A Night of Legends and Fresh Faces:
The MTV Video Music Awards have always been a mix of music, spectacle, and unforgettable pop culture moments. The 2025 edition, hosted by LL Cool J at UBS Arena in New York, lived up to that reputation, blending show-stopping performances with career-defining wins.
This year’s ceremony celebrated both rising stars and icons, proving once again that the VMAs remain a stage where music history is made.
Top Honors:
Ariana Grande closed out the night by winning Video of the Year for her healing anthem “Brighter Days Ahead.”She also took home Best Pop and delivered a heartfelt speech about art, trauma, and the brighter future her album represents.
#ArianaGrande thanks her therapist and gay people while accepting her #VMA for Best Pop Music Video. pic.twitter.com/iQml6367ej
— Variety (@Variety) September 8, 2025
Lady Gaga walked away as Artist of the Year, adding to her tally with Best Collaboration for her duet with Bruno Mars, “Die With a Smile.” Gaga even managed to juggle her Madison Square Garden concert the same evening, with a pre-recorded VMA performance aired during the show.
#LadyGaga performs "Abracadabra" for the #VMAs at Madison Square Garden. pic.twitter.com/FrNgHyC8Ez
— Variety (@Variety) September 8, 2025
Sabrina Carpenter scored one of the biggest trophies — Best Album for Short n’ Sweet — cementing her position as one of pop’s defining voices of 2025.
#SabrinaCarpenter gives a touching speech while accepting her #VMA for Best Album. pic.twitter.com/sjpddnroGz
— Variety (@Variety) September 8, 2025
Mariah Carey was finally honored with the Video Vanguard Award, performing a career-spanning medley and picking up her first-ever VMA for Best R&B with “Type Dangerous.”
Ricky Martin accepted the inaugural Latin Icon Award with a nostalgic set that included “Livin’ la Vida Loca.”
Busta Rhymes brought the house down with a medley before being recognized with the Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
Other Major Winners:
The night wasn’t short on surprises:
Song of the Year: Rosé & Bruno Mars — “Apt.”
Best New Artist: Alex Warren
Song of Summer: Tate McRae — “Just Keep Watching”
Best Alternative: Sombr — “Back to Friends”
Best Hip-Hop: Doechii — “Anxiety”
Best Rock: Coldplay — “All My Love”
Best Latin: Shakira — “Soltera”
Best Afrobeats: Tyla — “Push 2 Start”
Best K-pop: Lisa ft. Doja Cat & Raye — “Born Again”
Best Country: Megan Moroney — “Am I Okay?”
The Push Performance of the Year went to KATSEYE, further proving how the VMAs continue to be a launchpad for new talent.
Performances That Stole the Show:
The performances reflected the diversity of today’s music landscape. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter delivered pop spectacle, while Doja Cat, J Balvin, and Tate McRae turned the stage into a global dance floor.
But the night’s most emotional moment belonged to the Ozzy Osbourne tribute, where Yungblud, Nuno Bettencourt, and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry honored the late rock legend with electrifying renditions of “Crazy Train,” “Changes,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.”
Why Did This VMAs Matter?
The 2025 VMAs highlighted a generational shift. Emerging artists like Alex Warren and Sombr shared the stage with icons like Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, and Ricky Martin. The show wasn’t just about awards, it was about celebrating music’s ability to evolve while still honoring its roots.
For Ariana, Gaga, and Sabrina, it was a night of validation. For Mariah Carey, it was justice long overdue. And for fans, it was another reminder why the VMAs remain one of the most talked-about nights in music.
Final Take:
The 2025 MTV VMAs gave us everything, big wins, emotional tributes, fresh talent, and overdue recognition. From Ariana’s heartfelt speech to Mariah’s historic moment, the night will be remembered as one where legends were honored and new stars crowned.
