Mariah Carey made history at the MTV VMAs 2025 by winning her first ever Video Music Award – and it was none other than the highest honour awarded of the night. Mariah Carey took home the legendary Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, given out to one artist to celebrate their legacy in the industry every year. The artist normally also performs a medley of hits to mark their greatness and remind everyone why they’re such an icon. Previous winners include Katy Perry, Shakira and Britney Spears. After Ariana Grande presented Mariah Carey with the coveted trophy, she said something to the elusive chanteuse that couldn’t be heard by us – but a lip reader has revealed what she said to her at the VMAs 2025.
It was actually so wholesome
Mariah Carey got presented the award by Ariana Grande in a really moving moment. Ariana Grande has long cited Mariah Carey as being a huge influence on her career – the two are both renowned for their melismatic style of singing and whistle note domination. They’ve also collaborated on several songs, recently of course being the remix of Ariana’s lead single Yes, And last year.
mariah carey saying she’s super proud of ariana grande and everything that she’s achieved during the VMA vanguard award. this was so cute
pic.twitter.com/DbzZWCEqrF
— ໊ (@dieforyous) September 8, 2025
After Ariana Grande gave Mariah Carey her award, Ariana dropped down to literally bow down to mother. Mariah thanked her graciously and gave her an actual kiss – the two are super close and she also said she was so proud of all of Ariana’s continued success.
There was one thing that Ariana Grande said to Mariah Carey at the VMAs 23025 though that audiences couldn’t hear. A lip reader thankfully has revealed to the Irish Star what actually was said. Ariana Grande lovingly and gushingly told Mariah Carey “Oh my god. Great speech. You are my queen, I love you so much.”
It’s so nice when clearly society wants these two to be rivals that the pair of them have so much love and respect for each other. I’ve seen a lot of criticism for Mariah Carey’s performance last night – and to that I say: She’s a living legend with nothing to prove. I am not expecting Mariah to give a performance of the standard she could in the 90s. She’s got nothing to prove, and I’m grateful she’s still putting herself out there and reminding people how great her discography and legacy truly is.
At least the lip reader reveals that Ariana Grande has taste regarding Mariah Carey and knew how to honour a true legend at the VMAs 2025.
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Featured image via C Flanigan/imageSPACE/Shutterstock
