Pop icon celebrates her first-ever Moon Person with a dazzling medley and a heartfelt tribute to music videos’ lasting power
Mariah Carey has officially joined the ranks of music video royalty. On Sunday night, the global superstar received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, marking her very first Moon Person win.
The award, presented by Ariana Grande — one of Carey’s biggest fans — honored the singer’s decades-long influence on music videos and pop culture, from “Honey” and “Heartbreaker” to “Obsessed” and “Touch My Body.”
“Music evolves, videos evolve, but the fun? That is eternal,” Carey told the cheering crowd as she accepted the award at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
The moment came full circle for the pop legend, who last appeared on the VMA stage in 1997 to present the very same award to LL Cool J — this year’s host. Despite nine past nominations, this marks Carey’s first-ever VMA win.
The Video Vanguard Award has previously gone to icons including Beyoncé, Madonna, Rihanna, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, David Bowie, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, and The Beatles, solidifying Carey’s place among the greatest contributors to music video history.
A Career-Spanning Performance
Before accepting her award, Carey lit up the stage with a powerhouse medley of her greatest hits, performing “Fantasy,” “Honey,” “Obsessed,” “It’s Like That,” and “We Belong Together.” She also debuted “Sugar Sweet,” a track from her forthcoming 16th studio album, Here for It All, out September 26. The performance served as both a celebration of her legacy and a look at her new era.
A Night of Big Wins
The 2025 VMAs were packed with star power, with performances from Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin, Ricky Martin, Alex Warren, Sombr, and more. Gaga, who entered the night with 12 nominations, emerged as the evening’s biggest winner with four Moon Person trophies. Ariana Grande claimed Video of the Year for “Brighter Days Ahead” and took home two additional awards, while Sabrina Carpenter scored three wins.
Broadcast live across CBS, MTV, and Paramount+, the show reminded audiences worldwide of the enduring power of music videos to define eras, shape culture, and connect generations — a legacy Mariah Carey herself has embodied for more than three decades.
