Mariah Carey has long been celebrated as one of the defining voices of modern pop, and at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, she finally received an honor many fans feel was long overdue: the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. The accolade, reserved for artists whose contributions to music videos and pop culture have been transformative, has previously gone to the likes of Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Missy Elliott, and Shakira. This year, it was Carey’s turn to step into the spotlight—not just as a living legend, but as an artist still shaping the industry.
A Night of Music, Glamour, and Legacy
The ceremony, held at UBS Arena in New York, was electrified when Carey took the stage in a sparkling, form-fitting sequined catsuit that caught the light with every move. The audience rose to its feet as she launched into a medley of her greatest hits, blending nostalgia with undeniable proof of her staying power.
Her set included the sultry “Honey,” the infectious “Heartbreaker,” the playful yet commanding “Obsessed,” and the timeless ballad “We Belong Together.” Each song transported viewers back to a different era of her career while reminding everyone that few artists can command a stage with such grace, charisma, and vocal power.
The performance was more than a trip down memory lane—it was a celebration of endurance, artistry, and the kind of musical influence that doesn’t fade with time.
Ariana Grande’s Heartfelt Introduction
Adding to the emotional resonance of the evening, Ariana Grande presented Carey with the Vanguard Award. Grande has often cited Carey as one of her greatest inspirations, not only for her five-octave range but also for her fearless approach to pop stardom.
As Grande handed over the award, she reflected on how Carey’s artistry had inspired her and countless others. “Mariah showed us that pop can be glamorous, emotional, and unapologetically powerful all at once,” Grande told the audience. The moment felt symbolic—one generation of pop royalty passing a crown to another, while also acknowledging the timeless queen who paved the way.
A Career of Firsts and Milestones
Despite her decades-long dominance, this Vanguard honor marked Mariah Carey’s first-ever VMA win. For an artist who has sold more than 200 million records worldwide, earned 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, and helped shape the soundtrack of the 1990s and 2000s, the recognition was both overdue and deeply meaningful.
Earlier this year, Carey reflected on another major milestone: the 20th anniversary of her landmark album The Emancipation of Mimi. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she described the project as a turning point, both professionally and personally. Released in 2005, the album reinvigorated her career, delivering hits like “We Belong Together” and “Shake It Off.” For Carey, it wasn’t just a commercial triumph but also an emotional lifeline. “It was a special project that helped me through difficult times by immersing myself in the music,” she shared.
What’s Next for the Songbird Supreme
Far from slowing down, Carey is already preparing for the next chapter of her storied career. She recently announced that her 16th studio album, Here for It All, will be released later this year. It will be her first full-length album in nearly a decade, and anticipation among her devoted fanbase—the Lambily—is at a fever pitch.
Beyond the music, Carey is expanding her creative output into other media. She is currently working on a documentary about her life, a project expected to provide fans with an intimate look at her journey from aspiring singer to international superstar. Additionally, a scripted television series based on her rise to fame is in development, offering yet another opportunity for her story to inspire a new generation.
And, of course, Carey’s favorite time of year—Christmas—is right around the corner. Over the last decade, she has transformed the holiday season into her own cultural territory, with “All I Want for Christmas Is You” becoming an annual anthem that reclaims chart positions every December. With new music on the way and holiday festivities just months ahead, fans can expect Carey’s presence to remain front and center.
A Legacy that Keeps Growing
Mariah Carey’s Vanguard Award isn’t just a career milestone; it’s a reminder of how deeply her work has shaped music history. Her voice, her songwriting, and her ability to reinvent herself have kept her at the forefront of pop for more than 30 years.
The VMAs honored her past, but her upcoming projects make it clear that Carey is focused firmly on the future. Whether through new songs, documentaries, or festive traditions, she continues to evolve while staying true to the qualities that made her a legend in the first place.
For the Lambily and music lovers everywhere, the message from this year’s VMAs is simple: Mariah Carey’s reign is far from over.