Mariah Carey paid tribute to the heroes of 9/11 during her performance at the 2022 Global Citizen Festival in New York City on Saturday.
“I was honored to play a small, little part in the aftermath of that day when my song ‘Hero’ became one of the ‘unofficial anthems,'” the 53-year-old Grammy winner told the audience in Central Park.
“It did. I find it hard to acknowledge my own things, but oh well. It comforted us in our collective loss and recovery.”
Carey said she recently listened to the platinum-selling 1993 track in light of current events affecting women in the US and around the world.
“In a very different way, I discovered a very appropriate message for our time and for the women of our time in the lyrics of that particular song,” shared the “We Belong Together” singer, adding that she is “so proud” on the young generation making “progress” towards equality for all.
Carey then nodded to ballerina Misty Copeland, who helped her put together a “unique” version of “Hero.”
“I can’t even tell you how honored I am… that my friend Misty Copeland came today – a woman of that stature and size,” said the “Always Be My Baby” singer. “She’s just incredible.”
Carey concluded her speech by dedicating the song to her fans, the “Lambs” and those who believe in the “power of our collective humanity.”
The pop diva – who took the stage at the festival in an intoxicating flowy dress – also sang “Obsessed”, “Honey”, “Always Be My Baby” and “We Belong Together” on her set.
Superstar acts such as Metallica, Rosalía and the Jonas Brothers also performed.