Music industry veteran Mariah Carey has amassed a slew of awards in her 35 year career, including multiple Grammys, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards. However, it wasn’t until this year’s Video Music Awards (VMAs), held on Sunday, that she finally won her first ever competitive VMA, Best R&B award, for her single “Type Dangerous” from her upcoming album Here For It All, despite eight previous nominations.
She beat out a lineup that included Chris Brown’s “Residuals,” Summer Walker’s “Heart of a Woman,” and SZA’s “Drive.” The award was presented to her during the pre-show earlier in the evening.
“I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight,” said the “We Belong Together” singer upon receiving her award. She then joked, “I just have one question. What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?”
Her wins didn’t end there. Carey also received the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, presented by Ariana Grande. “This year’s Video Vanguard Award recipient is the reason why so many of us here sing. Mariah Carey is a singular talent and artist,” Grande said. “Tonight we celebrate and thank her deeply and endlessly for her work and for providing us with a soundtrack of our lives.”
Before accepting the award, Carey performed a medley of her hits, including “Heartbreaker,” “We Belong Together,” “Obsessed,” and “Like That.” She opened the set in a flowing silk robe before revealing a gold sequined bodysuit and boots, launching into a performance of “Fantasy.”
Reflecting on her career during her Vanguard acceptance, Carey recalled presenting LL Cool J with a Video Vanguard Award in 1997 and her famous diva-off opening with Whitney Houston at the 1998 VMAs, moments that cemented her long-standing relationship with the VMAs.
The Video Vanguard Award is one of the highest honors in music, recognizing performers who have made a profound impact on music and culture. Past recipients include Britney Spears, Madonna, Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Shakira.
Other memorable events of the night include Busta Rhymes receiving the Bells Visionary Award, Gaga’s “The Dead Dance” performance, and the Ozzy Osbourne tribute.
