Mariah Carey Honored with Video Vanguard Award, Delivers First VMAs Performance in 20 Years

Lead Mariah Carey received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and performed a career-spanning medley at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in New York on September 7, 2025, marking her first VMAs stage appearance in two decades.

Nut Graf Carey’s milestone honor underscores her enduring impact on pop music and dovetails with promotion for her upcoming sixteenth studio album, Here For It All, due September 26, 2025, highlighting both her legacy and continued creative evolution.

Award Ceremony Highlights

Video Vanguard Award: Presented by Ariana Grande, this accolade celebrates Carey’s trailblazing career and influence on music video artistry.
First VMA Victory: Despite seven prior nominations since 1996, this marks Carey’s first Moonperson trophy.

Show-Stopping Performance

Medley of Hits: Carey delivered powerful renditions of signature tracks including “Fantasy,” “We Belong Together,” and “Emotions,” showcasing her five-octave range and whistle tones.
Stage Return: This performance marked her first appearance on the VMAs main stage since 2005, closing the loop on a 20-year hiatus.

Album Tease and New Music

Upcoming Album: Carey teased tracks from Here For It All, featuring collaborations with Anderson .Paak and The Clark Sisters, ahead of its September 26 release.
Single Nominations: Her latest single, “Type Dangerous,” earned a Best R&B Video nomination, further spotlighting her evolving sound.

Industry Impact and Relevance

Mariah Carey’s Video Vanguard honor places her among past recipients Beyoncé, Madonna and Rihanna, cementing her status as a pop culture icon. Her return to the VMAs stage and strategic album rollout demonstrate her ability to both honor her storied past and innovate for new audiences.