Music Legend Delivers Show-Stopping Medley Before Accepting Video Vanguard Award, Cementing Her Status as a Style and Pop Icon
Mariah Carey brought unparalleled glamour and star power to the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, September 7, performing a medley of her greatest hits before accepting the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. The legendary singer, 56, captivated the audience with a show-stopping ensemble that showcased her signature blend of elegance and extravagance.
Opening her performance with her 2025 single “Sugar Sweet”, Carey wore a champagne-colored silk robe adorned with feathers, immediately commanding attention on the UBS Arena stage in New York. As she transitioned into her medley, which included iconic hits like “Dreamlover,” “Heartbreaker,” “Obsessed,” “Like That,” and “We Belong Together,” she unveiled a glittering gold long-sleeve romper encrusted with rhinestones. The outfit was perfectly complemented by knee-high rhinestone boots and dazzling diamond jewelry, including the $10 million “Rosée Éternelle” necklace and earrings from LEVUMA.
This appearance marked Carey’s first VMAs performance in two decades, harkening back to her earlier era when she performed a medley from The Emancipation of Mimi. Carey’s MTV debut came in 1991 with her performance of “Emotions”, and her legendary presence has only grown since, solidifying her as one of the most influential figures in music history.
The Video Vanguard Award, which Carey received during the ceremony, recognizes outstanding contributions to music videos and pop culture. Previous honorees include Beyoncé, Madonna, Rihanna, and Justin Timberlake. This accolade comes shortly after Carey was honored with the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards, highlighting her enduring influence on the industry.
Carey also teased her upcoming 16th studio album, Here For It All, set to release on September 26. The project will offer an intimate glimpse into her life, including her experiences over the past decade and her role as a mother to her four-year-old twins, Monroe and Moroccan. The lead single, “Type Dangerous,” has already garnered a Best R&B nomination at the VMAs, adding to the excitement surrounding her new body of work.
From her glittering stage presence to her iconic medley and milestone award, Mariah Carey’s 2025 MTV VMAs appearance reminded fans why she remains a pop culture and fashion icon, combining musical brilliance with unmatched style.
