The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, held on September 7 at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, was a night of dazzling performances, heartfelt tributes, and historic milestones. Among the evening’s most electrifying moments was Mariah Carey’s triumphant win for Best R&B Song with her single “Type Dangerous,” marking her first-ever competitive VMA win after a decades-long career of unparalleled influence. The victory, coupled with her show-stopping performance and receipt of the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, solidified Carey’s status as the undisputed Queen of R&B, proving that her vocal prowess and creative vision remain as vibrant as ever.
A Long-Overdue Victory
Mariah Carey, a global superstar known for her five-octave vocal range and genre-defining contributions to R&B and pop, has been a cultural force since her self-titled debut album in 1990. Despite her monumental success—19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, six Grammy Awards, and over 200 million albums sold worldwide—Carey had never won a competitive VMA in her nine previous nominations. Her shutout, despite iconic videos like “Fantasy,” “Honey,” and “We Belong Together,” had long been a point of contention among her devoted fans, known as the Lambily. The 2025 VMAs finally corrected this oversight, with “Type Dangerous” earning the Best R&B Song award during the pre-show, beating out formidable contenders like Chris Brown’s “Residuals,” SZA’s “Drive,” and The Weeknd and Playboi Carti’s “Timeless.”
The win was announced on the red carpet, where Carey, radiant in a champagne gold gown, expressed her disbelief and playful shade toward MTV. “This is amazing, MTV, I don’t know why it took you so long!” she joked in a video message, her signature wit shining through. The moment was a vindication for Carey and her fans, who have long championed her as a trailblazer in R&B and music video storytelling. Social media erupted with celebration, with fans posting messages like, “Mariah finally getting her flowers at the VMAs!” and “Type Dangerous is a bop, and the Queen deserves this!”
“Type Dangerous”: A Bold New Chapter
Released in June 2025 as the lead single from Carey’s forthcoming 16th studio album, Here for It All, “Type Dangerous” is a sultry, action-flick-inspired R&B track that showcases her vocal agility and knack for reinvention. Co-written by Carey with longtime collaborator Jermaine Dupri and rising songwriter Johntá Austin, the song blends contemporary R&B with cinematic flair, its lyrics weaving a tale of confidence and allure against a backdrop of pulsating beats. The accompanying music video, directed by Joseph Kahn, features Carey as a femme fatale in a high-stakes heist, complete with dramatic fight scenes and her signature glamorous aesthetic. The video’s bold visuals and Carey’s commanding presence earned it a nomination for Best R&B, ultimately securing her first Moon Person trophy.
The song’s win was particularly significant given the competitive field. The Best R&B category at the 2025 VMAs highlighted the genre’s evolution, with nominees representing a mix of established stars and new voices. Carey’s victory over artists like Summer Walker, Leon Thomas, and PARTYNEXTDOOR underscored her enduring relevance in a landscape dominated by younger talent. “Type Dangerous” has already made waves on streaming platforms, amassing over 100 million streams on Spotify and climbing the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart, proving that Carey’s ability to craft anthems remains unmatched.
A Career-Spanning Medley and Video Vanguard Honor
Carey’s triumph at the 2025 VMAs extended beyond her Best R&B win. She was also honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, recognizing her profound impact on music videos and pop culture. Presented by Ariana Grande, who praised Carey as “the reason so many of us sing” and the creator of a “pop playbook,” the award was a testament to Carey’s pioneering work in visual storytelling. From the playful, hip-hop-infused “Fantasy” to the cinematic “Heartbreaker” and the meme-worthy “Obsessed,” Carey’s music videos have set benchmarks for creativity and innovation.
To celebrate the honor, Carey delivered a career-spanning medley that brought the UBS Arena to its feet. Entering in a silky gold robe, she opened with her latest single, “Sugar Sweet,” a flirty track featuring Shenseea and Kehlani from Here for It All. The performance transitioned into a remix of “Fantasy,” complete with the iconic Ol’ Dirty Bastard intro, before weaving through hits like “Honey,” “Heartbreaker,” “Obsessed,” “It’s Like That,” and “We Belong Together.” A highlight was Carey’s playful interaction with her alter ego, Bianca, from the “Heartbreaker” and “Obsessed” videos, portrayed by an actress onstage. Stripping off her robe to reveal a glittering gold jumpsuit, Carey commanded the stage with her signature diva energy, delivering whistle notes that reminded audiences of her unmatched vocal talent.
Accepting the Video Vanguard Award, Carey reflected on her journey with characteristic humor and sincerity. “What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?” she quipped, addressing MTV’s delay in recognizing her contributions. She spoke passionately about the role of music videos in her career, calling them “mini movies visualizing the sheer fantasy of it all.” She thanked her fans, the Lambily, for their unwavering support and plugged her upcoming album, set for release on September 26. The performance and speech were met with a standing ovation, with Grande visibly emotional as she embraced Carey onstage.
A Full-Circle Moment
Carey’s appearance at the 2025 VMAs was a full-circle moment, marking her first performance at the awards since 2005, when she promoted The Emancipation of Mimi. That album, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, marked a career resurgence for Carey, with hits like “We Belong Together” and “Shake It Off” reestablishing her as a chart-topping force. Her return to the VMAs stage, hosted by LL Cool J—whom Carey presented with the Video Vanguard Award in 1997—added a layer of nostalgia to the evening. The connection was not lost on fans, who celebrated the reunion of two music icons who have shaped MTV’s legacy.
The 2025 VMAs were a celebration of Carey’s multifaceted career, from her groundbreaking debut in the 1990s to her continued evolution as an artist. Her ability to blend R&B, pop, and hip-hop has influenced countless performers, including Grande, who has often cited Carey as a vocal and artistic inspiration. The Best R&B win for “Type Dangerous” and the Video Vanguard Award underscored Carey’s dual role as a hitmaker and a visual innovator, with her music videos setting the stage for the genre’s crossover into mainstream pop culture.
The Night’s Broader Context
The 2025 VMAs were a star-studded affair, with performances and awards that highlighted the diversity of modern music. Lady Gaga led the night with 12 nominations, winning Artist of the Year, while Ariana Grande took home Video of the Year for “Brighter Days Ahead.” Sabrina Carpenter won Best Album for Short n’ Sweet, and Busta Rhymes received the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award. A poignant tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, featuring YUNGBLUD, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Nuno Bettencourt, brought the audience to its feet, with Grande’s viral reaction adding to the moment’s buzz.
Carey’s wins stood out as a testament to her resilience and longevity. At 56, she continues to push boundaries, blending her classic sound with contemporary influences on Here for It All. The album, her first since 2018’s Caution, is poised to be a major release, with “Type Dangerous” and “Sugar Sweet” already generating excitement. Carey’s ability to remain relevant in an industry that often prioritizes youth is a reflection of her talent, work ethic, and connection with her fans.
Conclusion
Mariah Carey’s triumph at the 2025 MTV VMAs was a moment of validation for an artist who has long defined R&B and pop music. Her win for Best R&B Song with “Type Dangerous” marked a historic first, while her Video Vanguard Award celebrated her unparalleled contributions to music videos. The career-spanning medley, filled with hits that have soundtracked generations, reminded audiences why Carey remains the Queen of R&B. As she prepares to release Here for It All, Carey’s performance and victories at the VMAs signal that her reign is far from over, proving once again that her voice, vision, and legacy are timeless.
