The MTV Video Music Awards will pay tribute to Mariah Carey this year as she receives the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, one of the ceremony’s highest honors.
In addition to accepting the award, the pop icon will take the stage for a special medley of her greatest hits, marking her first VMAs performance in two decades, since her 2005 appearance.
The award, named after Michael Jackson in recognition of his groundbreaking influence on music videos and visual artistry, has been presented in the past to major names such as Janet Jackson, Madonna, Beyoncé, LL Cool J, Shakira, and Katy Perry. Mariah now joins this celebrated list of trailblazers whose contributions have shaped the music industry.
The 2025 MTV VMAs will be held at New York’s UBS Arena and broadcast live on Sunday, September 7, at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET across CBS, MTV, and Paramount+. Fans can cast their votes now at vote.mtv.com.
