After 35 years of breaking records, delivering timeless hits, and gifting the world with music video moments that defined pop culture, Mariah Carey finally got her flowers at the 2025 MTV VMAs.
On Sunday night (September 7), the five-octave icon took home the coveted Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award—and let’s just say, the wait was worth it.
Presented by Ariana Grande (who dubbed her the “one reason” anyone even attempts a whistle note), Carey strutted to the stage at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY to accept her first-ever VMA. With her signature charm, she playfully teased MTV while reflecting on her career:
“Thank you, MTV, for giving me the Vanguard Award. I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight,” Carey quipped, before dropping the punchline that had the arena howling —“I just have one question. What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?”
The award was just the beginning of Mariah’s long-awaited VMAs return. For her first performance at the show in 20 years, Carey delivered a glittering medley that doubled as a love letter to her decades-spanning discography.
She opened in a champagne silk feather-trimmed robe with “Sugar Sweet,” before peeling it back to reveal a rhinestone-encrusted gold romper and matching knee-high boots. With her dancers in tow—and her alter ego Bianca making a cheeky appearance—she breezed through “Fantasy,” “Honey,” “Obsessed,” and “It’s Like That,” before closing with a flawless rendition of “We Belong Together.” Naturally, she hit every whistle note with ease, reminding everyone why she’s that girl.
And while her voice and stage presence alone dazzled, it was impossible to ignore her glow. Carey’s skin radiated under the lights thanks to Westmore Beauty’s viral Body Coverage Perfector ($49), applied by her longtime makeup artist Kristofer Buckle. “It gave her skin an instantly flawless finish, concealing imperfections and evening tone while still looking natural,” Buckle shared. Using the shades Golden Radiance and Bronze Radiance, he ensured her luminous look was both waterproof and transfer-resistant—perfect for a high-energy set and emotional award moment.
Her performance wasn’t just a victory lap of nostalgia. With her 16th studio album, Here for It All, dropping September 26, Carey made it clear she’s still evolving, still creating, and still setting the standard.
At 56, Carey also becomes the oldest artist ever to receive the Vanguard Award—a milestone that matters little to someone who famously refuses to acknowledge time. As she once said, “I’m eternally 12.” But the moment is historic nonetheless, placing her alongside legends like Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Michael Jackson himself.
From playful shade to jaw-dropping vocals to a beauty look fit for the ages, Mariah Carey’s 2025 VMA moment wasn’t just overdue—it was iconic. And if there’s one thing we know after Sunday night, it’s this: three decades later, we’re still obsessed.
You can watch Mariah’s full performance below and let us know what you think of it all by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
For more coverage from the 2025 MTV VMAs, click here.
