Despite being nominated eight times throughout her career, on Sunday night (9.07,) Mariah Carey finally won an MTV Video Music Award (VMA) for Best R&B Video for the single ‘Type Dangerous.’
Not the only moon man trophy bestowed on the iconic songstress, a short time later, Ariana Grande presented Carey with the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award for her contribution to the entertainment industry.
During her acceptance speech, the now 56-year old musician said:
“Thank you so much for MTV for giving me the Vanguard Award. I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight,” she began. “I just have one question: What in the Sam Hill (hell) were you waiting for? I’m kidding. I love you.”
Recalling her involvement in a number of memorable MTV VMA show moments – including presenting the Video Vanguard Award to LL Cool J in 1997 and opening the ceremony with Whitney Houston in 1998 – Mariah went on say:
“Being here brings back amazing memories, like when I presented LL Cool J for his Vanguard Award. Or, when Whitney Houston and I opened the show with a faux standoff where we both had our dress, and we were like, ‘Try it on me.’ It was a moment.” “Music videos are my way of life, of bringing music to my own life. Many movies visualizing the sheer fantasy of it all. And let’s be honest, sometimes there’s just an excuse to bring the drama and do things I wouldn’t do in real life.”
Adding that she enjoyed making music videos as they allow her to get into character, such as the time she played “alter-ego” Bianca in the footage for 1999’s ‘Heartbreaker’ and when she pretended to be escaping with a “hot guy to a remote island” for 1997’s ‘Honey,’ the self-proclaimed Queen Of Christmas stated:
“Well, that one really wasn’t much of a stretch, but you know, it happened anyway.” “After all this time, I’ve learned that music evolves, videos evolve, but the fun, that is eternal. Thank you, MTV for playing my videos, and to my fans, the Lambily, I love you so much.”
Prior to receiving the Video Vanguard statue, Mariah performed a medley of hits – including ‘Sugar Sweet,’ ‘Fantasy,’ ‘Honey,’ ‘Heartbreaker,’ Obsessed,’ and ‘We Belong Together,’ – among others.
Mariah follows in the footsteps of Katy Perry, Shakira, Janet Jackson, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez in receiving the Video Vanguard prize.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: MTV Viacom
