The MTV Video Music Awards 2025, held on September 7, 2025, gave fans several memorable moments to cherish for the rest of the year. One of the most unexpected moments was when Ariana Grande presented the Video Vanguard Award to Mariah Carey. Calling Mariah the “reason so many of us sing,” Ariana bowed in admiration.
The respectful gesture was a symbol of not just respect, but of how far the two singers have come since rumours about their hostility surfaced years ago. Here’s what really caused tension between Ariana Grande and Mariah Carey and how they overcame it.
Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande’s rise to the scene
Mariah Carey’s rise to superstardom began in 1990 when her debut single Vision of Love, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the next 10 years and so, she became one of the world’s most influential vocalists. According to US Weekly, the singer earned 18 more No. 1 singles on the Billboard charts that solidified her status as a pop icon. Mariah has made a name for herself with her impressive vocal range and chart-topping songs like We Belong Together that inspired a new generation of singers.
