It’s hard not to be obsessed with Mariah Carey.
And if you want to know the latest reason why, the Queen of Christmas performed some of her biggest hits on stage at MTV’s Video Music Awards Sept. 7 shortly after receiving the Vanguard Award, the ceremony’s most esteemed prize for profound impact in the music video space.
Ariana Grande presented her fellow whistle toner with the award, calling her "the one reason" anyone sings before Mariah kicked off her performance with a rendition of "Sugar Sweet."
The 56-year-old continued her performance by her hitting her signature whistle note, with a medley that spanned her 35-year career including "Fantasy," "Obsessed" "Type Dangerous," Heartbreaker," "We Belong Together," and more.
And after accepting her Moon Person, she also took a moment to poke some playful fun at MTV.
"Thank you so much MTV for giving me the Vanguard award," she said on stage at UBS Arena. "I can't believe I'm getting my first VMA tonight. I just have one question, what in the Sam Hill were you waiting for? I'm just kidding I love you MTV. "
Elsewhere during the show, Rosé and Bruno Mars scooped Song of the Year for "APT," while Lady Gaga won Artist of the Year.
Despite the evening being full of delightful surprises, Mariah’s performance was a long time coming in more ways than one. MTV announced she’d receive the honor—one previously awarded to Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson—last month, teasing her “show-stopping, career-spanning medley performance.”
Especially showstopping indeed, considering the “Fantasy” singer last performed at the event, hosted by LL Cool J this year, back in 2005 to promote her then-new The Emancipation of Mimi album.
The honor is also extra special for Mariah—mom to 14-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan with ex Nick Cannon—because she is now the oldest ever recipient of the Vanguard honor, having it bestowed on her at age 56, over 35 years into her pop career.
But despite the rare accolade, Mariah is probably paying no mind to that milestone. After all, she famously doesn’t believe in the concepts of birthdays, or time.
As she wrote in a 2019 post shared to X, “Time is not something I acknowledge.”
In fact, given her strong lack of feelings toward time, Mariah likely needed someone to make sure she was on stage at the UBS Arena to wow the crowd.
“I do need someone to be like, ‘Ok, we’ve got to go; you’re running late,’” she added of her time-blind philosophy to Variety in 2019. “Yeah, I am like a petulant child. But my true fans know this. I’m eternally 12.”
Indeed, the only time Mariah is having is the time of her life at the VMAs. Keep reading for more stars who enjoyed the star-studded evening…
Lady Gaga
In Marc Jacobs.
Sabrina Carpenter
In custom Valentino.
Ariana Grande
In custom Fendi and Swarovski jewelry.
Jessica Simpson
In Christian Siriano.
Doja Cat
In Balmain.
Ice Spice
In Ralph Lauren.
Paris Hilton
In The Blonds.
FKA twigs
Conan Gray
In Erik Charlotte.
GloRilla
In Helen Anthony.
Lenny Kravitz
In Saint Laurent.
Ciara
In Schiaparelli.
Taylor Momsen
Alix Earle
In Tom Ford.
Tyla
In vintage Chanel.
Ricky Martin
Tate McRae
In custom Ludovic de Saint Sernin.
Nicky Hilton
Yungblud
Ashlee Simpson
Malin Akerman
Brittany Snow
Summer Walker
With a Simitri bag.
Megan Moroney
Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi
Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino & Lauren Sorrentino
Sexxy Red
Nikki Glaser
In Ludovic de Saint Sernin.
KATSEYE
In Dolce & Gabbana.
Ty Dolla $ign