Mariah Carey Throws Shade at VMAs for Past Snubs During Emotional Acceptance Speech

I’m Jaden Patel, and I’ll be guiding you through the latest celebrity gossip with a dash of dry humor and a razor-sharp sense of irony. So, let’s dive into the juicy details.
Mariah Carey, the songstress behind hits like “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and “Vision of Love,” recently took home the 2025 MTV VMAs Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, and her acceptance speech was anything but ordinary. As she stepped onto the stage, she couldn’t help but poke fun at the VMAs for their past snubs. With a sly smile, Mariah quipped, “What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?” – a lighthearted jab that had the audience in stitches.
The “Obsessed” singer, who has been in the music industry for over three decades, has had her fair share of accomplishments, including 16 solo studio albums and six Grammy wins. Her latest achievement, the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, was presented to her by none other than Ariana Grande. As Mariah accepted the award, she reflected on her history with the VMAs, including her memorable moments, such as presenting LL Cool J with his Vanguard Award in 1997 and opening the 1998 ceremony with a “faux standoff” with Whitney Houston.
Mariah’s speech was a heartfelt tribute to the power of music videos, which she described as her “way of life.” She reminisced about the good old days, saying, “Music videos are my way of life, of bringing music to my own life, mere movies visualizing the sheer frenzy of it all. Let’s be honest, sometimes, it’s just an excuse to bring the drama and do things I wouldn’t do in real life.” Her words were met with applause and admiration from the audience, who were clearly enamored with her charisma and stage presence.
This year has been a milestone for Mariah, as she also celebrates the 20th anniversary of her iconic album, The Emancipation of Mimi. Released in 2005, the album became the best-selling album of the year in the United States and marked a significant turning point in her career. In an interview with Billboard, Mariah revealed that the album was a creative shakeup she needed at the time, saying, “It’s got a fun feeling to it and it definitely feels free… It sort of revitalized my career. I spent a while making that album.”
As Mariah basked in the glory of her VMA win, she was joined by a slew of A-list celebrities, including Ariana Grande, who presented her with the award. The event was a star-studded affair, with attendees like Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, and Lauren Sorrentino, all dressed to the nines in their custom designer outfits.
In the end, Mariah’s acceptance speech was a testament to her enduring legacy in the music industry. As she took her leave, she left the audience with a lasting impression, proving that she’s still a force to be reckoned with. And who knows? Maybe next year, the VMAs will finally get it right and give her the nominations she deserves.
E! Online, Billboard, Associated Press
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online, Billboard, Associated Press
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed