The “Obsessed” singer was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and carried out a medley of her biggest hits.

Nonetheless, what ought to have been a profession spotlight shortly become a debate on-line, with followers dragging her efficiency and reviving long-standing criticisms about her stage presence.

Carey made certain to rejoice her long-awaited recognition with humor.

Accepting her first-ever VMA, the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, she poked enjoyable at MTV for taking practically three many years to honor her.

“I simply had one query. What within the Sam Hill had been you ready for?” she quipped, earlier than including, “I’m kidding. I like you!”

Introduced by Ariana Grande, who praised her as a musical affect, Mariah acquired the award after a glittering efficiency of hits like “Sugar Candy,” “Fantasy,” “Honey,” “Obsessed,” and “It’s Like That.”

Sporting a gold bodysuit, she informed the group, “Music movies are my lifestyle… let’s be trustworthy, typically, it’s simply an excuse to deliver the drama and do issues I wouldn’t do in actual life.”

“I’ve discovered that music evolves, movies evolve, however the enjoyable — that’s everlasting,” she continued. “Thanks, MTV, for enjoying my movies.”

Later, in a backstage clip, Carey jokingly mirrored on lastly receiving the glory for the second time.

She famous that it was the primary time in her profession she had been given a Moonman trophy and expressed her gratitude to MTV.

“Thanks a lot, MTV. That is superb,” she stated per The Unbiased, earlier than joking concerning the lengthy wait. “I don’t know why it took so lengthy to occur, however… hehe simply kidding.”

Regardless of the applause within the enviornment, many viewers watching at house weren’t impressed.

On X, followers mocked her efficiency as low-energy and uninspired. A number of stated she appeared stiff and barely moved on stage.

“Mariah Carey being launched because the queen of vocals and she or he’s simply lip syncing,” one consumer wrote per the Every day Mail. One other added, “Mariah doing the least doable motion.”

Some went additional, accusing Carey of giving followers little effort.

One individual commented, “Mariah keep giving us the naked minimal,” whereas one other stated, “Mariah out right here all stiff and s**t… woman in case you obtained again issues inform ’em you possibly can’t carry out.”

Others merely remarked that she was “simply present on stage” and “not transferring in any respect.”

Not all of the reactions had been detrimental, as some viewers discovered her minimal effort amusing and surprisingly iconic.

One fan posted, “Actually she simply walks backwards and forwards,” whereas one other joked, “Mariah Carey you go woman give us nothing you icon.”

A 3rd famous, “I like Mariah Carey’s voice however she’s obtained much less vitality than me on a Sunday evening.”

One other fan chimed in that she was “like a statue on stage it’s so FUNNY omfg.”

An impressed fan added, “Mariah actually has nothing to show she’s been doing it for greater than 30 YEARSSS she is an Icon she’s Legendaryyy!!! Thee Songbird Supreme!”

Others regarded on the criticism in a different way, seeing it as a part of what makes her stand out, with one tweet studying, “Mariah Carey legit has completely zero stage presence it’s actually so iconic.”

Mariah Carey’s playful VMAs jab wasn’t the primary time she has spoken out about being missed by main award reveals.

Simply weeks earlier, she blasted the Grammys throughout an look on Pitchfork’s “Over/Underneath” YouTube collection.

When requested concerning the music business’s largest award, she responded bluntly, “Ha, I feel the Grammys are overrated.”

She clarified that she meant each the occasion and the award itself, whereas nonetheless softening her assertion with, “However we love everyone.”