Lady Gaga made a dramatic entrance—and exit—at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on September 7, accepting the Artist of the Year award before leaving the ceremony just minutes later. The pop icon took the stage at UBS Arena in New York to open the night but told the audience she had to rush back to another major event.
From VMAs to the Mayhem Ball
During her acceptance speech, Gaga explained, “I wish I could stay and watch all these amazing performances, but I have to go back to Madison Square Garden.” Gaga was scheduled to perform her Mayhem Ball concert the same evening—just 18 miles from the VMAs venue.
To accommodate both events, Gaga confirmed via Instagram that her concert would begin at 9:30 p.m. ET, allowing her enough time to briefly attend the VMAs before racing across town. She exited the awards show just 15 minutes after it began.
#LadyGaga wins the most prestigious award of the night for Artist of the Year at this year's VMA's, and dedicates it to the audience! @ladygaga pic.twitter.com/rde1ScEhKr
— World Music Awards (@WORLDMUSICAWARD) September 8, 2025
A Powerful Message on Artistry
Though brief, Gaga’s speech resonated deeply. “Being an artist is an attempt to connect the souls of people all over the world,” she said. “It is a responsibility to make the audience smile, dance, cry, release… It’s about building understanding and celebrating community.”
A Personal Dedication
Gaga also used the moment to dedicate the award to her fiancé, Michael Polansky, who co-wrote several songs on her Mayhem Ball album, including Blade of Grass, inspired by his proposal. “Creating this year with you was a dream,” she said. “I dedicate this to you, to my love.”
Giving ALLL of my applause to Mother Monster herself for being OUR Artist of the Year!
— MTV (@MTV) September 8, 2025
@ladygaga at the #VMAs pic.twitter.com/vGGxAMKK03
Fierce Competition on Music’s Biggest Night
The ceremony, hosted by LL Cool J, featured top nominees like Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, Rosé, and Gaga herself. Mars had a standout year with hits like Die With a Smile (with Gaga) and APT (with Rosé), both reaching the Billboard Hot 100 top five
