The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up the UBS Arena in New York on Sunday, September 8, with hip-hop legend LL Cool J as host. The star-studded ceremony was filled with powerful performances, surprise wins, and a celebration of global artistry.
Ariana Grande Wins Video of the Year
Pop powerhouse Ariana Grande snagged the night’s top honor, Video of the Year, for her inspiring anthem “Brighter Days Ahead.” Grande also took home awards for Best Pop and Best Longform Video, giving her a total of three wins.
Lady Gaga Dominates the Night
The biggest winner of the evening was none other than Lady Gaga, who claimed four awards, including the coveted Artist of the Year. Gaga also won Best Collaboration alongside Bruno Mars for their emotional duet “Die With a Smile”, plus Best Direction and Best Art Direction for “Abracadabra.”
Sabrina Carpenter Secures Her Moment
Rising star Sabrina Carpenter cemented her place in pop royalty, scoring three Moon Persons including Album of the Year for Short n’ Sweet and Best Pop Artist.
Global Icons and Historic Wins
- Rosé of BLACKPINK, teaming with Bruno Mars, won Song of the Year for their hit “APT.”
- Alex Warren made a breakthrough, winning Best New Artist.
- Mariah Carey received the prestigious Video Vanguard Award.
- Busta Rhymes was honored with the first-ever Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
- Ricky Martin accepted the inaugural Latin Icon Award.
- Tyla carried Africa high with Best Afrobeats for “Push 2 Start.”
- Shakira won Best Latin for “Soltera.”
- Lisa took Best K-pop with Doja Cat and Raye for “Born Again.”
Other Notable Wins
- Coldplay earned Best Rock with “All My Love.”
- Doechii took home Best Hip-Hop for “Anxiety.”
- Mariah Carey also won Best R&B with “Type Dangerous.”
- Sombr scored Best Alternative with “Back to Friends.”
- BLACKPINK claimed Best Group.
- Tate McRae’s “Just Keep Watching” was crowned Song of the Summer.
Full Winners List Snapshot
- 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
- Album of the Year: Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
- Best Collaboration: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With a Smile”
- Best Afrobeats: Tyla – “Push 2 Start”
- Best Latin: Shakira – “Soltera”
- Best K-Pop: Lisa ft. Doja Cat & Raye – “Born Again”
A Night to Remember
The 2025 VMAs blended nostalgia with forward-thinking artistry, honoring legends like Mariah Carey and Ricky Martin while spotlighting newcomers like Alex Warren. With Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter leading the charge, this year’s show proved the VMAs remain one of music’s biggest nights.
