inger Mariah Carey took to the stage at the 2025 VMAs to perform a medley of her greatest hits and accept the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, the biggest award of the evening. Dressed in a champagne-colored, feather-trimmed silk bathrobe, the 56-year-old removed it to reveal a corseted gold crystal-covered bodysuit, which she paired with matching sparkling boots. The singer had skipped the red carpet earlier, but during her performance, it was her jewellery that was the true star of the show. She wore a 204.38-carat "Rosée Éternelle" diamond necklace and matching chandelier earrings from Levuma, valued at $10 million. The "Fantasy" singer is the oldest recipient of the Video Vanguard Award to date, and on receiving her award from presenter Ariana Grande, jokingly quipped "I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight. I just have one question, what in the Sam Hell were you waiting for?"

Past recipients include Katy Perry, who received the award in 2024, as well as Madonna, Janet Jackson, George Michael, Britney Spears and Beyoncé. Mariah received the award in recognition of her profound impact on pop culture and music videos.