The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up UBS Arena in Long Island on September 7, delivering an unforgettable mix of star-studded performances and groundbreaking victories. From Lady Gaga’s triumphant return to the VMA stage to Rosé’s milestone win as a solo K-pop artist, the night celebrated both global icons and fresh faces making their mark on the music world.
Lady Gaga, Rosé, and Mariah Carey Lead the Night
Pop powerhouse Lady Gaga proved once again why she remains one of the most enduring figures in music. With 12 nominations, she walked away with multiple honors, including the highly coveted Artist of the Year award. Her acceptance speech highlighting artistic freedom and fan support drew one of the loudest cheers of the evening.
For Rosé of BLACKPINK, the ceremony marked a breakthrough moment in her solo career. Teaming up with Bruno Mars, their track APT. earned Song of the Year—making Rosé not only a first-time solo winner but also the first K-pop artist ever to claim the category.
Meanwhile, Mariah Carey enjoyed a career-spanning celebration. She not only won Best R&B for Type Dangerous but also received the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, honoring her decades of influence and artistry.
Latin icon Ricky Martin was another legend recognized, taking home the Latin Icon Award while delivering a heartfelt tribute performance that highlighted his enduring role in music and cultural representation.
Performances That Defined the 2025 VMAs
The VMAs stage pulsed with energy all night as stars delivered unforgettable performances:
- Sabrina Carpenter turned heads with a bold theatrical set of Tears, complete with drag performers and powerful pro-Trans visuals.
- Rising group KATSEYE impressed with a high-energy, razor-sharp routine, establishing themselves as global pop contenders.
- Tate McRae slowed things down with an emotional performance that had fans singing along word for word.
- Lady Gaga’s first VMA performance in five years was a spectacle of drama and vocals that only she could deliver.
- Ricky Martin brought the house down with his Latin Icon tribute, blending gratitude with unmatched charisma.
- Tyla carried Afrobeats to new heights with Push 2 Start, while Megan Moroney’s Am I Okay? made history as the first-ever winner in the brand-new Best Country category.
- Hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes received the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, earning roaring applause from both longtime fans and new audiences.
MTV VMAs 2025 – Complete Winners List
Here’s the full rundown of winners from the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards:
- 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 Pop Artist – Sabrina Carpenter
- MTV Push Performance of the Year – KATSEYE, Touch
- Best Collaboration – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, Die With a Smile
- Best Pop – Ariana Grande, Brighter Days Ahead
- Best Hip-Hop – Doechii, Anxiety
- Best R&B – Mariah Carey, Type Dangerous
- Best Alternative – Sombr, Back to Friends
- Best Rock – Coldplay, All My Love
- Best Latin – Shakira, Soltera
- Best K-pop – Lisa ft. Doja Cat & Raye, Born Again
- Best Afrobeats – Tyla, Push 2 Start
- Best Country – Megan Moroney, Am I Okay?
- Best Album – Sabrina Carpenter, Short n’ Sweet
- Best Longform Video – Ariana Grande, Brighter Days Ahead
- Best Group – BLACKPINK
- Song of the Summer – Sabrina Carpenter, Manchild
- Video for Good – Charli XCX ft. Billie Eilish, Guess
- Best Direction – Lady Gaga, Abracadabra
- Best Art Direction – Lady Gaga, Abracadabra
- Best Cinematography – Kendrick Lamar, Not Like Us
- Best Editing – Tate McRae, Just Keep Watching (From F1: The Movie)
- Best Choreography – Doechii, Anxiety
- Best Visual Effects – Sabrina Carpenter, Manchild
Final Thoughts
The 2025 MTV VMAs successfully blended nostalgia with fresh artistry, honoring legends like Mariah Carey and Ricky Martin while spotlighting the next generation with Rosé, KATSEYE, and Sabrina Carpenter. With Lady Gaga’s sweeping wins, Rosé’s historic breakthrough, and powerful performances across every genre, this year’s awards will be remembered as one of the most impactful nights in VMA history.
