Mariah Carey Claims First VMA, Questions delay with Iconic Performance
NEW YORK – Mariah Carey secured her inaugural Video Music Award on September 8, 2025, delivering a show-stopping medley and a playfully pointed question to the Recording Academy: “I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight. I just have one question: What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?” The win marks a significant milestone for the five-time Grammy winner and vocal powerhouse, whose influence on contemporary music remains undeniable.
This long-awaited recognition arrives as Carey prepares to release her forthcoming album, Here For It All, on september 26, and follows a career spanning decades of chart-topping hits and groundbreaking vocal performances.The award acknowledges not only her musical achievements but also her enduring impact on pop culture, solidifying her status as a true icon.The moment also signaled a thawing of perceived tensions with fellow artist Ariana Grande, who presented Carey with the award.
Carey’s performance showcased her signature vocal range, traversing her extensive catalog with a medley that included “Sugar Sweet,” “Fantasy (Bad Boy Remix),” “Honey & Heartbreaker,” “Obsessed,” “It’s Like That,” “Type Dangerous,” and “We Belong Together.” The performance began in a lavish boudoir setting and featured a humorous moment where Carey playfully “slapped” her alter-ego, Bianca.Adding to the evening’s unexpected highlights, Ariana Grande presented Carey with the award, publicly acknowledging long-standing rumors of a feud. Carey responded with heartfelt praise, stating, ”I’m so grateful for you and I’m beyond proud of everything you’ve achieved, girl.” The exchange underscored a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect within the music industry.
Fans can anticipate the release of Here For It All on september 26, continuing Carey’s legacy of musical innovation and vocal artistry.
