What Ariana Grande Told Mariah Carey After Her 2025 VMA Win — Off-Mic Moment Revealed

Ariana Grande shared a private message with Mariah Carey during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, and a lip reader has revealed what was said.

Ariana Grande had more to say after presenting Mariah Carey with the Video Vanguard Award at the 2025 MTV VMAs. Cameras caught her rushing back to the stage for a private exchange, and a lip reader has now revealed the words that went unheard during the broadcast.

Grande presented Carey with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at this year’s ceremony. After Carey's acceptance speech, Grande ran to greet her off-mic, where cameras captured the moment without sound.

Professional lip reader NJ Hickling later confirmed to the Irish Star that Grande told Carey, "Oh my god. Great speech. You are my queen, I love you so much."

Carey, who was visibly moved onstage, thanked fans in her speech and remarked on the long wait for recognition, asking, "What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?" The honor was Carey's first VMA win, a milestone in her decades-long career and enduring impact on pop music.