The 41st edition of the MTV VMAs was held on September 7 at the UBS Arena in New York, and it was an evening full of history-making. Not only was the show broadcast on CBS for the first time ever and LL Cool J pulled his first solo hosting stint for the ceremony. But artists like Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Rosé, Katseye, Sabrina Carpenter, and more were awarded.
Starting with the wins: it was a very good night for Gaga and Grande. Lady Gaga won the most awards at the 2025 VMAs, taking home four Moon Person trophies - two of which were bigger categories (Artist of the Year and Best Collab with Bruno Mars for "Die With a Smile"). Mother Monster dedicated her Artist of the Year award to the audience and her partner, Michael Polansky.
"Being an artist is a responsibility to make the audience smile, dance, cry, release at every turn," she said. "It is a method of building understanding and celebrating community. I hope as you navigate through the mayhem of daily life, you are reminded of the importance of the art of your life, that you can count on yourself and your simple skills to keep you whole...Your rehearsal, your discipline, your craft deserves to be rewarded for its passion. The way you move through your life is iconic and rare. It is entirely yours. I dedicate this award to the audience. You very much deserve a stage to shine on, and I give you all my applause."
After her speech, Gaga then apologized for not being able to catch all of the VMA performances, as she had to quickly return to Madison Square Garden for her Mayhem Ball Tour.
Ariana Grande took home three trophies - including Best Pop and Video of the Year for her song "Brighter Days Ahead." During her Best Pop win, she effusively thanked everyone - from her fans to her therapist to her father, who makes an appearance in the 26-minute video.
“I’m so grateful that I get to do this with my life and to have such fiercely loving and supportive fans. Thank you for growing with me and being so supportive of me as a human being, navigating in real time which creative itch needs to be scratched next, whether it’s acting, music, musical theater or a little bit of tour," she said.
“This project is about the hard work that is healing all different kinds of trauma and coming home to our young selves and creating safety in our own lives, which is a lifelong process and a daily exercise," the Wicked star continued. "If you’re on that journey, please continue onward, because I promise there are brighter days ahead.”
Like Grande, Sabrina Carpenter also took home three Moon Person awards - one of which was Best Album (awarded to Short n' Sweet). Other big winners included Rosé and Bruno Mars for Song of the Year ("APT."), and up-and-coming girl group Katseye for MTV Push Performance of the Year.
This year's ceremony had more tribute performances than ever before. J Balvin introduced Ricky Martin for the Latin Icon Award. After the "Livin' la vida loca" singer went through a medley of his steamy songs, Jessica Simpson handed him the prize. In his humble speech, Martin dedicated the award to his kids. He is the first artist to receive the honor.
After that, LL Cool J gave an introduction for Busta Rhymes, who was being honored for the Rock the Bells Visionary Award. Rhymes gave a show-stopping performance - rapping a mile a minute with his opening number of "Break Ya Neck," and bringing out Glorilla during his medley. Notably, Rhymes honored the late MTV VJ Ananda Lewis during his acceptance speech.
Rhymes was then followed by Mariah Carey, who was the recipient of this year's Video Vanguard Award. Ariana Grande introduced the legendary pop and R&B artist, who did a career-spanning performance of some of her greatest hits. It was Carey's first VMA. "What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?" she said in her acceptance speech, playfully shading MTV for not giving her an award sooner. She also used her opportunity on stage to announce her next album, Here For It All, which is out in two weeks.
Last but not least, the VMAS paid tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne. After the Prince of Darkness' son - Jack Osbourne - gave a pre-recorded intro to the crowd, English rocker YUNGBLUD launched into a rendition of the heavy metal classic, "Crazy Train." Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt led the backing band. YUNGBLUD also wailed out the Black Sabbath tune "Changes" before being joined by Steven Tyler and Aerosmith bandmate Joe Perry for the song “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” Tyler, whose vocal injury forced Aerosmith to retire from touring last year, delivered the Ozzy ballad with a heartfelt rasp, and was joined by YUNGBLUD for the second half of the song.
As for other performers - Doja Cat & Kenny G, Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter, Post Malone & Jelly Roll, Lady Gaga, Alex Warren, J Balvin with DJ Snake, Justin Quiles & Lenny Tavárez, Sombr, and Conan Gray all took the stage during the broadcast. The Doritos Stage featured up-and-comers like Lola Young, Bailey Zimmerman (with the Kid Laroi), and Megan Moroney, while the pre-show was dominated by Katseye. The preshow was hosted by Kevan Kenney and Nessa, and also featured Alex Warren and Megan Moroney on the Extended Play Stage.
See the full list of winners here and watch the full show on the VMAs' official website.
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Article Image: Portraits of Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande. (ImagePressAgency and ImagePressAgency via DepositPhotos.)
