The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday, September 7th, celebrating a year of groundbreaking music releases and captivating visual artistry. Hosted by legendary rapper LL Cool J, the ceremony saw Lady Gaga emerge as the night’s biggest winner, clinching the coveted Artist of the Year award, while Ariana Grande’s “brighter days ahead” was crowned Video of the Year.
A Night of Triumphs and Tributes
The evening kicked off with a bang, as Lady Gaga, who led the nominations with 12 nods, was awarded Artist of the Year, a testament to her consistent impact on the music landscape. Her win was a significant moment, highlighting her enduring appeal and influence. Following closely behind in nominations were Bruno Mars with 11 and Kendrick Lamar with 10, underscoring the intense competition in this year’s trending music categories.
Ariana Grande’s “brighter days ahead” earned the night’s most prestigious award, Video of the Year, beating out strong contenders like Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” and ROSÉ & Bruno Mars’ “APT.” The win solidified Grande’s status as a major force in contemporary music, showcasing her ability to deliver visually stunning and impactful music videos. Rising singer-songwriter Alex Warren was a breakout star of the night, taking home the award for Best New Artist and also for Song of the Year for his hit “Ordinary,” demonstrating his rapid ascent in the music industry.
New Categories and Genre Recognition
This year’s VMAs introduced two new categories, expanding the scope of recognition for diverse talent. Ariana Grande also secured the inaugural Best Pop Artist award, while Megan Moroney’s “Am I Okay?” won the newly established Best Country video award. These additions reflect the evolving landscape of music and the growing importance of recognizing artists across a broader spectrum of genres.
Tate McRae captured the Song of Summer award for “Just Keep Watching,” adding another accolade to her growing list of achievements. In the alternative music scene, sombr’s “back to friends” was recognized with the award for Best Alternative video.
Iconic Honors for Music Legends
Beyond the competitive categories, the 2025 VMAs paid tribute to musical icons. Pop superstar Mariah Carey was honored with the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, celebrating her profound and lasting impact on music videos and popular culture. Carey, who also performed a career-spanning medley of her hits, expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting her long history with the VMAs. Adding another historic moment, rapper Busta Rhymes became the first-ever recipient of the Rock The Bells Visionary Award. This new honor acknowledges his innovative contributions to hip-hop visuals and his enduring legacy as a trailblazer in the music industry. Ricky Martin was also celebrated with the first-ever Latin Icon Award.
The ceremony also featured a moving tribute to the late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, with performances from Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt, showcasing the cross-generational appeal and impact of his music.
A Night of Music and Momentum
Hosted by LL Cool J, the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards provided a platform for established stars and emerging artists alike, delivering electrifying performances and memorable moments. From Lady Gaga’s dominant presence to the well-deserved accolades for music veterans Mariah Carey and Busta Rhymes, the night was a vibrant snapshot of the current music scene and a look ahead at future releases. The event continues to be a pivotal moment in celebrating artistic achievement and setting trends in music and visual media.
