Mariah Carey’s Triple Crown: Music Legend Achieves Historic Honors in 2025
A Year of Unprecedented Recognition
Mariah Carey achieved a significant milestone at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, accepting the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award after an impressive 35-year career. The recognition comes as part of a remarkable series of honors for the legendary artist.
Historic Performance and Achievement
During the ceremony, Carey delivered a spectacular performance featuring a medley of her classic hits including ‘Dreamlover,’ ‘Heartbreaker,’ ‘Obsessed,’ ‘Like That’ and ‘We Belong Together,’ showcasing her enduring talent in a gold sequined suit. At age 56, she made history as the oldest recipient of the Vanguard honor, marking over 35 years of contribution to pop music.
Multiple Honors and Recognition
Adding to her accolades, Carey was also honored with the Ultimate Icon Award at the BET Awards 2025, further cementing her status as a legend who didn’t just fit the mold—she broke it, reimagined it, and trademarked the glitter.
Hall of Fame Recognition
In another career-defining moment, Carey has been announced as one of the honorees for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She joins an illustrious 2025 class that includes Bad Company, The Black Crowes, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, Maná, Oasis, Outkast, Phish, Soundgarden and The White Stripes.
Legacy and Impact
The Hall of Fame recognition acknowledges her tremendous impact on pop music, with nineteen Number One hits, second only to the Beatles. Her career achievements include sales of more than 220 million records, five Grammy Awards, nineteen World Music Awards, ten American Music Awards, and twenty Billboard Music Awards. Her work has particularly resonated with Black audiences, from her gospel-infused performances to her soul-rooted songwriting and groundbreaking collaborations with producers like Jermaine Dupri. This recognition serves not just as acknowledgment of her commercial success, but also of her credibility within the culture.