Music’s Biggest Night unfolded at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), held on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. Hosted by LL Cool J, the event celebrated outstanding music videos and songs released between June 20, 2024, and June 18, 2025, broadcasting for the first time on CBS alongside MTV and Paramount+. The evening spotlighted major wins for Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter, honoring music legends and showcasing electrifying performances.
Major Wins and Top Honorees
Lady Gaga emerged as the VMAs’ biggest winner, securing four Moon Person trophies. According to MTV, this underscores her continued dominance and influence in the music industry. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter closely followed, each taking home three awards. The ceremony recognized both established icons and rising stars, making it a memorable night for the music industry.
Lady Gaga’s Triumphant Night
Lady Gaga’s impressive haul included the coveted Artist of the Year award, solidifying her status as a leading figure in music. Newsweek highlighted Gaga’s innovative approach to music videos and performances, which have consistently pushed creative boundaries. Her wins reflected a year of impactful contributions to the music landscape.
Ariana Grande’s Video of the Year
Ariana Grande’s “Brighter Days Ahead” was crowned Video of the Year, the night’s top honor. People.com noted the video’s positive message and stunning visuals resonated with audiences and critics alike. Grande’s win reaffirmed her position as a leading artist in the pop genre.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Breakthrough Success
Sabrina Carpenter celebrated a major win with Best Album for “Short n’ Sweet” and Best Pop Artist, a newly introduced category this year. Entertainment Weekly emphasized Carpenter’s growing popularity and her album’s commercial and critical success. Her recognition as Best Pop Artist highlighted her impact on the genre.
Rising Stars and Song of the Year
Alex Warren was recognized as Best New Artist and for Song of the Year with “Ordinary,” marking a significant breakthrough for the rising star. According to The Independent, Warren’s authenticity and relatable lyrics have resonated with a wide audience, setting the stage for a promising career.
Honoring Music Legends
The 2025 VMAs also paid tribute to several music legends, acknowledging their lasting impact on the industry. Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, and Ricky Martin received special accolades, celebrating their contributions to music and visual artistry.
Mariah Carey’s Video Vanguard Award
Mariah Carey received the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, presented by Ariana Grande. CBS News noted that this award recognized Carey’s enduring influence on music and visual artistry, citing her innovative music videos and vocal prowess. The award celebrated her decades-long career and her impact on generations of artists.
Busta Rhymes’ Rock the Bells Visionary Award
Rapper Busta Rhymes was honored with the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, acknowledging his contributions to hip-hop and his innovative music videos. The Guardian highlighted Rhymes’ unique style and his influence on the genre, noting his ability to stay relevant and innovative throughout his career.
Ricky Martin’s Latin Icon Award
Ricky Martin was recognized with the Latin Icon Award, celebrating his impact on Latin music and his global appeal. According to Wikipedia, this award acknowledged Martin’s role in popularizing Latin music worldwide and his enduring legacy as a performer and cultural icon.
Electrifying Performances
The stage at the UBS Arena was alive with electrifying performances from a diverse lineup of artists. From Lady Gaga to Sabrina Carpenter, the performances showcased the breadth and depth of talent in the music industry.
Star-Studded Lineup
Performances included Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, J Balvin featuring DJ Snake, Post Malone, Doja Cat, and Tate McRae. Each artist brought their unique style and energy to the stage, creating a dynamic and memorable show. The diverse lineup reflected the VMAs’ commitment to showcasing a wide range of musical genres and styles.
Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne
A poignant tribute to the late metal legend Ozzy Osbourne featured Yungblud, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Nuno Bettencourt. The tribute honored Osbourne’s contributions to rock music and his enduring legacy as a performer. According to The Independent, the performance was a moving tribute to a true icon of rock and roll.
VMAs’ Cultural Impact
The 2025 MTV VMAs served as a vibrant platform to celebrate the creativity and innovation in music videos. The decision to broadcast the ceremony on CBS for the first time amplified its reach, making it a significant cultural event. According to Entertainment Weekly, the recognition bestowed upon these artists is expected to further boost their careers and influence the music landscape in the coming year.
In conclusion, the 2025 MTV VMAs celebrated the pinnacle of music video artistry, honoring established icons like Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, and Ricky Martin while spotlighting rising stars such as Alex Warren and Sabrina Carpenter. The broadcast’s expanded reach on CBS amplified its cultural impact, promising to shape the future of music and inspire artists worldwide.
