Mariah Carey‘s latest achievement was far from a fantasy.
After all, the “Obsessed” singer accepted the highest achievement at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 7: the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
With over three decades in the music industry, 16 solo studio albums and six Grammy wins, Mariah was honored with the lifetime achievement award by Ariana Grande. With the singer winning her first-ever VMA this year for her track “Type Dangerous,” she had a special message for the award show.
“I just had one question,” Mariah—who earned her first of nine nominations in 1996—began. “What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?”
It was all in jest, however, with her quickly adding, “I’m kidding. I love you!”
As Mariah accepted the award, she reflected on her attendance at the award show, including her presenting host LL Cool J with his Vanguard Award in 1997 and opening the 1998 ceremony with a “faux standoff” with Whitney Houston.
