The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards delivered one of its most emotional highlights when Mariah Carey finally took home her first-ever VMA trophy. On September 7 at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, the pop icon accepted the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, marking a landmark achievement in her three-decade career. The moment was even more historic because Carey also picked up Best R&B earlier in the night for her single “Type Dangerous,” from her upcoming album Here For It All.
For an artist who has shaped pop culture with both sound and image, the recognition was long overdue. Carey, whose career has produced 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits and countless iconic visuals, had been nominated nine times at the VMAs dating back to 1996 — but had never won until now.
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Dressed in a sparkling gold bodysuit, the pop legend delivered a career-spanning acceptance speech. The award was presented by Ariana Grande, who praised Carey as “a singular talent and artist” and “the queen” — the reason why many singers sing.
Mariah’s acceptance speech was quintessentially her: a mix of diva wit, heartfelt honesty, and playful shade. “I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight,” she began, before joking, “What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?” She quickly softened the remark with, “I’m kidding. I love you!” Carey then reminisced about her first VMA appearance in 1991 with Emotions and memorable moments like co-presenting with Whitney Houston in 1998. “Being here brings back amazing memories,” she said. “Music videos are my way of life, of bringing music to my own life.” She called them “mini-movies” where she could play characters. She concluded by thanking Ariana, her Lambs, and MTV, calling the honor a “full-circle moment” nearly 30 years after she presented the same award to LL Cool J in 1997.
Before stepping up to accept her award, Mariah performed a career-spanning medley that had the arena on its feet. The setlist included classics like “Fantasy,” “Honey,” “Heartbreaker,” “Obsessed,” “It’s Like That,” and “We Belong Together,” alongside her latest single “Type Dangerous” and the new track “Sugar Sweet.”
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