Mariah Carey is having her moment, darling!
The Here for It All icon hit the stage to perform while accepting this year’s Video Vanguard Award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday (September 7) at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
Collaborator Ariana Grande was on hand to present the award to Mariah, saying she is the “reason so many of us sing.”
“As a vocalist, there’s only one queen, and that’s Mariah,” Ariana said. She also bowed while giving Mariah the award!
“I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight. I just have one question: What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?” Mariah amusingly remarked.
Keep reading to find out more…
Mariah hit the stage in a gold outfit for a fantastic medley, performing “Sugar Sweet” from her upcoming album, as well as classics “Honey” and “Fantasy.” She also delivered “Obsessed and “It’s Like That.”
Witnessing @MariahCarey accept the Video Vanguard Award at the 2025 #VMAs was a daydream! ☁️✨🐑 pic.twitter.com/PFg9EwIbGb
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 8, 2025
Video Vanguard Recipient Mariah Carey performing a medley at the 2025 #VMAs 🦋 @MariahCarey pic.twitter.com/aY1ZvI9RRT
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 8, 2025
This was also her first time presenting or performing at the VMAs in 20 years!
The 2025 VMAs show is airing live on CBS for the first time with LL Cool J returning to host after co-hosting in 2022. Lady Gaga leads the list of nominations this year with 12 nods and she’s part of the star-studded lineup of performers who will appear during the show. Make sure to tune in at 8pm ET/5pm PT for the live show.
Source: justjared.com