Music icon Mariah Carey is set to receive the prestigious Video Vanguard Award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
The award honours her outstanding contributions to music videos and pop culture.
MARIAH CAREY AND THE VMA’S
Mariah Carey will also perform during the live telecast on 7 September, which airs on CBS for the first time.
This marks her first VMA performance in two decades, delighting fans who remember her last medley from 2005 promoting her album The Emancipation of Mimi.
Producers promise a “show-stopping, career-spanning medley of her biggest hits” as part of the three-hour event, according to Variety.
MARIAH CAREY’S NEW ALBUM
This performance coincides with the release of Carey’s new album, Here for It All, due on 26 September under the Gamma label.
The album’s lead single, Type Dangerous, dropped in June and already received a nomination for Best R&B Video at this year’s VMAs.
The award ceremony offers a perfect platform to boost her latest work.
Mariah Carey’s upcoming performance carries added significance. She first presented the Video Vanguard Award in 1997 to LL Cool J, who will host this year’s show.
RETURNING TO THE VMA STAGE
This reunion adds a nostalgic touch for long-time MTV VMA viewers. “It’s incredible to be back on this stage after 20 years,” Carey said.
“I’m thrilled to honour the legacy of music videos and share new music with fans around the world.”
The MTV VMAs will also spotlight other major stars. Ricky Martin will be honoured with the first-ever Latin Icon Award, reflecting the growing global influence of Latin music.
Sabrina Carpenter, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin, Alex Warren, and Sombr will also perform.
A LEGENDARY ICON
The production is led by Gunpowder & Sky, with executive producers Bruce Gillmer and Jesse Ignjatovic at the helm.
The live show from New York’s UBS Arena begins at 3:00 AM South African time, which makes it accessible for music lovers nationally who wish to catch the excitement live.
With Mariah Carey’s return and fresh new music, this year’s VMAs promise a memorable night.
As one of the world’s biggest pop divas, Carey continues to shine on the global stage, inspiring fans in South Africa and beyond.
WHICH OF MARIAH CAREY’S HITS WOULD YOU LOVE TO SEE IN HER MEDLEY?
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