After more than three decades at the top of the music industry, Mariah Carey finally secured her first competitive MTV Video Music Award (VMA) on Sunday night.
The legendary singer won Best R&B for her single “Type Dangerous” from her forthcoming album Here For It All, triumphing over fellow nominees Chris Brown (“Residuals”), Summer Walker (“Heart of a Woman”), and SZA (“Drive”).
The award, presented during the pre-show, marked a long-awaited win for Carey, who had been nominated eight times previously.
“I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight,” Carey said in her acceptance speech, before playfully adding, “I just have one question. What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?”
Her historic night didn’t end there. Carey also received the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, presented by pop star Ariana Grande.
“This year’s Video Vanguard Award recipient is the reason why so many of us here sing,” Grande said. “Mariah Carey is a singular talent and artist. Tonight we celebrate and thank her for giving us the soundtrack of our lives.”
Before accepting the award, Carey delivered a dazzling medley of her greatest hits, including “Heartbreaker,” “We Belong Together,” “Obsessed,” and “Like That.” She began in a flowing silk robe before revealing a gold sequined bodysuit and boots, electrifying the stage with “Fantasy.”
In her acceptance speech, Carey reflected on her decades-long relationship with the VMAs, recalling presenting LL Cool J with a Vanguard Award in 1997 and her memorable “diva-off” with Whitney Houston in 1998.
The Video Vanguard Award is one of the VMAs’ highest honors, previously given to icons such as Britney Spears, Madonna, Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Shakira.
Other highlights of the night included Busta Rhymes receiving the Bells Visionary Award, Lady Gaga’s theatrical performance of “The Dead Dance”, and a powerful tribute to Ozzy Osbourne.
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