Mariah Carey lit up the stage at Brighton Pride 2025 and delivered a bold alliance show to the LGBTQ+ community, with performances that were as dazzling as Heartfelt.
Longtime supporters of pop icons and queer rights offered an epic headline set on Saturday, August 2nd. Pride for the park At Preston Park. Fans across the UK and around the world gathered in large numbers to see the legend of music, giving a curated mix of her biggest hits, emotional ballads and a proud statement.
Carrie’s appearance marked her long-awaited debut at Brighton Pride. But if there was a way to make up for the lost time, this was it.
Make a statement: Purpose fashion
When the Grammy-winning vocalist took the stage, all eyes were in her sparkling mini dress in the shade of transgender pride flags – baby blue, soft pink, white. The stunning ensemble, covered in rhinestones, quickly sent a clear message of solidarity and support for trans people.
In addition to her strong look, Carrie wore a custom designed pink bomber jacket with words “Protect the doll” It is spelled with glittering rhinestones on the back. The phrase coined by fashion designer Conor Ives has become a rally cry to protect and elevate trans women called “dolls” and the tedious thing in an increasingly hostile political situation.
Earlier this year, the phrase gained viral traction after being sported by celebrities such as Pedro Pascal, Tilda Swinton and Troy Sivan. Creating the campaign as a form of creative resistance, Ives has attracted thousands of people for transgender charities through the sale of these clothing.
For Carrie, who has long embraced the LGBTQ+ fan base, the jacket has not just been a fashion statement. It was a symbol of unwavering support.
A heartfelt message
Midway through her 90-minute set, Carrie took a little time to talk to the crowd in person, acknowledging the deeply lasting relationship she shares with her LGBTQ+ fans.
“You’ve been here for me for a long time and supported me through good times and bad times,” she said. “I just wanted you to know. I’m always there for you.”
The words sparked a roar of praise from the audience, many of whom cheered with waving rainbow flags and sang in tears. On social media, fans praised the singer’s speech as “real,” “goosebump guide,” and “a moment in history.”
Carrie continued her Lovefest by performing hits that spanned her 35-year career, including fan favorites such as “Fantasy,” “Touching My Body,” “An obsessed,” and of course “We Belong Together.” Each track brought its own wave of nostalgia, joy and pride.
Showing love beyond the stage
Shortly after the show, Carrie took her to social media to once again thank the LGBTQ+ community and shared a sincere message with millions of followers.
“Thank you to the special Heartfelt to the LGBTQ+ community for your continued support,” she wrote. “I’ll always be there for you.”
Her message quickly earned tens of thousands of likes, and fans around the world thanked her for her continued defense and love.
A long-awaited moment
Carrie’s Brighton Pride appeared for five years. Her performance, originally scheduled for headlines in 2020, has been postponed due to the global pandemic. This year’s show was widely considered to be one of the most awaited in the event’s history. For many fans, it was well worth the wait.
“I’ve been waiting half a decade at this moment,” said Jake, a Manchester fan who traveled to Brighton to see her. “She didn’t just deliver, she made us feel seen, loved and celebrated.”
Controversy overshadows
Despite high energy performance and emotional highs, the event was not without logistical hiccups. Participants reported significant delays and overcrowding at the entrance to Preston Park. Some describe the experience as “confusing”, “overwhelming”, and even “traumatizing”.
Social media quickly flooded with posts from frustrated festival attendees who claimed they had waited up to three hours to enter the venue. Some users shared images of long lines snakeing down the street, while others called for organizers due to lack of communication and control over the crowd.
In response, Brighton Pride organizers announced a public apology late Saturday night.
“We are sorry to apologise for apologizing for a longer than expected wait, as we were behind the pride of the Parks and Pride Street Party on Saturday,” the statement read. “We are grateful for the patience of such a busy day and work to improve.”
By Sunday, adjustments had been made to streamline the entries, with many participants noting significant differences.
“It was a million times better today,” one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “I’m embarrassed yesterday, but I’m happy they listened and acted quickly.”
Pride to remember
Despite a rocky start, Mariah Carey’s headlining set is undoubtedly remembered as the highlight of Brighton Pride’s 2025 celebration. Her fusion of musical brilliance and meaningful advocacy created a space where strange joy, love and resilience could truly shine.
From glittering trance-coloured dresses to the powerful message of Allyship, Carrie wasn’t just playing. Voiced, proud and imagined supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
And if anything she says, she won’t go anywhere.
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
