Mariah Carey Drips in Gold as She Accepts 2025 VMAs Vanguard Award

Mariah Carey lit up the stage at the 2025 MTV VMAs at New York's UBS Arena, where she was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. The pop icon arrived in a silky golden robe with feather details, then shed it to reveal a plunging, crystal-covered gold bodysuit paired with glittery gold knee-high boots, a dazzling diamond necklace, and diamond bracelets. Her blond hair fell in her signature Hollywood waves as she prepared for a medley of her greatest hits.

Carey’s award, the 2025 Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, recognizes recording artists and music-video directors for their "outstanding contributions" and "profound impact" on the music industry and pop culture. To celebrate, she returned to the VMAs stage for the first time in 20 years, performing a medley of her biggest hits while the audience looked on. She was introduced by Ariana Grande and, in a full-circle moment, presented the prize by host LL Cool J, the same singer who gave her the award in 1997.

Carey posted on Instagram earlier: 'They swung it on home Thank you @mtv for honoring me with the Video Vanguard Award this year See you all tonight 🥂🦋💕'.

Beyond the VMAs, Carey has released 15 albums and is back in the studio. Her upcoming album, Here for It All, is scheduled for release on September 26, 2025.