Drooid Logo
Back to story perspectives

Full Breakdown

Doja Cat's Controversial Performance at the 2025 MTV VMAs

9/8/2025, 7:52:42 PM

Opening Performance and Lip Syncing Allegations

During the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), held at the UBS Arena in New York City, rapper Doja Cat faced significant backlash from fans who accused her of lip syncing during her opening performance. The performance marked the debut of her new single, "Jealous Type," ahead of her upcoming album, *Vie*, set to release on September 26. Many viewers took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, expressing their disappointment and questioning her authenticity as she appeared to be mouthing the lyrics rather than singing them live. Comments ranged from "Worst Lip Singing ever" to "Doja lip syncing for her life, hunny," highlighting the discontent among her fanbase.

Red Carpet Stunt and Public Reaction

In addition to the performance controversy, Doja Cat made headlines with a bizarre stunt on the red carpet. Dressed in a plunging mini dress with '80s-style blonde bangs and bold red lipstick, she surprised onlookers by biting into her lipstick. This moment quickly went viral, with reactions varying from admiration for her boldness to confusion over the act. Some fans praised her energy, while others questioned the rationale behind such a stunt. It was later revealed that the lipstick was a chocolate creation crafted by pastry chef Amaury Guichon, linking the act to her role as the global ambassador for MAC Cosmetics.

Criticism and Support for Rosé's Acceptance Speech

The VMAs also featured Blackpink's Rosé, who won the award for Song of the Year for her duet "APT" with Bruno Mars. While many celebrated her achievement, her acceptance speech drew criticism for being excessively long. Viewers expressed their frustration on social media, with comments like "Rosé's speech was 3 hours long" and "Why was Rosé’s VMA speech so damn long?" However, some fans defended her, appreciating the emotional depth of her speech, where she dedicated the award to her younger self and thanked those who supported her journey.

Broader Implications and Cultural Impact

The events at the 2025 VMAs reflect ongoing discussions about authenticity in live performances and the expectations placed on artists during high-profile events. Doja Cat's lip syncing allegations and Rosé's lengthy speech highlight the diverse reactions from fans and the media, showcasing the complexities of celebrity culture in the music industry. As the night concluded, the VMAs continued to serve as a platform for artists to express themselves, albeit with mixed receptions from audiences.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “Is Doja lip-syncing?? And is she really that big of an act that she can open a show? She may be; I’m just asking.” — Anonymous Fan
  • “ROSÉ’S SPEECH WAS SO CUTE. THANKING HERSELF FOR NOT GIVING UP??? we love to see it.” — Anonymous Fan
  • “Doja Cat just ate and chewed on a lipstick on the red carpet, oh crazy woman.” — Anonymous Fan
  • “She emotionally ended the speech by saying, "And certainly, last but not least — hmm, this is heavy — as my therapist tells me to do every day, I’d like to thank myself for not giving up, even in the toughest of times, and always remember, you’ve got you.” — Rosé, accepting Song of the Year

The 2025 MTV VMAs showcased a blend of artistic expression and public scrutiny, leaving both Doja Cat and Rosé at the center of fan discussions and debates.