2025 MTV Video Music Awards: A Night of Big Wins and Memorable Performances
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards took place on Sunday night, September 7, at Long Island’s UBS Arena. The event was a celebration of music, artistry, and performance, with some of the biggest names in the industry gracing the stage. Hosted by LL Cool J, the show featured electrifying performances from a range of artists, including Doja Cat, Lady Gaga, and Ricky Martin. Among the highlights was the presentation of the Video Vanguard Award to Mariah Carey, a testament to her enduring influence in the world of music.
Lady Gaga Dominates with Multiple Wins
Lady Gaga emerged as the night’s most successful artist, securing four Moon Person trophies out of her 12 nominations. Despite her impressive haul, she did not win the prestigious Video of the Year award, which went to Ariana Grande for “Brighter Days Ahead.” Grande also took home two other awards, while Sabrina Carpenter added three wins to her name. The competition was fierce, with several other big names in the running for top honors.
Key Winners Across Categories
Video of the Year
- Winner: Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
- Other nominees: Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather, Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile, Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt., Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild, The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – Timeless
Artist of the Year
- Winner: Lady Gaga
- Other nominees: Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd
Song of the Year
- Winner: Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.
- Other nominees: Alex Warren – Ordinary, Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather, Doechii – Anxiety, Ed Sheeran – Sapphire, Gracie Abrams – I Love You, I’m Sorry, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile, Lorde – What Was That, Tate McRae – Sports Car, The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – Timeless
Best New Artist
- Winner: Alex Warren
- Other nominees: Ella Langley, Gigi Perez, Lola Young, Sombr, The Marías
Best Pop Artist
- Winner: Sabrina Carpenter
- Other nominees: Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, Justin Bieber, Lorde, Miley Cyrus, Tate McRae
Notable Performances and Recognitions
The night featured a variety of standout performances, including a powerful set from Doja Cat and a memorable appearance by Mariah Carey, who received the Video Vanguard Award. LL Cool J brought his signature energy to the hosting duties, while the show also recognized emerging talent through various categories.
Special Awards and Honors
In addition to the main categories, several special awards were presented. The MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award went to Busta Rhymes, and the Latin Icon Award was given to Ricky Martin. These honors celebrated the contributions of artists across different genres and eras.
Categories and Winners
Here are some of the key winners across various categories:
Best Collaboration
- Winner: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile
- Other nominees: Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs – Backup Plan, Kendrick Lamar & SZA – Luther, Post Malone Featuring Blake Shelton – Pour Me a Drink, Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt., Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco – Sunset Blvd
Best Hip-Hop
- Winner: Doechii – Anxiety
- Other nominees: Drake – Nokia, Eminem Featuring Jelly Roll – Somebody Save Me, Glorilla Featuring Sexyy Red – Whatchu Kno About Me, Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us, LL Cool J Featuring Eminem – Murdergram Deux, Travis Scott – 4×4
Best R&B
- Winner: Mariah Carey – Type Dangerous
- Other nominees: Chris Brown – Residuals, Leon Thomas & Freddie Gibbs – Mutt (Remix), PartyNextDoor – No Chill, Summer Walker – Heart of a Woman, SZA – Drive, The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – Timeless
Best Alternative
- Winner: Sombr – Back to Friends
- Other nominees: Gigi Perez – Sailor Song, Imagine Dragons – Wake Up, Lola Young – Messy, MGK & Jelly Roll – Lonely Road, The Marías – Back to Me
Best Rock
- Winner: Coldplay – All My Love
- Other nominees: Evanescence – Afterlife, Green Day – One Eyed Bastard, Lenny Kravitz – Honey, Linkin Park – The Emptiness Machine, Twenty One Pilots – The Contract
Additional Highlights
The ceremony also recognized excellence in cinematography, editing, choreography, and visual effects. Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra won Best Direction, while Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us took home Best Cinematography. Sabrina Carpenter’s Manchild won Best Visual Effects, and Doechii’s Anxiety was named Best Choreography.
Other notable categories included Best Album, Best Long Form Video, and Video for Good. Ariana Grande’s Brighter Days Ahead won Best Long Form Video, while Charli XCX’s Guess Featuring Billie Eilish was honored with the Video for Good award.
Conclusion
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards were a night filled with excitement, recognition, and unforgettable moments. From the big wins to the electrifying performances, the event showcased the best of the music industry. As the winners celebrate their achievements, fans eagerly await what the future holds for these artists and the ever-evolving world of music.
