Mariah Carey delivered a momentous night of nostalgia, glitter, and overdue recognition at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, as the elusive chanteuse made a legendary return to the VMAs stage, and finally took home her very first Moon Person trophy.
A Long-Awaited First VMA Win
Ahead of the televised show, Carey won the award for best R&B video during the MTV VMAs pre-show for her sultry, retro-soul single “Type Dangerous.” The track beat out a stacked category that included Chris Brown, SZA, The Weeknd and Playboi Carti, and Summer Walker. For an artist who’s long been associated with iconic visuals and genre-defining music, the win marked a long-overdue moment.
Though Carey has been nominated multiple times throughout her career, this was her first-ever competitive VMA win, a fact not lost on fans or the superstar herself.
Returning to the Stage After 20 Years
Later in the evening, Carey took to the stage at New York’s UBS Arena to deliver a career-spanning performance — her first appearance on the VMAs stage in 20 years. Her set was a nostalgic medley packed with hits, glitter, and diva grandeur.
Wearing a shimmering gold bodysuit under a champagne-hued silk robe, Carey opened with her classic “Fantasy,” moving seamlessly through “Honey,” “Heartbreaker,” “Obsessed,” and “We Belong Together.” She also performed her latest single “Type Dangerous” and teased an unreleased track, “Sugar Sweet,” giving fans a taste of what’s to come on her upcoming album.
Vocally polished and visually dazzling, the performance reminded audiences why she remains one of pop’s most enduring icons.
Receiving the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
The biggest honor of the night came when Carey received the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, presented to her by Ariana Grande. The award celebrates artists who have made a profound impact on music videos and pop culture, and Carey’s resume speaks for itself.
From the glossy yacht party of “Honey” to the comedic brilliance of “Touch My Body,” Carey has long used music videos as a way to expand her storytelling, image, and persona. With a knack for camp, glamour, and character work, she has built a visual legacy that spans decades.
As she accepted the award, Carey joked about the long wait for VMA recognition, saying, “I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight… What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?” Her speech was warm and reflective, touching on her love for visuals, her gratitude to her fans — the Lambily — and her place in music video history.
A Full-Circle Moment
The honor held special meaning for Carey, who once presented the very same award to LL Cool J in 1997. This year, the rapper hosted the ceremony, bringing the moment full circle in a way only music history could script.
Carey now joins an elite group of Vanguard Award recipients, including Madonna, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Missy Elliott, Nicki Minaj, and of course, the award’s namesake, Michael Jackson.
Eyes on the Future
The night also served as a major launchpad for Carey’s next chapter. “Type Dangerous” marks her 50th entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and her first No. 1 on the Adult R&B chart since 2006. The video, directed with flair and packed with classic Mariah humor, features her casting off one “dangerous” man after another, in stilettos, of course.
Her upcoming 16th studio album, Here for It All, is set to release September 26 and promises to blend her classic sound with a fresh take. Featuring collaborations with Kehlani and Shenseea, the album is rumored to be one of her most eclectic yet, fusing pop, R&B, Caribbean influences, and plenty of vocal fireworks.
