The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday, September 8, with unforgettable performances and history-making wins.
Rapper LL Cool J hosted the star-studded evening, keeping the crowd energized throughout.
Pop superstar Ariana Grande secured the night’s top prize, taking home Video of the Year for her powerful single “Brighter Days Ahead.”
Grande collected three trophies in total, solidifying her place as one of the biggest winners of the night.
“This video means the world to me, and I’m so grateful for everyone who made it possible,” Grande said while accepting her award.
However, it was Lady Gaga who emerged as the biggest winner of the ceremony.
She walked away with four awards, including the highly coveted Artist of the Year.
Gaga also shared the Best Collaboration win with Bruno Mars for their song “Die With a Smile.”
Her triumphs once again highlighted her unmatched versatility as both a performer and collaborator.
Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter continued her meteoric rise, grabbing three awards, including Album of the Year for Short n’ Sweet.
She also won Best Pop Artist, underscoring her dominance in the pop category this year.
K-pop star Rosé celebrated alongside Bruno Mars after winning Song of the Year with “APT.”
The upbeat track became one of 2025’s biggest global hits.
In addition, rising girl group KATSEYE earned MTV Push Performance of the Year for “Touch,” while Doechii secured Best Hip-Hop for her standout track “Anxiety.”
The night was also marked by powerful tributes and inaugural awards.
Mariah Carey was presented with the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, honoring her decades of influence in music and visuals.
Hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes received the first-ever Rock the Bells Visionary Award, celebrating his innovation in rap.
Ricky Martin accepted the inaugural Latin Icon Award, moving the audience with a heartfelt speech about representation and cultural pride.
Furthermore, the ceremony reflected the global impact of music in 2025.
From Shakira’s win in the Best Latin category with “Soltera,” to Tyla’s victory in Best Afrobeats with “Push 2 Start,” diverse sounds from across the world took center stage.
Coldplay added to the list of memorable winners, bagging Best Rock with “All My Love,” while BLACKPINK triumphed as Best Group, reinforcing their global dominance in K-pop.
Therefore, the 2025 MTV VMAs proved once again to be more than just an award show. It was a night that celebrated artistry, creativity, and the power of music to unite audiences worldwide.
