Mariah Carey to be honored with MTV’s Video Vanguard Award at VMAs

Mariah Carey to Receive Vanguard Honor at 2025 MTV VMAs

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are shaping up to be one of the most memorable nights in the show’s history. This year, global superstar Mariah Carey will be honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, a career-defining recognition that celebrates her decades of dominance as one of music’s most influential figures.

For fans, the announcement feels both overdue and perfectly timed. Carey’s catalog of hits—paired with her iconic music videos—have helped shape the visual language of pop and R&B for more than three decades. Now, she’ll officially take center stage with her first VMA performance in 20 years.

Mariah Carey’s Long-Awaited VMA Return

Mariah’s last VMA performance dates back to the early 2000s, making this year’s stage moment a full-circle comeback. The timing couldn’t be more symbolic. In 1997, Carey actually presented the same Vanguard Award to LL COOL J, who will now be hosting the 2025 ceremony.

That symmetry underscores just how much of a legacy she has built. Carey isn’t just another pop star—she’s an artist who has lived multiple eras of music, all while continuing to reinvent herself. With her receiving this year’s top honor, fans are expecting an unforgettable performance that pays homage to her history while introducing her latest chapter.

The Vanguard Award’s History and Impact

The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award is one of the most prestigious honors in music television. First introduced at the inaugural VMAs in 1984, the award has always highlighted artists whose videos pushed boundaries and redefined the medium.

It originally went to David Bowie, The Beatles, and director Richard Lester, before being renamed after Michael Jackson in 1991. Since then, it has spotlighted some of the most groundbreaking artists in pop culture.

Recent recipients have included Nicki Minaj, Shakira, Missy Elliott, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Madonna,and Katy Perry, who most recently took home the trophy. By adding Carey to that list, MTV acknowledges her as not only a chart-topping singer but also a visionary storyteller in her visuals.

Why Mariah Carey Deserves the Honor

Carey’s music video legacy is stacked with unforgettable moments. From the glamorous escapism of “Honey” to the holiday magic of “All I Want for Christmas Is You”, her visuals have influenced pop aesthetics for decades.

But beyond the visuals, Carey’s impact runs even deeper:

• Decades of Hits — 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, the most for a solo artist in history.
• Cultural Presence — She’s one of the few artists who has seamlessly crossed generations, staying relevant from the 1990s into the 2020s.
• Holiday Queen Status — Each December, her Christmas music reignites, proving her staying power year after year.
• Influence on Artists — Her vocal style, songwriting, and artistry have inspired countless singers in R&B, pop, and hip-hop.

The Vanguard Award isn’t just about flashy videos. It’s about cultural impact—and Carey embodies that more than most.

A Big Night of Honors Beyond Mariah Carey

While Carey’s recognition will be the centerpiece of the night, the 2025 MTV VMAs are also introducing new milestone awards.

• Busta Rhymes will be the first recipient of the Rock The Bells Visionary Award, named after his movement celebrating hip-hop culture.
• Ricky Martin will take home the Latin Icon Award, honoring his role in bringing Latin pop to the global stage.

These additions reflect the VMAs’ effort to not only celebrate modern music but also highlight the pioneers who laid the groundwork for today’s global sound.

Mariah Carey Still in Motion: New Album and Nominations

This recognition comes at a busy moment in Carey’s career. She enters the night as a nominee for Best R&B with her single “Type Dangerous.” The song is part of her upcoming album, Here For It All, due out on September 26.

Another lead single from the project, “Sugar Sweet” featuring Kehlani, has already earned buzz. The collaboration bridges Carey’s legendary status with a new generation of R&B talent, a strategy that keeps her catalog fresh and relevant.

For fans, the album adds even more weight to her VMA performance. It means she won’t just be celebrated for past hits—she’ll also be showcasing where she’s headed musically in 2025.

Lady Gaga Leads 2025 VMA Nominations

While Carey’s award is the highlight, the nominations themselves paint a picture of the current pop landscape. Lady Gaga leads the field with 12 nominations, once again proving her dominance in music and visuals.

Other top contenders include Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, ROSÉ, and Sabrina Carpenter, all of whom have enjoyed major years on the charts.

For first-time nominees like Leon Thomas, Freddie Gibbs, Lay Bankz, and Brent Faiyaz, the night offers a breakthrough opportunity. The VMAs have long been a stage where emerging artists can make a splash, and 2025 is no exception.

A Star-Packed Performance Lineup

The VMAs are always as much about performances as awards, and the 2025 lineup is stacked.

Fans can expect live sets from:

• Alex Warren
• J Balvin with DJ Snake
• Ricky Martin
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Sombr

With Carey also set to perform for the first time in two decades, this year’s ceremony is shaping up to be both nostalgic and forward-looking.

Why the VMAs Still Matter in 2025

Some award shows have lost their shine in recent years, but the VMAs continue to capture attention. Why? Because the show thrives on moments—surprise performances, cultural statements, and career milestones.

From Madonna’s Like a Virgin performance in 1984 to Beyoncé’s pregnancy reveal in 2011, the VMAs have produced iconic moments that live on well beyond the broadcast. Carey’s return promises to be another of those moments.

The award also serves as a reminder of how music videos remain a central part of artist storytelling. Even in the streaming era, visuals are crucial for building identity and connecting with fans. Carey’s Vanguard honor celebrates that tradition.

When and Where to Watch

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards will broadcast live from UBS Arena in New York on Sunday, September 7, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.

• On TV: Airing live on CBS
• On Cable: Simulcast on MTV
• Streaming: Available on Paramount+ for U.S. audiences

This multi-platform approach ensures fans won’t miss out, whether they prefer traditional cable or streaming options.

Mariah Carey receiving the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2025 MTV VMAs is more than just another accolade. It’s a career-spanning celebration for one of the most successful and influential female artists in history.

Her first VMA performance in two decades will carry nostalgia, power, and anticipation for her upcoming album. Combined with new milestone honors for Busta Rhymes and Ricky Martin, a star-packed performance lineup, and a competitive slate of nominations, this year’s VMAs promise to be unforgettable.

Whether you’re tuning in for Carey’s big moment, Gaga’s dominance, or the new generation of nominees, one thing is clear: the 2025 MTV VMAs will be a night to remember.

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