The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards took place on Sunday, September 7 at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, in a ceremony hosted by LL Cool J and broadcast for the first time simultaneously on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+. It was a night full of premieres, tributes, and iconic performances that proved once again that music continues to set global trends.
Lady Gaga, the night’s big winner
With 12 nominations, Lady Gaga became the most awarded artist of the evening, taking home 4 Moon Person trophies, including Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration for her hit “Die With a Smile” with Bruno Mars. Her red carpet appearance and live performance were among the most talked about moments of the show.
Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter steal the spotlight
Ariana Grande won two of the night’s top honors: Video of the Year and Best Pop for “brighter days ahead”, cementing her triumphant comeback.
Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter claimed Best Album for Short n’ Sweet and was also recognized as *Best Pop Artist. She delivered one of the most powerful performances of the night, accompanied by drag queens and banners with the message “In Trans We Trust”.
The power of collaborations and rising stars
- ROSÉ & Bruno Mars won Song of the Year with “APT.”
- Alex Warren was crowned Best New Artist, confirming his unstoppable rise in the industry.
- Tate McRae captured Song of the Summer with “Just Keep Watching”.
Genre winners
- Best Alternative: Sombr
- Best K-Pop: Lisa (feat. Doja Cat & RAYE)
- Best Afrobeats: Tyla
- Best Country: Megan Moroney – “Am I Okay?”
Historic tributes
The night was also marked by special awards honoring legendary careers:
- Mariah Carey received the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, delivering an emotional and nostalgic performance.
- Busta Rhymes was honored with the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, recognizing his innovation in hip hop.
- Ricky Martin became the first-ever recipient of the Latin Icon Award, which he dedicated to his four children after performing a medley of his greatest hits that brought the crowd to its feet.
Moments to remember
Among the most talked-about performances were the moving tribute to Ozzy Osbourne by Yungblud and Jesse Jo Stark, as well as Sabrina Carpenter’s high-energy set, which went viral on social media for its strong message of diversity.
Main Winners – MTV VMAs 2025
- Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
- Video of the Year: Ariana Grande – “brighter days ahead”
- Song of the Year: ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – “APT.”
- Best Album: Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
- Best Collaboration: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With a Smile”
- Best New Artist: Alex Warren
- Song of the Summer: Tate McRae – “Just Keep Watching”
The 2025 MTV VMAs confirmed that music continues to evolve with strength, blending legendary icons with fresh voices that are shaping the future of the industry. A diverse, innovative, and emotional ceremony that will go down as one of the most memorable editions in recent years.
