Mariah Carey to Be Honored With the Video Vanguard Award at the 2025 MTV VMAs

Mariah Carey to Receive MTV’s 2025 Video Vanguard Award at the VMAs

The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have always been a night of spectacle, surprise, and iconic pop culture moments. From unforgettable live performances to headline-making red-carpet looks, the annual event celebrates the artists who shape the soundtrack of our lives. But among the many trophies handed out each year, one honor stands above the rest: the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

In 2025, MTV has chosen none other than Mariah Carey, the Songbird Supreme herself, as this year’s recipient. For an artist who has redefined what it means to be a global superstar—shaping the sound of modern pop and R&B while influencing generations of singers—this recognition feels not only well deserved but also long overdue.

A Homecoming Fit for a Queen

This year’s VMAs will take place on Sunday, September 7, at UBS Arena on Long Island, New York. For Carey, the location could not be more perfect. Born and raised in Huntington, Long Island, Carey’s journey from small-town girl to world-renowned superstar is the stuff of music legend. To be honored with MTV’s most prestigious award in front of her hometown crowd adds an emotional layer to what promises to be one of the defining nights of her career.

Adding even more symmetry to the evening, the show will be hosted by LL Cool J, another Long Island native. The connection between the two artists stretches back decades: in 1997, Mariah herself presented the Vanguard Award to LL Cool J. Now, nearly thirty years later, the roles are reversed, with LL welcoming Carey into the pantheon of Vanguard winners. It’s a poetic full-circle moment that highlights both artists’ enduring influence.

Mariah Carey and the MTV VMAs: A Complicated History

While Carey’s name is synonymous with music history—five Grammy Awards, 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, over 200 million records sold worldwide—her relationship with the VMAs has always been somewhat surprising. Despite numerous nominations over the years, she has never actually won a competitive VMA.

This fact sets her apart from previous Vanguard recipients such as Katy Perry, Shakira, Nicki Minaj, Missy Elliott, Jennifer Lopez, P!nk, and Rihanna. Each of those stars not only earned the Vanguard recognition but also picked up multiple VMA trophies throughout their careers. Carey’s omission has long been a talking point among fans, who often felt that MTV overlooked her contributions to the art of the music video.

That narrative may finally shift in 2025. Not only will Carey be receiving the Vanguard Award, but she is also nominated in the Best R&B category for her sensual track “Type Dangerous.” Should she win, it would mark her first-ever competitive VMA—an astonishing fact considering her three-decade dominance of the charts and her iconic visuals, from the “Fantasy” amusement park joyride to the glamorous “Honey” spy-thriller adventure.

The Vanguard Award: A Legacy of Icons

The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award is often compared to a lifetime achievement award for the MTV era, celebrating artists who have elevated the music video into an art form. Past honorees have included some of the biggest names in music history—Madonna, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Kanye West, and Janet Jackson among them.

For Carey, joining this illustrious group is both a recognition of her artistry and a correction of past oversights. Her videos have consistently set new standards for glamour, storytelling, and innovation. Whether floating in a pool of champagne in “Shake It Off,” ruling the runway in “Heartbreaker,” or radiating elegance in “We Belong Together,” Carey has always understood the power of visuals to elevate her music and her persona.

A New Chapter: Here for It All

The Vanguard Award isn’t the only reason Carey is making headlines in 2025. Just weeks after the VMAs, she will release her highly anticipated new album, Here for It All, on September 26.

This project marks her first full-length studio album since 2018’s critically acclaimed Caution. Fans have been eagerly awaiting new material, and Carey has already teased the era with two singles: “Type Dangerous” and “Sugar Sweet.” Early reactions suggest the record blends Carey’s trademark vocal fireworks with modern R&B production, promising a fresh yet classic sound.

For Carey, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. The Vanguard honor celebrates her legendary past, while Here for It All signals that her story is far from over. If anything, it’s a powerful reminder that even after three decades at the top, she’s still creating, innovating, and inspiring.

Mariah Carey’s Lasting Impact

Few artists in music history can claim the kind of influence Carey has wielded. Dubbed the “Queen of Christmas” thanks to her perennial holiday smash “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” she has also cemented herself as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Her five-octave range, melismatic runs, and whistle notes have influenced everyone from Ariana Grande to Beyoncé.

Beyond her vocal gifts, Carey has also been a trailblazer in songwriting. Unlike many pop stars, she has co-written the majority of her hits, giving her catalog an authenticity that resonates deeply with listeners. Songs like “Hero,” “Always Be My Baby,” and “We Belong Together” remain anthems of love, resilience, and emotion—timeless classics that continue to connect with new generations.

Her music videos have also shaped visual culture. Carey’s aesthetic—equal parts glamour, playfulness, and cinematic storytelling—helped define the MTV era of the ’90s and early 2000s. Long before social media influencers curated their image online, Carey was already blending fashion, personality, and visual drama into a package fans couldn’t look away from.

Why 2025 Matters

As the music industry continues to evolve, with streaming and social media transforming the way artists connect with fans, the Vanguard Award serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of pioneers like Carey. Younger audiences may know her as the Christmas icon who dominates every December, but the VMAs will spotlight her broader legacy: a woman who transformed the sound and look of popular music.

The timing of the award, paired with the release of her new album, suggests that 2025 could be one of Carey’s biggest years in decades. It’s not just about honoring her past—it’s about celebrating her present and anticipating her future.

Closing Thoughts

On September 7, 2025, the world will watch as Mariah Carey takes the stage at UBS Arena to receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. For Long Island, it will be a proud hometown tribute. For MTV, it will be a chance to honor one of the greatest artists of all time. And for Carey herself, it will be a moment of validation, celebration, and triumph.

With her new album Here for It All arriving just weeks later, Carey is reminding us that legends don’t fade—they evolve, inspire, and continue to shape the culture. As she steps into this new chapter, one thing is clear: Mariah Carey isn’t just receiving the Vanguard Award—she is the very definition of it.