey have worked together before. The two teamed up on the remix of Long’s hit “Made For Me,” which dropped in May 2024. Carey praised the collaboration: “Muni is an amazing writer and performer, and this collaboration is a match made in heaven.”
Given that history, many fans found the impersonator promo confusing. Was it a playful wink? A marketing tactic? Or something deeper?
In the wake of criticism, Long emphasized her intentions. She acknowledged the impersonator videos could be misread, but maintained they were meant to entertain. “I would never disrespect Queen Mariah,” she said.
She also reiterated her admiration for Carey’s artistry. “Nobody can sing Mariah’s songs like Mariah,” she said, echoing a sentiment she shared after the tribute performance.
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