Mariah Carey Criticized for ‘Bare Minimum’ 2025 MTV VMAs Performance

Mariah Carey Faces Backlash Over 2025 VMAs Performance: Fans Criticize "Bare Minimum" Effort
By Lillian Gissen, US Deputy Femail Editor
Published: 03:02 BST, 8 September 2025 | Updated: 04:10 BST, 8 September 2025

Mariah Carey, 56, sparked mixed reactions at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards after receiving the prestigious Video Vanguard Award. While the honor celebrated her decades-long career, her subsequent performance drew sharp criticism online, with fans calling it "stiff," "low-energy," and accusing her of lip-syncing.

Award Glory Overshadowed by Performance Critique
Dressed in a shimmering gold bodysuit, Carey performed a medley of hits including Fantasy, Honey, and It’s Like That. However, social media erupted with complaints about her minimal movement and perceived lack of enthusiasm.

[IMAGE: Mariah Carey in gold bodysuit on stage with caption: Critics called Carey’s VMAs performance "stiff" and "lackluster."]

X (formerly Twitter) users roasted the singer, with one writing, "Mariah Carey being introduced as the queen of vocals and she’s just lip-syncing…" Others mocked her slow pacing: "Mariah just existing on stage" and "Girl if you got back problems, tell ’em you can’t perform."

Historic Win Meets Mixed Reactions
Ariana Grande presented Carey with the Video Vanguard Award, marking the All I Want For Christmas Is You singer’s first VMA win. Carey humorously quipped, "I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight… What were you waiting for?" Earlier in the evening, she also won the R&B VMA for Type Dangerous.

[IMAGE: Mariah holding her Video Vanguard Award with caption: Carey joked about MTV taking "too long" to honor her.]

A Pattern of Low-Energy Performances?
This isn’t the first time Carey has faced scrutiny. In February, fans expressed concern over videos from her Las Vegas residency showing her moving cautiously on stage. Some speculated she was in pain or questioned if clips were from rehearsals.

Grammys Feud Resurfaces
The VMAs controversy follows Carey’s recent criticism of the Grammys. During an interview, she labeled the awards "overrated," referencing her history of snubs despite five Grammy wins. "We love everybody," she added cheekily, refusing to fully backtrack.

[IMAGE: Mariah Carey at a past event with caption: Carey has openly criticized award shows like the Grammys.]

While loyal fans defended her legacy, the VMAs performance debate highlights the challenges icons face in meeting sky-high expectations. As one supporter noted, "She’s 56 and still serving vocals—let her live!"

Social Media Reactions

• "Mariah stay giving us the bare minimum."
• "She’s a legend, but that was painful to watch."
• "Respect her career, but this wasn’t it."

Carey has yet to address the backlash, but the diva—known for her wit—may yet turn the criticism into another chapter of her unshakable brand.

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