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.
Two decades later, Ariana Grande stepped into the music scene after she first rose to fame as ‘Cat Valentine’ on Nickelodeon’s Victorious. Following that, she began her singing career in 2013. Ariana’s angelic vocals and pop sensibilities were immediately compared with Mariah Carey’s. Some fans even went ahead to call her the ‘young Mariah.” She openly acknowledged Mariah’s influence in a conversation with Neon Limelight in 2012 and said:
“I love Mariah Carey. She is literally my favorite human being on the planet. As far as vocal influences go, Whitney and Mariah pretty much cover it.”
What led to the conflict between Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande?
Ariana Grande’s comparisons to Mariah Carey during the initial phase of her singing career soon led to tension between them. According to Mariah’s ex-husband, Nick Cannon, the feud began when Ariana was called ‘the next Mariah Carey.’ The latter reportedly disliked being compared to anyone else, saying, “I’m Mariah Carey, why do you need another one?” reported VladTV. Later, Mariah’s appearance on Watch What Happens Live added fuel to the fire in 2016. During the show, the singer commented that she didn’t know Ariana, saying, “I don’t know her.” As per Mariah Carey Archives, the media soon took it to another level by sharing memes and social chatter that showed them as rivals.
How did Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande reconcile?
When the rumours about Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande continued to intrigue fans, the two singers reconciled. Their friendship became evident in March 2019 when Ariana wished Mariah on her anniversary in an Instagram Story. She penned, “Happy anniversary, queen of everything. Loved you then, love you now, love you tomorrow.” The latter reposted the message with a warm, “Thank you, dahling,” signaling that the tension had ended.
After that, they have collaborated musically, including a 2024 remix of Ariana’s Yes, And? and a joint performance on Mariah’s 2020 Christmas special, Oh Santa! alongside Jennifer Hudson. Their latest collaboration came in 2025 on Barbra Streisand’s song One Heart, One Voice from the album The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two.
After everything, both Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande have put the past behind and the latter never shies away from calling Mariah “queen of my life.” In turn, Mariah acknowledges Ariana’s talent and impact on the music industry.
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