After nearly four decades in the music industry, pop icon Mariah Carey will make history as the oldest recipient of MTV’s prestigious Video Vanguard Award at age 56, when she accepts the honor during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on September 7.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for both Carey and the award itself, which has been presented to music luminaries since its inception and was renamed for Michael Jackson in 1991.
The ceremony, airing on CBS for the first time, will feature Carey performing a career-spanning medley of her most popular hits. This performance represents her first appearance on the VMA stage in 20 years, generating considerable anticipation among fans and industry professionals alike.
The event will be hosted by LL Cool J, creating a meaningful full-circle moment as Carey previously presented him with the same award in 1997.
Joining the ranks of past recipients including Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, and Madonna, Carey’s selection acknowledges her profound influence on music videos and pop culture. She becomes the eighth consecutive female honoree in a growing trend of recognizing women’s contributions to the medium.
Carey joins music royalty in receiving MTV’s highest honor, cementing her legacy as a visionary in visual artistry.
The award recognizes artists who have made exceptional contributions to visual media and left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape through their creative vision and artistic innovation.
Carey’s Video Vanguard honor coincides with her nomination for Best R&B for her single “Type Dangerous,” the lead track from her forthcoming album “Here for It All,” scheduled for release on September 26, 2025.
This recognition comes at a strategic moment as she prepares to launch this next chapter in her prolific career.
Beyond award ceremonies, Carey has built her enduring success through diverse income streams including sync deals, merchandise sales, and music licensing for visual media.
The 2025 VMAs will feature additional performances from contemporary artists including Sabrina Carpenter and Busta Rhymes, creating a dynamic showcase that spans multiple generations of musical talent.
The broadcast will air live from UBS Arena in New York at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, allowing viewers nationwide to witness this momentous occasion.
Carey’s recognition cements her legacy as an enduring force in the industry, with her influence extending across decades and inspiring countless artists who followed in her footsteps.
Her team has leveraged social media advertising extensively to maintain her relevance and connect with both longtime and new fans across platforms.
Her boundary-pushing contributions to music videos and performances have secured her place as a deserving recipient of MTV’s highest honor.
