The MTV Video Music Awards 2025 lit up New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday night, delivering a star-studded spectacle hosted by LL Cool J. From electrifying performances to heartfelt tributes, the night celebrated music’s biggest names and rising stars. Here’s a comprehensive recap of the highlights, top winners, and unforgettable moments from the VMAs 2025, with Lady Gaga leading the pack as the night’s biggest winner.

Lady Gaga Wins Big with Four Awards

Lady Gaga stole the show, securing four awards out of her 12 nominations. Her wins included:

• Artist of the Year

• Best Art Direction

• Best Direction

• Best Collaboration for Die With a Smile with Bruno Mars

Gaga’s commanding presence and artistic excellence solidified her as the top winner of the night. The awards were presented by Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, adding a nostalgic touch to the ceremony.

Ariana Grande’s Emotional Triumph

Ariana Grande took home two prestigious awards: Video of the Year for Brighter Days Ahead and Best Pop Artist. In her acceptance speech, Grande expressed gratitude to her fans, friends, family, and therapists, emphasizing the healing power of art. She described Brighter Days Ahead as a reflection of “the hard work that is healing all different kinds of trauma,” resonating deeply with the audience.

Sabrina Carpenter’s Electrifying Performance and Wins

Sabrina Carpenter set the stage ablaze with a dynamic performance in a police uniform, earning three awards:

• Best Pop Artist

• Best Album for Short n’ Sweet

• Best Visual Effects for Manchild

Her captivating stage presence and chart-topping hits made her one of the night’s standout stars.

Bruno Mars and ROSÉ Share the Spotlight

Although Bruno Mars was absent, he clinched two awards: one for Die With a Smile with Lady Gaga and another with BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ. ROSÉ accepted the awards on behalf of BLACKPINK, who also won a coveted Moon Person trophy, further cementing their global influence.

Mariah Carey and Ricky Martin Honored

The VMAs celebrated music legends Mariah Carey and Ricky Martin. Carey won her first-ever MTV VMA in her 35-year career, delivering a show-stopping performance of her iconic hits. Ricky Martin was honored with the Latin Icon Award, presented by Jessica Simpson, and thrilled the crowd with an energetic medley of his hits.

Other Notable Winners and Performances

• Tate McRae won two awards for her viral hit Just Keep Watching from F1 The Movie, recognized for its widespread popularity.

• Doechii earned two awards for Best Hip-Hop and Best Choreography for Anxiety, highlighting the VMAs’ appreciation for dance and artistry.

• Sombr took home Best Alternative Song for Back to Friends and delivered a memorable performance.

• Moroney, the Best Country Artist, shared the stage with TikTok star Alix Earle.

• J Balvin and DJ Snake brought high energy with their performance of Como en los 90s, while Alex Warren wowed with a live band.

A Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne

The night featured a moving tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22, 2025. The performance, featuring Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt, honored the rock legend’s legacy, leaving the audience in awe.

Red Carpet Glamour

The VMAs red carpet was a fashion extravaganza, with stars like Gaga, Carpenter, and Grande dazzling in stunning designer outfits. The event’s glamorous vibe underscored its reputation as a cultural milestone, blending music, style, and spectacle.

Why the MTV VMAs 2025 Mattered

The MTV VMAs 2025 wasn’t just about awards—it was a celebration of music’s power to inspire and unite. From Gaga’s chart-topping dominance to Carpenter’s fiery performance and Grande’s heartfelt speech, the night showcased the industry’s brightest talents. The inclusion of diverse genres, from hip-hop to country, and recognition of dance and visual artistry highlighted the VMAs’ commitment to innovation.

For more details on the event, check out the full coverage on WION.