The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, held at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7th, were a spectacular celebration of music video artistry and pop culture. Hosted by the legendary LL Cool J, the night was dominated by powerhouse performances, heartfelt tributes, and a major sweep by music's biggest names. Lady Gaga led the pack, taking home the most trophies, while Ariana Grande and Rosé secured some of the night's most prestigious awards, making VMA history.
The Reign of Lady Gaga: Artist of the Year and More
Lady Gaga, a long-time VMA darling, solidified her status as a music icon by winning four Moon Persons, more than any other artist of the night. Her impressive haul came from a leading 12 nominations, including the coveted Artist of the Year award. Gaga's win for Artist of the Year was a defining moment of the ceremony. She appeared in a massive, striking black Marc Jacobs gown, making a grand entrance before a quick exit to head to her "Mayhem Ball" concert at Madison Square Garden.
In a powerful and moving acceptance speech, Gaga reflected on the meaning of being an artist. She spoke of art as a discipline and a craft intended to connect with and inspire people, reminding them to dream. She dedicated the award to her audience, her "Little Monsters," for their unwavering support. Her pre-taped performances of "Abracadabra" and "The Dead Dance," from her album Mayhem and the Netflix show Wednesday respectively, were livestreamed from her concert, offering a unique blend of live and televised artistry.
Beyond Artist of the Year, Gaga also secured a win for Best Collaboration for her duet with Bruno Mars on "Die with a Smile," a testament to their combined star power. Her visual masterpiece for "Abracadabra" was recognized for its creative vision, earning her the Best Direction award. This sweep underscored her continued influence and innovative approach to music and visuals, further cementing her legacy.
Ariana Grande's Triumphant Return and Video of the Year
Ariana Grande made a highly anticipated return to the VMAs and did not disappoint. The pop superstar was one of the night's biggest winners, securing three trophies, including the most prestigious award, Video of the Year, for her introspective and visually stunning video, "brighter days ahead." The win marked a new pinnacle in her career, recognizing her artistic growth and vulnerability.
In her acceptance speech for Video of the Year, Grande, accompanied by her co-director Christian Breslauer, expressed immense gratitude to her fans, acknowledging their support since she was a teenager. She spoke about art as a "safe space" and thanked her collaborators for bringing her vision to life. The emotional speech was a highlight, as she also gave a memorable shout-out to her father, who made his acting debut in the video.
Grande's wins also included Best Pop and Best Long-Form Video, both for "brighter days ahead," showcasing the video's all-around excellence. Her presence on the VMA stage was also notable for her fashion. She appeared in multiple stunning looks, including a polka-dot Fendi dress, a glittering Tamara Ralph gown, and a striking white Givenchy tutu-inspired dress, each look adding to the grandiosity of her return. Her emotional and gracious speeches, combined with her visual presence, made her one of the most talked-about artists of the night.
Rosé's Historic Win for Song of the Year
BLACKPINK member Rosé made history at the 2025 VMAs, becoming the first K-pop artist to win the coveted Song of the Year award. Her victory for "APT.," a collaboration with Bruno Mars, was a landmark moment for K-pop's global ascendancy. The song, praised for its catchy hooks and dynamic energy, beat out a fiercely competitive field.
Rosé, looking radiant in a yellow sequined dress, was visibly emotional and overwhelmed upon accepting her Moon Person. In her speech, she thanked her "absolute idol and incredible teacher" Bruno Mars, acknowledging his role in the song's creation and their collaboration. She also dedicated the win to her "16-year-old self, who dreamed, and to those who have watched me grow," a touching moment that resonated with fans worldwide.
The win for "APT." was not just a personal triumph for Rosé but a major milestone for the entire K-pop genre. It demonstrated the genre's mainstream success and the growing power of international collaborations. While her BLACKPINK colleague Lisa also took home the Best K-pop award, Rosé's win in one of the VMA's most significant categories was a powerful statement about her solo artistic merit and the genre's undeniable global impact.
Additional Highlights and Major Winners
The 2025 VMAs were packed with other memorable moments and major wins that contributed to the night's excitement. Sabrina Carpenter was a standout, tying with Ariana Grande for three awards. Her album, Short n' Sweet, was recognized as Best Album, and her video for "Manchild" earned her the trophy for Best Visual Effects. During her performance of "Tears," she was joined on stage by an ensemble of drag queens, holding signs that read "Protect Trans Rights" and "Support Drag," delivering a powerful and timely message.
Other key winners included:
- Alex Warren, who was crowned Best New Artist for his viral hit "Ordinary."
- Mariah Carey, who received the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. She was introduced by Ariana Grande, and in true diva fashion, she quipped, "What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?" before launching into a medley of her iconic hits.
- Busta Rhymes, who was honored with the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award, celebrating his decades-long influence on hip-hop.
- Kendrick Lamar, who, though he didn't attend, won Best Cinematography for his track "Not Like Us."
- Doechii, who took home the award for Best Hip-Hop for her song "Anxiety," a powerful nod to her growing presence in the genre.
The awards show was also filled with high-energy performances. From Ricky Martin's Latin Icon medley to the rock tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne featuring Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Yungblud, the night was a testament to the diverse and vibrant landscape of modern music. The 2025 VMAs were not just an awards ceremony but a cultural event that celebrated the power of music to connect, inspire, and entertain. Lady Gaga's dominance, Ariana Grande's emotional triumph, and Rosé's historic win created a night of unforgettable moments that will be remembered for years to come
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