Internet trolls feast on Mariah Carey's “bare minimum” VMA performance
Mariah Carey at the VMAs 2025 has the internet screaming after her “bare minimum” performance left much to be desired.
The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) 2025 welcomed all of our favourite pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, and even the queen of pop, Mariah Carey.
And for the first time in history, the “obsessed” singer won a VMA, “the Vanguard Award,” which represents an artist's lifetime dedication to music.
Carey accepted the award from pop princess Ariana Grande, as they shared a warm exchange on the VMAs stage.
MOTHER DAUGHTER DUOOO 🫶
undefined MTV (@MTV) September 8, 2025
🌟 @MariahCarey & Ariana Grande
📍 2025 #VMAs pic.twitter.com/AKvCBRRjkQ
The pop icon thanked MTV for awarding her the VMA Vanguard Award. “I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight,” Carey said.
She then ended her speech by asking the question, “What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?”
While Carey has been described as a pop legend, she’s also the queen of memes, and her performance at the VMAs provided a lot of material for internet trolls and fans alike.
Mariah Carey doing the bare minimum and still be an iconic #VMAs pic.twitter.com/ZqByFc7bJs
undefined Nene’s Trash Box (@NerNerHabbi) September 8, 2025
“Mariah Carey doing the bare minimum and still being an icon,” said one X user as they commented on her arguably lacklustre mash-up of some of her top hits.
Other users commented on Carey’s overall lack of movement while performing at the VMAs, saying that she somewhat resembled a deflated balloon.
“Mariah Carey’s performance be like,” said one user.
Mariah Carey’s performance be like. #VMAs pic.twitter.com/C5wDV2GUJO
undefined ᴄᴜʟᴛᴏꜰɢᴏᴢᴇʀ (@GozerEdits) September 8, 2025
Another user compared her to the queen of drag, saying, “Why is Mariah Carey dancing like RuPaul?”
Y'all why is Mariah Carey dancing like RuPaul 😭 #VMAs pic.twitter.com/EZWo14YpQO
undefined ferlozar (@Fernando_Loza) September 8, 2025
Other notable comments include, “Miss Girl is as stiff as a board just up there serving looks” and “People gotta be thankful she even chooses to show up.”
