Mariah Carey will take center stage at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards as the recipient of the prestigious Video Vanguard Award.
The announcement, shared Thursday on MTV’s Instagram, highlighted her contributions to music videos and popular culture. Carey has been nominated for several VMAs throughout the years, including Best Female Video for “Honey” (Remix) and Best R&B Video for “We Belong Together.”
The award comes as Carey prepares for her upcoming album, “Here For It All.” Last month, she released the lead single, “Type Dangerous,” offering fans a first glimpse of a project that continues to reflect her evolution as an artist.
MTV has promised fans an emotional tribute celebrating her career. The ceremony will also feature performances and honors for Busta Rhymes, who will receive the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, and Ricky Martin, celebrated with the Latin Icon Award.
Despite her decades of achievement, Carey has consistently expressed skepticism about formal recognition. She has received 34 Grammy nominations and five wins, but described the Grammys as “overrated” during a recent appearance on Pitchfork’s Over/Under series.
For Carey, the focus has always been on creating music that resonates rather than accumulating awards. By emphasizing artistry over conformity, Carey has crafted a legacy defined by freedom and self-expression.
The 2025 VMAs will air live on September 7th on CBS, simulcast on MTV, and stream on Paramount+.
