Full Breakdown
Highlights from the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards
9/9/2025, 6:03:31 AM
Overview of the Event
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), held on September 7 at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, marked a significant moment in the show's history as it was broadcast live on CBS for the first time. Hosted by LL Cool J, the event celebrated both established and emerging artists, with a notable focus on female performers.
Major Winners and Awards
Lady Gaga emerged as the standout artist of the night, winning four awards, including the coveted Artist of the Year. She expressed her gratitude during her acceptance speech, emphasizing the role of artistry in connecting people. Gaga dedicated her award to her fiancé, Michael Polansky, and her fans, known as "Little Monsters." Ariana Grande also had a successful night, winning Video of the Year for her song "Brighter Days Ahead," along with Best Pop and Best Long Form Video. Sabrina Carpenter took home three awards, including Best Pop Artist and Best Album for "Short n' Sweet."
Other notable winners included:
- Song of the Year: ROSÉ and Bruno Mars for "APT."
- Latin Icon Award: Ricky Martin
- Rock the Bells Visionary Award: Busta Rhymes
- Video Vanguard Award: Mariah Carey, who performed a medley of her hits.
Performances and Tributes
The VMAs featured a variety of performances, including a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, led by Yungblud, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Nuno Bettencourt, who performed classics like "Crazy Train" and "Changes." Lady Gaga's performance was pre-recorded at her Madison Square Garden concert, where she showcased her new songs "Abracadabra" and "The Dead Dance." Doja Cat opened the show with a vibrant performance of "Jealous Type," while Sabrina Carpenter's performance of "Tears" included a powerful message for trans rights, featuring drag queens holding supportive signs.
Criticism and Reception
Despite the star-studded lineup, some critics noted that the show felt somewhat muted compared to previous years, with a heavier emphasis on legacy acts. The lengthy medleys performed by established artists like Mariah Carey and Busta Rhymes drew mixed reactions, with some feeling they overshadowed newer talent. Critics argued that the VMAs should focus more on emerging artists to maintain relevance in the evolving music landscape.
Conclusion
The 2025 MTV VMAs successfully highlighted the achievements of both established and rising stars, with Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter leading the accolades. The event's new broadcasting partnership with CBS and its commitment to celebrating diverse musical talents reflect the VMAs' ongoing evolution in the entertainment industry. As the night concluded, the emphasis on female empowerment and artistic expression resonated with audiences, setting a hopeful tone for future ceremonies.