Mariah Carey has been in the music industry since before her debut album released in 1990, and now, she’s getting her proverbial flowers for the iconic hits—and coinciding videos to match—she has provided fans with for over three decades.
On Thursday, Aug. 21, it was announced that the enduring pop songstress will receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at this year’s 2025 MTV VMAs.
As the recipient of the coveted honor, Carey, 56, is being celebrated for her timeless and memorable collection of music videos including “Honey,” “Heartbreaker,” “Obsessed,” “Touch My Body,” “Breakdown,” and “#Beautiful.”
She will also perform a lively career-spanning medley of her biggest hits at the LL Cool J-hosted awards show.
“The best-selling female artist of all time returns to the VMAs stage for the first time in 20 years, with a full circle moment to accept the same award she presented to LL Cool J in 1997,” a press release shared directly with Parade read. “Her last medley performance (2005) included chart-topper ‘We Belong Together,’ from her multi-platinum 10th album The Emancipation of Mimi, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.”
The best-selling female artist of all time and five-time Grammy winner has sold 220 million+ albums worldwide and garnered 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, 18 of which were self-penned—more than any solo artist in history, per the news release.
Related: ’90s Superstar, 56, ‘Sounds Astonishing’ During Recent Concert: ‘She Can Still Sing Impeccably’
Does Mariah Carey Have New Music Coming Out?
The pop diva is currently readying her milestone 16th studio albumHere For It All, due to release on Sept. 26, 2025. The project includes new single “Type Dangerous,” also up for Best R&B this year alongside category notables Chris Brown for “Residuals,” Leon Thomas and Freddie Gibbs for “MUTT (REMIX),” SZA for “Drive,” and more.
When Did Mariah Carey Make Her MTV VMA Debut?
Carey first hit the MTV VMAs stage in 1991, showing off her five-octave vocal range with a standout performance of ‘Emotions’ from her self-titled debut studio album, in what was her first award show performance of the song.
Who Else Has Won the VMAs Video Vanguard Award?
Previous Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award recipients include Katy Perry, Shakira, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson, LL Cool J, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Missy Elliott, to name a few.
How Can I Watch the 2025 MTV VMAs?
The 2025 MTV VMAs will take place live from New York’s UBS Arena, airing coast-to-coast Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on CBS, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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