Mariah isn't a legend, she's just... lollipop'd & cotton candy'd, Idk how to explain it. There is no "OMFG PRAISEE!~" respect aimed towards her at this day in age.
She kind of embodies the Hollywood stereotype of a fat, lazy, slob has-been who was once A-List. They're overweight & rude, but still manage to dress in too-tight sparkly dresses with matching gloves, to remind everyone they once had respect.
You can tell she's a legend by the way people treat her this generation, she just commands respect. When rihanna was growing up she called mariah one of her biggest inspirations and look where she is now, even legend bey.
It's why nicki was so upset when she was feuding with mariah.
I agree she's kind of become a caricature of herself, but nothing will ever erase her legacy.
I'm sure all of Mariah's praise will come out of the woodwork once she dies, like when that midget actor Gary Coleman died, & instantly people "*ohh yeahh.. i saw him in that one thing once, where that one guy chases that one guy, and then the one guy says that! good actor.."
If you feel like you're the spark
Then come out of the dark
If you feel like you're the spark
Then come out of the dark
If you feel like you're the spark
Then come out of the dark
If you feel like you're the spark
Then come out of the dark