The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up UBS Arena in New York with a show that was part celebration, part spectacle, and all about music’s biggest risk-takers. From legendary tributes to fresh new winners, the evening carried the perfect balance of nostalgia and next-generation energy.
A Stage for Legends
Mariah Carey finally received long-overdue recognition with the Video Vanguard Award, bringing the audience to its feet with an emotional acceptance speech. Busta Rhymes was honored with the first Rock the Bells Visionary Award, while Ricky Martin was crowned as Latin Icon, reminding fans of his global influence. These moments turned the ceremony into more than just an awards show—it felt like a history lesson wrapped in glitter and applause.
The Stars Who Shined Brightest
The night’s big winner was Lady Gaga, who took home four awards including the coveted Artist of the Year. Her collaboration with Bruno Mars, “Die With a Smile,” cemented her reputation as both a powerhouse vocalist and cultural chameleon. Gaga, currently on her Mayhem Ball Tour, dedicated her victory to her fiancé, drawing cheers and a few tears from fans worldwide.
Ariana Grande made her mark with the visually stunning “Brighter Days Ahead,” which earned her both Video of the Year and Best Pop. Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter proved she’s more than just a rising star—walking away with multiple wins, including Best Album for Short n’ Sweet.
Other standouts included ROSÉ & Bruno Mars, who grabbed Song of the Year with their viral duet “APT,” while Tate McRae secured Song of the Summer for “Just Keep Watching.” Alex Warren, crowned Best New Artist, signaled a fresh wave of talent breaking through.
The Performances Everyone’s Talking About
The VMAs wouldn’t be the VMAs without jaw-dropping performances. Sabrina Carpenter delivered one of the night’s boldest sets, mixing pop hooks with drag artistry that lit up social media instantly. Doja Cat returned with a fiery performance blending rap and avant-garde visuals, proving once again why she’s a VMA favorite.
Lady Gaga, streaming live from her tour stage, pulled off a technically dazzling remote performance, though some fans admitted it lacked the raw electricity of being in the room. In a tearful highlight, Yungblud joined Aerosmith for a heartfelt tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, uniting generations of rock lovers in a single moment of reverence.
Fashion That Stole the Spotlight
Before the trophies were handed out, the red carpet set the tone. Lady Gaga stunned in a dramatic Marc Jacobs look, Ariana Grande brought elegance with a sparkling Fendi gown, and Sabrina Carpenter wowed in a Valentino number designed just for her. Doja Cat pushed boundaries in Balmain, while stars like Ice Spice, Lenny Kravitz, and Paris Hilton turned the arrivals into a runway of bold statements.
Final Takeaway
The 2025 MTV VMAs weren’t just about awards—they were about honoring icons, elevating new voices, and creating moments fans will replay for years. From Gaga’s heartfelt wins to Ariana’s cinematic triumphs and Carpenter’s star-making performance, the show reminded the world why music—and the culture around it—remains unstoppable.
