2025 MTV VMAs: Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande Shine as Women in Music Take Center Stage

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards illuminated New York’s UBS Arena on September 7th, celebrating a vibrant tapestry of musical talent and marking a significant night for female artists, established icons, and emerging stars alike. Hosted by veteran rapper and actor LL Cool J, the ceremony honored the year’s most compelling music videos and songs, delivering a show that was both a testament to enduring artistry and a glimpse into the future of entertainment. Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande emerged as dominant forces, each taking home multiple coveted Moon Person trophies, while historic milestones and powerful tributes underscored the night’s impact.

Lady Gaga Reigns Supreme as Artist of the Year

Lady Gaga, who led the nominations with twelve nods, was crowned Artist of the Year, a significant accolade that recognized her consistent impact and artistry throughout the year. She triumphed over formidable competition, including fellow superstars Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, neither of whom were in attendance. This win marked Gaga’s fourth award of the night, adding to her collection which included Best Collaboration for “Die With a Smile” with Bruno Mars, and wins for Best Direction and Best Art Direction for her video “Abracadabra.” Despite her busy schedule, including a sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden later that evening, Gaga made a swift departure after accepting her Artist of the Year award, dedicating it to her fiancé Michael Polansky and her fans, the “Little Monsters.” Her ability to juggle major tours with prestigious award ceremonies underscores her status as a top-tier performer and artist.

Ariana Grande Captures Video of the Year

Ariana Grande secured the night’s biggest prize, Video of the Year, for her evocative visual “Brighter Days Ahead.” The award celebrated not only her artistic vision but also the song’s powerful message of healing and self-reflection. Grande also received accolades for Best Pop Video and was recognized as Best Pop Artist in a new category, bringing her total wins to three. In her acceptance speeches, Grande expressed profound gratitude to her fans, her father who made his acting debut in the “Brighter Days Ahead” video, her therapist, and the “gay people” who have supported her. Her wins reinforce her position as a leading figure in contemporary pop music and a significant voice in entertainment stories.

Historic Milestones and Legendary Tributes

The 2025 VMAs also celebrated legacy and groundbreaking achievements. Music icon Mariah Carey was honored with the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, recognizing her decades-long influence on pop music and video culture. Presented by a visibly emotional Ariana Grande, who considers Carey a major inspiration, this marked Carey’s first-ever VMA win after over thirty years in the industry. Carey delivered a show-stopping medley of her greatest hits before accepting the award, playfully questioning MTV for the delay.

In a historic moment for K-pop, Rosé of BLACKPINK, alongside Bruno Mars, won Song of the Year for their collaboration “APT.” This marked the first time a K-pop artist clinched this top honor at the VMAs. Rosé delivered an emotional speech, dedicating the award to her 16-year-old self and emphasizing the importance of acceptance and hard work. The night also saw Busta Rhymes receive the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award and Ricky Martin honored with the first-ever Latin Icon Award, both celebrated with powerful performances.

Performances, Advocacy, and Musical Diversity

The ceremony featured a slate of electrifying performances from artists like Doja Cat, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tate McRae. Sabrina Carpenter’s performance of “Tears” made a bold statement as it incorporated drag queens holding signs advocating for trans rights, highlighting the intersection of music, culture, and social issues. A particularly poignant moment was the tribute to the late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, with performances by Yungblud, Steven Tyler, and Joe Perry. The show also acknowledged the evolving landscape of music with new categories like Best Country and Best Pop Artist, reflecting genre blends and global influences.

The 2025 MTV VMAs solidified its reputation as a premier event in the entertainment calendar, showcasing a diverse range of talent and celebrating pivotal moments in music history. With key artists like Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande leading the charge, and historic wins by Rosé and legacy honors for Mariah Carey, the night served as a powerful reminder of the dynamic and evolving nature of the music industry, promising many more compelling stories for fans to follow.