The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, held at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, delivered a night packed with electrifying performances, historic wins, and, of course, countless viral moments that lit up social media and dominated music news. Hosted by veteran rapper and actor LL Cool J, the ceremony, which aired live on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+, celebrated the best music videos and songs released between June 20, 2024, and June 18, 2025, solidifying its reputation as a premier music event.
Performances That Broke the Internet
The night kicked off with a bang, featuring performances that quickly became trending topics. Doja Cat set a high bar with her energetic rendition of “Jealous Type,” a performance that captured the ’80s spirit and culminated in an unexpected, viral moment where she playfully consumed her own lipstick. Her set was a masterclass in nostalgia, complete with a Janet Jackson-inspired dance break that had fans talking. Sabrina Carpenter also made a powerful statement with her performance of “Tears.” The pop artist transformed the stage into a vibrant cityscape, incorporating drag queens and holding signs advocating for trans rights, turning her set into a memorable display of allyship. The performance, which included a rain-soaked dance break reminiscent of iconic moments in music video history, underscored Carpenter’s growing influence and willingness to use her platform for advocacy.
Icon Tributes and Milestone Awards
This year’s VMAs were also a significant night for honoring music legends. Mariah Carey received the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, presented by her devoted fan and fellow superstar, Ariana Grande. Carey graced the stage with a medley of her greatest hits, including “Fantasy,” “Honey,” and “We Belong Together,” marking her first VMA win and performance in over 30 years. The moment was deeply personal, with Carey joking about the long wait for her first Moon Person. Busta Rhymes was celebrated as the recipient of the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award. He treated the audience to an electrifying performance of his classic hits, joined by collaborators like Spliff Star, GloRilla, and Joyner Lucas, and paid tribute to the late MTV VJ Ananda Lewis. Ricky Martin also received the first-ever Latin Icon Award, underscoring the global reach and diversity celebrated at the event.
Artist Spotlight and Major Wins
Lady Gaga led the nominations with an impressive twelve nods and emerged as the night’s biggest winner, securing four awards including Artist of the Year. Gaga, however, had to dash off to her Madison Square Garden concert immediately after accepting her award, showcasing her remarkable dedication to her fans and artistry. Ariana Grande’s “Brighter Days Ahead” was crowned Video of the Year, with Grande also winning Best Pop Video and delivering a touching acceptance speech thanking her “therapists and gay people.” Sabrina Carpenter continued her successful year, taking home Best Pop Artist and Album of the Year for “Short n’ Sweet.” Alex Warren was recognized as Best New Artist, delivering a memorable and humorous acceptance speech. Other notable wins included Rosé and Bruno Mars for Song of the Year with “APT.”, and KATSEYE winning Push Performance of the Year, marking significant milestones for these artists and their music releases.
Unexpected Moments and Social Buzz
Beyond the awards and planned performances, the 2025 VMAs were ripe with unexpected moments that captured the public’s attention. Summer Walker arrived on the red carpet with a mystery companion, an older white man, sparking widespread speculation and viral chatter across social media. The couple’s affectionate display, including feeding each other cotton candy and sharing kisses, quickly became a trending topic, with fans dubbing him her “special friend.” The night also featured an emotional and powerful tribute to the late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, with performances from Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards proved once again to be a pivotal event in the music calendar, a true celebration of artistic achievement, cultural impact, and the moments that define our collective music experience. From groundbreaking performances to heartfelt tributes and surprising celebrity appearances, this year’s VMAs delivered a dynamic spectrum of entertainment, cementing its status as a must-watch event for all music lovers.
