MTV’s Video Music Awards(VMAs) still rank as one of the most-watched award shows on television. Now, the network has announced that Mariah Carey will be the recipient of the 2025 Video Vanguard Award. Of course, this also means the legendary songstress will take to the stage to perform a melody of her songs, likely both classic and new, as she has a new album, “Here For It All,” coming out.
The announcement that Carey would be getting the award came from the official Video Music Awards account on X on August 21. Notably, the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award is the award show’s highest honor.
They wrote, “Feeling alllll the emotions because… @MARIAHCAREY IS OUR VIDEO VANGUARD! Join us as we honor and celebrate MC at the 2025. LIVE September 7 at 8p on CBS @paramountplus!
Katy Perry received the prestigious award at the 2024 Video Music Awards. Shakira went home with it the year before, and Nicki Minaj was the proud honoree in 2022. The award dates back to 1984 when Davie Bowie was the first to receive it. Later, in 1991, it was officially named the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
The Announcement Comes Ahead of Carey’s New Album
In addition to receiving the Video Vanguard award at the 2025 Video Music Awards, Carey also has a new album releasing this year. According to Billboard, she announced that the album, “Here For It All,” would be released on September 26th.
So far, the album has been preceded by two singles, “Type Dangerous” and Sugar Sweet.” There’s also an EP to go along with the former of the two singles, featuring remixes, one of which includes rapper Method Man.
Carey had been open about the fact that she was working on new music for years before its announcement. She told Variety in 2024, “I’ve written some new songs. You know, I’m excited about it. I have to figure out which songs I’m going to do and which songs I’m not going to do. But I think I’m very excited about it.”
“Here for It All” marks Carey’s first album since 2018’s “Caution,” which debuted at number five on the Billboard top 200 chart.
Her New Album Marks a Brave Change in Her Career
“Here for It All” is more than just Carey’s first album since 2018. Instead, it’s also her first album that finds her signed to an independent record label, Gamma. Notably, the company was founded by Larry Jackson, the former Global Creative Director for Apple Music.
Carey spoke to Forbes about her new musical home in June 2025. She said, “What Larry Jackson is building at Gamma is beyond music. It’s a cultural shift, and I’m excited to be part of something that honors legacy while pushing boundaries.”
The singer added, “This next chapter is about owning my narrative and creating freely on my own terms.”
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MTV Announces the Recipient of the 2025 Video Vanguard Award