The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards brought glitter, drama, and more Moon Person trophies than we could keep track of. From Lady Gaga powering through a strained voice to Ariana Grande scooping the night’s biggest honour, this year’s show was one for the history books.
Hosted by LL Cool J at UBS Arena in New York, the VMAs aired live across MTV, CBS, and Paramount+ on Sunday night. Let’s break down the highlights, the major wins, and the pop-culture moments we’ll be talking about all week.
Lady Gaga proves she’s unstoppable
Gaga walked away as the biggest winner of the night with four trophies, including the coveted Artist of the Year. What made it even more iconic? She accepted while nursing an “extremely strained” voice, before dashing off to Madison Square Garden for a full performance. Later, the broadcast cut to her live show where she belted out Abracadabra and The Dead Dance. That’s commitment to the little monsters.
She also scored with Bruno Mars for Best Collaboration on Die With a Smile — proving once again she’s pop’s ultimate shapeshifter.
Ariana Grande shines bright with Video of the Year
Ariana Grande’s Brighter Days Ahead didn’t just trend on TikTok — it won Video of the Year, the show’s highest honour. Ari picked up three awards in total, adding another layer to her already massive 2025 comeback era. She also scored Best Pop Video and Best Longform Video.
Basically, if you didn’t watch her video yet, consider this your sign.
Sabrina Carpenter is officially pop royalty
Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet bagged Album of the Year, and she matched Ariana with three wins overall. Her quirky, playful energy has turned into full-blown pop dominance — and honestly, we’re living for it.
She also grabbed Best Pop Artist, cementing her spot as one of the industry’s brightest stars.
Rosé & Bruno Mars: the dream duo
Speaking of dominance, Rosé and Bruno Mars took home Song of the Year for APT., a collab that defined summer playlists worldwide. Rosé also picked up extra love for her solo nominations, while Mars doubled up with Gaga for their duet win.
It’s safe to say: Bruno Mars is still that guy.
Big winners outside the pop bubble
The VMAs weren’t just about pop glitter.
- Doja Cat’s protégé Doechii won Best Hip-Hop and Best Choreography for Anxiety.
- Mariah Carey reminded everyone she’s eternal, winning Best R&B and performing after receiving the Video Vanguard Award.
- Coldplay snagged Best Rock with All My Love.
- Shakira twirled her way to Best Latin for Soltera.
- Lisa of BLACKPINK fame scooped Best K-pop with Born Again.
- Tyla reigned supreme in Best Afrobeats with Push 2 Start.
- Megan Moroney scored the first-ever Best Country Video for Am I Okay?
Basically, every corner of music got its flowers.
Special honours bring the nostalgia
Mariah Carey wasn’t the only legend honoured.
- Busta Rhymes was awarded the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
- Ricky Martin received the Latin Icon Award, reminding us all that Livin’ La Vida Loca will never die.
Both hit the stage with powerhouse performances, blending old-school vibes with fresh flair.
Song of the Summer goes to…
It wouldn’t be the VMAs without a summer anthem. Tate McRae’s Just Keep Watching (yes, from F1 The Movie) grabbed Song of the Summer, beating Sabrina Carpenter’s Manchild and Addison Rae’s Headphones On.
Why the 2025 VMAs mattered
With new categories like Best Pop Artist and Best Country Video, plus CBS joining the broadcast, the VMAs leaned into reinvention while still serving classic chaos (red carpet looks, surprise speeches, and unexpected live cut-ins).
This year proved that the VMAs aren’t just about trophies — they’re about moments. Gaga pushing through vocal struggles. Ariana staging her era’s crowning win. Sabrina stepping into main-pop-girl territory. And Rosé showing K-pop power on a global scale.
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