Mariah Carey was awarded the Video Vanguard Award at the 2025 MTV VMAs, highlighting her significant contributions to music and video.
Mariah Carey, the acclaimed American singer-songwriter, received the prestigious Video Vanguard Award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) held on Sunday night. This award honors groundbreaking artists for their significant influence and contributions to the music industry.
At 56, Carey made a triumphant return to the VMAs stage, performing a medley of her greatest hits for the first time since 2005.
A Night of Celebration
As the night progressed, Carey captivated the audience with a performance featuring hits like “Sugar Sweet,” “Fantasy,” and her British alter ego’s tracks, including “Obsessed” and “It’s Like That.” Upon accepting the Video Vanguard Award, she expressed her profound connection to music videos, stating, “Music videos are my way of life, of bringing music to my own life.
Let’s be honest, sometimes there’s just an excuse to bring the drama and do things I wouldn’t do in real life. Music evolves, video evolves, but the fun is eternal.” This heartfelt remark resonated with fans and attendees, highlighting her enduring passion for the art form.
Earlier in the evening, Carey received her first VMA for Best R&B for her new single “Type Dangerous,” released in June. In a playful video message, she remarked, “This is amazing MTV, I don’t know why it took you so long!” Her light-hearted humor showcased her enduring charm and connection with her audience.
Legacy and Impact
Carey’s career began in the late 1980s when she caught the attention of Tommy Mottola, then-head of Columbia Records, who signed her. Her self-titled debut album earned her two Grammy Awards in 1991, including Best New Artist. Over the years, she has released multiple best-selling albums, including the holiday classic “Merry Christmas,” featuring the iconic “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” solidifying her title as the “Queen of Christmas.” This track has become a holiday staple and once peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart.
Throughout her career, Carey has won five Grammy Awards and has been instrumental in shaping the pop and R&B landscape. She has sold over 200 million albums worldwide, with notable records like “Music Box” and “Daydream” topping the UK album charts. Past recipients of the Video Vanguard Award include legends such as David Bowie, Madonna, and Michael Jackson, placing Carey among an elite group of influential artists.
Personal Milestones and Future Endeavors
Mariah Carey’s personal life has experienced both highs and lows. She was previously married to Tommy Mottola and later to comedian Nick Cannon, with whom she shares twins, Moroccan Scott and Monroe. Although their relationship ended in 2016, Carey continues to thrive artistically. In 2022, she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognized as the “all-time most successful female songwriter in chart history.” Additionally, she was nominated for the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, further affirming her status in the music industry.
Looking ahead, Carey is set to release her new album, “Here For It All,” on September 26, promising to deliver more of her signature sound and creativity. Her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of artists and fans alike, as she reflects on her journey and the evolution of her music.
