Mariah Carey is set to shine at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, where she’ll be honored with the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
According to Vibe, the award celebrates her decades-long impact as one of the most successful female artists of all time, backed by a legendary catalog of music videos that stand alongside her endless chart-topping hits.
This year’s MTV VMAs will be a milestone moment for Mariah Carey as she takes the stage for her first VMA performance in two decades — all while being honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. The moment also brings her career full circle, since back in 1997 she presented the very same award to this year’s host, LL COOL J.
The Vanguard Award has long celebrated artists who push boundaries, with past recipients including Nicki Minaj, Shakira, Missy Elliott, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Madonna, and most recently, Katy Perry. First handed out at the 1984 VMAs to David Bowie, The Beatles, and director Richard Lester, it was renamed in honor of Michael Jackson in 1991.
This year’s ceremony will also spotlight other legends: Busta Rhymes will be the first recipient of the Rock The Bells Visionary Award, while Ricky Martin will be honored with the Latin Icon Award.
Carey heads into the night as a nominee as well, with her single “Type Dangerous” up for Best R&B. Leading the pack this year is Lady Gaga with 12 nods, followed by top contenders like Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, ROSÉ, and Sabrina Carpenter. First-time nominees include Leon Thomas, Freddie Gibbs, Lay Bankz, and Brent Faiyaz.
Performances are set to light up the stage from Alex Warren, J Balvin with DJ Snake, Ricky Martin, Sabrina Carpenter, Sombr, and more.
The 2025 MTV VMAs air live from UBS Arena in New York on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, broadcasting on CBS, simulcasting on MTV, and streaming on Paramount+ for U.S. viewers.
