Mariah Carey to Receive 2025 MTV VMAs Video Vanguard Award

Mariah Carey is set to receive the 2025 MTV VMAs Video Vanguard Award. The iconic singer will perform a career-spanning medley and return to the VMAs stage after 20 years.

MTV has officially announced that Mariah Carey will be honored with the prestigious 2025 Video Vanguard Award at the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards. This recognition celebrates Carey’s outstanding contributions to the music industry over her illustrious career.

Carey, 56, will also perform a “show-stopping, career-spanning medley” of her greatest hits during the ceremony, marking her first return to the VMAs in 20 years. The iconic singer previously presented the Video Vanguard Award to this year’s host, LL Cool J, back in 1997, making this a full-circle moment in her career.

Mariah Carey’s Impressive VMAs Legacy

Carey made her MTV VMAs debut in 1991 with a performance of her hit song “Emotions” and has since become a fixture at the annual event. In 1998, she opened the show alongside Whitney Houston, where both stars made a memorable fashion statement by wearing the same dress.

This year, Carey is also nominated for Best R&B with her track “Type Dangerous” from her upcoming album Here For It All, which will be released on September 26.

A Long-List of Vanguard Award Recipients

The MTV Video Vanguard Award has been presented to many legendary artists throughout the years, including Madonna, Beyoncé, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, and Missy Elliott. Mariah Carey’s addition to this list cements her place as one of the most influential artists of all time.

The 2025 MTV VMAs: What to Expect

The 2025 MTV VMAs will air live from New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and MTV. The ceremony will also be available for streaming on Paramount+.

This year’s show will be hosted by LL Cool J, who previously co-hosted in 2022, and will feature performances from artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Ricky Martin, J Balvin, DJ Snake, and Busta Rhymes.

In terms of nominations, Lady Gaga leads the pack with 12 nominations, followed by Bruno Mars with 11 and Kendrick Lamar with 10. Other nominees include Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, and ROSÉ.

Join the Celebration

The MTV VMAs are known for celebrating the biggest moments in music, and this year will be no exception. With Mariah Carey set to receive the coveted Video Vanguard Award, fans can expect an unforgettable evening celebrating the legacy of one of pop music’s most iconic figures.