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After more than three decades of shaping pop music and music videos, Mariah Carey finally took home her first MTV Video Music Award on Sunday night — and she did it in style. Presented by Ariana Grande, the five-time Grammy winner received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, MTV’s prestigious career achievement honor. “Thank you, MTV, for giving me the Vanguard Award. I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight,” Carey said with a laugh. “I just have one question. What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?”

A Career Worth Celebrating

Carey’s remark was well-earned. Since her 1990 debut with Vision of Love, she has notched 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles — more than any other solo artist in history. Her trailblazing vocal style, iconic visuals, and diva persona have helped define multiple eras of pop.

A Medley of Hits

Before her acceptance speech, Carey treated the audience to a dazzling medley of her biggest hits, including Dreamlover, Heartbreaker, Obsessed, Like That, and the timeless We Belong Together. Dressed in a shimmering gold sequin bodysuit and boots, and surrounded by dancers, Carey reminded the crowd why her status as a pop icon has never wavered.

A Look Back — and Forward

“Being here brings back amazing memories,” Carey said, recalling her playful 1998 MTV VMA duet with Whitney Houston, where the two staged a faux standoff in matching gowns. “It was a moment,” she said with a smile. “After all this time, I’ve learned that music evolves, videos evolve — but the fun, that is eternal.” With her first MTV VMA finally in hand, Mariah Carey’s legacy as both a visionary and a forever-diva is officially recognized.