A Night of Triumphs and Tributes in New York
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards delivered a spectacular evening of music and celebration on Sunday, September 7, live from the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. Hosted by the legendary LL Cool J, the 42nd annual ceremony saw Lady Gaga emerge as the night’s biggest winner, while also paying special tribute to icons who have shaped the industry. For the first time, the show was broadcast live on CBS, in addition to its traditional home on MTV and the Paramount+ streaming service.
Legends Take Center Stage
This year’s VMAs placed a significant emphasis on honoring musical trailblazers. The incomparable Mariah Carey received the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, presented by Ariana Grande. Carey captivated the audience with a career-spanning medley of her hits, including “Fantasy,” “Heartbreaker,” and “We Belong Together,” before accepting her first-ever VMA trophy.
The ceremony also introduced two inaugural awards. Puerto Rican superstar Ricky Martin was honored as the first-ever recipient of the Latin Icon Award after performing a high-energy medley of his own global hits. Hip-hop pioneer Busta Rhymes accepted the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award, delivering a powerful performance that reminded everyone of his lasting impact. In a more somber moment, the VMAs paid tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away in July. As reported by digitaltrendstoday.com, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry joined YUNGBLUD and Nuno Bettencourt for a powerful medley celebrating the career of the “Prince of Darkness.”
Lady Gaga and Pop’s New Royalty Dominate
Entering the night with a leading 12 nominations, Lady Gaga walked away with four “Moon Person” trophies, the most of any artist. Her wins included the coveted Artist of the Year award, Best Collaboration for “Die With a Smile” with Bruno Mars, Best Direction, and Best Art Direction for “Abracadabra.”
While Gaga reigned supreme, other artists had a monumental night as well. Ariana Grande took home the night’s top prize, Video of the Year, for “Brighter Days Ahead.” Sabrina Carpenter also secured three awards, winning Best Album for Short n’ Sweet, Best Visual Effects for “Manchild,” and the new fan-voted category of Best Pop Artist.
Key 2025 VMA Winners:
- Video of the Year: Ariana Grande – “Brighter Days Ahead”
- Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
- Song of the Year: ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – “APT.”
- Best New Artist: Alex Warren
- Best Album: Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
- Best Collaboration: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With a Smile”
- Best K-Pop: LISA ft. Doja Cat & RAYE – “Born Again”
- Best Hip-Hop: Doechii – “Anxiety”
- Best Country: Megan Moroney – “Am I Okay?”
- Song of Summer: Tate McRae – “Just Keep Watching”
Unforgettable Performances Light Up the Stage
The evening was packed with memorable performances that spanned genres and generations. Doja Cat opened the show with a captivating rendition of “Jealous Type,” accompanied by saxophonist Kenny G. Tate McRae delivered a Medusa-inspired performance of her hits “Revolving Door” and “Sports Car,” while Sabrina Carpenter recreated her vibrant “Tears” music video on stage. In a unique broadcast, Lady Gaga’s performance of “Abracadabra” and “The Dead Dance” was streamed live from her concert at Madison Square Garden, bringing the energy of her tour directly to the VMA audience. The night successfully blended a celebration of today’s biggest hits with heartfelt honors for music’s enduring legends, marking another unforgettable chapter in VMA history.
