The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7, bringing together legends, chart-toppers, and rising stars in a night that balanced nostalgia with fresh milestones. For the first time ever, the VMAs aired live not only on MTV but also on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+ Premium — signaling just how big the event has become.
Rapper and actor LL Cool J took the reins as the show’s solo host, keeping the energy high throughout a packed evening. Among the most powerful moments was a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, where Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt delivered a thunderous performance in his honor.
The awards spotlighted music icons: Mariah Carey received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, marking her first-ever VMA win and recognizing her trailblazing influence on pop and R&B. Busta Rhymes accepted the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award, while Ricky Martin was celebrated with the new Latin Icon Award.
On the competitive side, Lady Gaga led the nominations with 12, followed closely by Bruno Mars with 11 and Kendrick Lamar with 10. Gaga’s performance — along with her duet with Mars, “Die With a Smile” — was one of the night’s highlights and secured her multiple wins. Ariana Grande claimed the top prize, winning Video of the Year for “Brighter Days Ahead.” Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar took home Best Hip-Hop for “Not Like Us” and The Weeknd with Playboi Carti won Best R&B for “Timeless.” Rising artist Alex Warren had a breakout night, winning both Song of the Year and Best New Artist.
The VMAs also marked history: ROSÉ became the first Korean solo artist nominated for Video of the Year, signaling the global impact of K-pop. In another move toward inclusivity, MTV introduced fan-voted categories for Best Country Artist and Best Pop Artist for the first time.
As always, the red carpet commanded attention. Doja Cat made headlines in a striking Balmain mini-dress and stunned cameras by cheekily eating her lipstick during interviews. Zara Larsson, Taylor Momsen, and girl group Katseye also drew major attention with bold fashion statements, further fueling social media buzz.
With tributes to legends, recognition for global superstars, and breakout wins for fresh talent, the 2025 VMAs cemented themselves as more than just an awards show — they were a cultural snapshot of music’s ever-evolving landscape.
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