Year in Review 2025: Mariah Carey Captured the First-Ever BET and VMA Wins of Her 35-Year Career

For reasons good, bad, ugly, and everything in between, 2025 was one for the books!

As the year draws to a close, That Grape Juice is reflecting on the occasions that rocked – and to some degree – maybe even reshaped the Urban and Pop cultural landscape as we know it.

Next, we’ll revisit Mariah Carey winning her first VMA and BET awards.

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Mariah had an undeniable standout year in 2025.

From the release of her album ‘Here For It All’ to sold-out performances, high-profile residencies, and her continued reign as the undisputed Queen of Christmas , Mimi proved once again why her legacy remains unmatched.

What truly set 2025 apart, however, was a long-overdue wave of recognition. After decades of shaping Pop and R&B culture, Carey – who has been very open about being snubbed by the GRAMMYs over the years – finally received major career firsts on the award show front that shocked fans and industry watchers alike.

Despite being a household name on BET since 1990, Carey collected her first-ever BET Award this year when she was bestowed the Ultimate Icon Award (a moment many felt was decades in the making).

Just two months later, the legend made headlines again when MTV announced she would receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2025 VMAs.

Even more surprising? The honor marked Mariah’s first trophy from MTV in her 35-year career.

Carey didn’t stop there, though.

She also took home Best R&B at the VMAs for her single ‘Type Dangerous’, proving her influence isn’t just nostalgic, it’s current.

In a year defined by overdue acknowledgment and continued excellence, 2025 cemented Mariah Carey’s status not only as a legend but as an artist still commanding the moment in every decade.

[photo courtesy: Getty]