Mariah Carey shines at VMA 2025 with first award and Vanguard

In a memorable night at the MTV Video Music Awards 2025, held in New York on September 8, Mariah Carey won her first Moon Person in the Best R&B Video category with the single Type Dangerous. The ceremony, filled with vibrant performances and emotional moments, also honored the diva with the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, presented by Ariana Grande. At 56, Carey, who had been nominated eight times without a win, took the stage with humor and emotion, thanking her fans and reflecting on her career. The achievement reinforces her legacy as one of the greatest artists in global music, while her performance of a medley of hits and the announcement of her new album, Here for It All, thrilled the audience. The night symbolized not only a personal milestone but also the crowning of a career that transformed pop music and music videos into art.

Carey’s victory at the VMA 2025 came after decades of iconic contributions to music and video culture. Her speech, full of charisma, highlighted the importance of music videos in shaping her artistic narrative. The presentation of the Vanguard Award by Ariana Grande, a self-proclaimed fan, added a special touch to the celebration.

• Type Dangerous: Award-winning single in the Best R&B Video category.
• Historic medley: Performance included hits like Fantasy and We Belong Together.
• New album: Here for It All set for release on September 26.
• Tribute: Vanguard Award celebrates her influence on music and videos.

The night was also marked by Carey’s infectious energy, as she interacted with the audience and brought nostalgia with references to her longstanding connection with MTV.

A legend’s triumph at the VMA

Mariah Carey’s victory at the VMA 2025 was not just a personal milestone but also a belated recognition of her influence in the industry. The single Type Dangerous, blending modern R&B with Carey’s signature melodic style, won over critics and fans, securing her first statuette after eight nominations. The music video, directed with a vibrant aesthetic and engaging narrative, reflects the meticulous care that has always defined Carey’s visual work.

Ver essa foto no Instagram

Uma publicação compartilhada por Video Music Awards (@vmas)

The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, presented by Ariana Grande, capped the evening. Grande’s selection was symbolic, as the younger artist often cites Carey as a major inspiration. In her speech, Carey emphasized the role of music videos in her career, noting how they allowed her to create narratives that transcend music. “Videos are my canvas to tell stories, to live dreams that reality doesn’t allow,” she said.

Carey’s performance was another highlight. The medley, revisiting classics like Fantasy (1995), Honey (1997), and We Belong Together (2005), alongside Sugar Sweet, showcased her versatility and stage presence. The performance, blending elaborate choreography with flawless vocals, earned a standing ovation and dominated social media.

The impact of music videos on Carey’s career

Music videos have always been an extension of Mariah Carey’s art. Since the 1990s, she has used this medium to create visual narratives that complement her songs. In Heartbreaker (1999), for instance, she introduced her alter ego Bianca, a character that brought humor and drama to the production. In Honey (1997), Carey starred in an action-packed, romantic storyline, cementing her image as a multifaceted artist.

• Heartbreaker: Introduced the character Bianca, a milestone in visual storytelling.
• Honey: Video with an action aesthetic, inspired by spy films.
• Fantasy: First video to showcase Carey in a relaxed, pop setting.
• We Belong Together: Emotional narrative that strengthened her bond with fans.

These works helped redefine the role of music videos in pop music, combining storytelling with vocal performances. Carey noted in her speech that videos are “a way to transform music into something visual, tangible, and eternal.” Her ability to reinvent herself through this medium was a key reason for the Vanguard Award.

Leia Tambem

Estudo detecta arsênio e cádmio em níveis perigosos em arroz vendido nos EUA

Costco registra demanda recorde em postos de gasolina nos EUA com preços mais baixos

Passageiro tenta entrar na cabine de comando e força desvio de voo da United Airlines para Madison

Carey’s relationship with MTV was also celebrated. In 1997, she presented the same award to LL Cool J, and in 1998, she opened the ceremony alongside Whitney Houston, in a moment that became part of the network’s history. These moments underscore her longstanding connection to pop and visual culture.

The power of fans and the new album announcement

Carey’s fans, affectionately called the Lambily, were a focal point of her speech. She thanked their unwavering support over her three-decade career. “You’re the reason I’m here. Every song, every video, is for you,” she declared. The Lambily took to social media to celebrate the win, with hashtags like #MariahVMA2025 trending globally.

Another standout moment was the announcement of Here for It All, her new album set for release on September 26. The project promises a fusion of styles, from R&B to contemporary pop, while staying true to Carey’s essence. The single Sugar Sweet, featured in the medley, already hints at the album’s vibrant sound.

• Release: September 26, 2025.
• Style: Blends R&B, pop, and contemporary elements.
• Singles: Type Dangerous and Sugar Sweet already released.
• Expectation: Album reinforces Carey’s versatility.

The album announcement excited fans, who anticipate a project that blends 1990s nostalgia with modern sounds. Pre-orders are already available on digital platforms, and expectations are high for another chapter in Carey’s career.

A night of celebration and legacy

Mariah Carey’s triumph at the VMA 2025 goes beyond the awards. It reinforces her status as one of history’s most influential artists, with over 200 million records sold and 19 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Her ability to reinvent herself, whether on stage or in videos, keeps her relevant in an ever-changing industry.

The Vanguard Award places Carey alongside icons like Madonna, Beyoncé, and David Bowie, all recognized for their contributions to music and visual culture. The honor reflects not only her talent but also her ability to shape trends and inspire generations.

Her VMA performance was a reminder of her impact. With powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence, Carey proved why she remains a benchmark. Including Obsessed (2009) in the medley added a touch of humor, as the song and video are seen as a response to past criticism, showcasing her ability to turn personal experiences into art.

Mariah Carey’s future in music

With Here for It All on the horizon, Mariah Carey shows no signs of slowing down. Described as a celebration of her career, the album is expected to feature collaborations with new artists and producers, alongside tracks that capture her classic style. The anticipation is that it will further solidify her legacy while attracting a new generation of listeners.

• Collaborations: Rumors suggest partnerships with contemporary artists.
• Innovation: Album explores new sounds while staying true to her roots.
• Tour: Plans for 2026 shows are already in discussion.

The VMA 2025 win and Vanguard Award are milestones that celebrate the past and point to the future. With her unmistakable voice and artistic vision, Mariah Carey remains an unstoppable force in music. The night of September 8 will be remembered as one of the most iconic moments of her career, blending nostalgia, innovation, and the unwavering love of her fans.