Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande Lead a Night of Female Power at the 2025 MTV VMAs

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, held at New York’s UBS Arena, celebrated a dominant year for women in music, with Lady Gaga taking home the coveted Artist of the Year award and Ariana Grande snagging the night’s top honor, Video of the Year. Hosted by LL Cool J, the ceremony, which aired live on CBS and Paramount+ for the first time, also paid tribute to music legends and highlighted rising stars, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the current top trends in entertainment.

Lady Gaga Reigns Supreme as Artist of the Year

Lady Gaga, the most nominated artist of the evening with 12 nods, kicked off the awards by accepting the Artist of the Year trophy. Her win underscored a year of significant artistic output and influence, positioning her above fellow nominees like Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, and Taylor Swift. Gaga, who was on tour with her “Mayhem” album, dedicated the award to her fans, affectionately known as “Little Monsters,” and her partner, Michael Polansky. Her acceptance speech emphasized the discipline and responsibility inherent in being an artist, a craft aimed at connecting souls and fostering understanding. Gaga also secured wins for Best Collaboration, alongside Bruno Mars for “Die With a Smile,” as well as Best Direction and Best Art Direction for “Abracadabra.” Despite her numerous wins and appearances, Gaga’s commitment to her fans saw her dash from the VMAs ceremony to her sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden, with fans even noting the inclusion of VMA Moonman statues in her stage production. This dynamic performance schedule highlights her dedication to connecting with her audience across multiple platforms.

Ariana Grande Claims Video of the Year Amidst Pop Dominance

Ariana Grande’s profound visual narrative for “Brighter Days Ahead” earned her the prestigious Video of the Year award, a significant moment capping off a night where pop music artists shone brightly. Grande also secured wins for Best Pop and Best Long Form Video for the same project, marking a strong showing for her latest creative endeavors. Accepting the Video of the Year award with director Christian Breslauer, Grande spoke about the song’s theme of healing trauma and finding safety within oneself, offering a message of hope: “If you’re on that journey, please continue onward, because I promise there are brighter days ahead.” Her acceptance was further amplified by her heartfelt thanks to her therapists and the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating the art form as a safe space since childhood. The evening’s focus on pop was further cemented by Sabrina Carpenter, who collected three awards, including Album of the Year for “Short n’ Sweet” and Best Pop Artist.

Celebrating Icons and Chart-Topping Collaborations

The 2025 VMAs also recognized established figures and celebrated groundbreaking collaborations. Legendary singer Mariah Carey was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, presented to her by protégé Ariana Grande. Carey delivered a powerful medley of her hits and reflected on her enduring career, humorously questioning what took so long for her first VMA. Rapper Busta Rhymes received the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, celebrated for his indelible impact on hip-hop. A significant moment in global music stories came with Rosé of BLACKPINK winning Song of the Year for her collaboration with Bruno Mars, “APT.” This marked a historic win, as it was the first time a K-pop artist secured this category, with Rosé dedicating the award to her 16-year-old self and those who have supported her journey.

Performances and a New Era for the VMAs

The night was also filled with a diverse array of performances, including Doja Cat, Tate McRae, and Sabrina Carpenter, who delivered a powerful statement advocating for trans rights during her performance of “Tears.” Iconic artists like Ricky Martin, honored with the first-ever Latin Icon Award, and Mariah Carey, delivered memorable musical moments. The ceremony’s move to broadcast on CBS and stream on Paramount+ signaled an effort to reach a wider audience, integrating traditional television with digital platforms. Host LL Cool J steered the evening with his characteristic charisma, guiding viewers through a night that celebrated both established superstars and the emerging talent shaping the future of music.

A Night of Empowerment and Enduring Impact

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards underscored the significant influence of female artists in contemporary music, with Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande leading the charge. The ceremony not only awarded top artists and videos but also highlighted the evolving landscape of the music industry, embracing global sounds and celebrating diverse artistic expressions. As the night concluded, it was clear that the VMAs continue to be a pivotal platform for showcasing the most impactful stories and defining moments in pop culture, solidifying its place as a premier entertainment event.