The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday, September 7, with a night that leaned heavily into spectacle, inclusivity, and star power. Hosted by LL Cool J, this year’s show honoured the artists shaping the sound—and soul—of music today, with queer icons, allies, and groundbreaking newcomers at the forefront.
Lady Gaga Steals the Show
Heading into the night with 12 nominations, Lady Gaga reaffirmed her pop royalty status by taking home Artist of the Year and delivering a powerhouse performance of “Die With A Smile” alongside Bruno Mars. The duet was a major highlight, drawing thunderous applause and cementing Gaga’s position as the night’s headline act.
A Spotlight on Queer Artists & Allies
This year’s VMAs made space for queer visibility like never before.
- Sabrina Carpenter delivered a fiery performance of her viral anthem “Manchild.”
- ROSÉ, one of K-pop’s brightest stars, shared the stage with Bruno Mars for “APT.”
- Alex Warren, who has openly embraced his queer identity, had a breakthrough moment, winning Best New Artist.
- Music legends Mariah Carey and Ricky Martin—icons within LGBTQ+ communities—were honoured with special performances.
Big Winners of the Night
- Tate McRae scored Song of the Summer with her emotional track “Just Keep Watching” from F1: The Movie.
- sombr took home Best Alternative for “back to friends.”
- Mariah Carey added to her legacy with a win for Best R&B for “Type Dangerous.”
Other standout nominations included tracks from The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Lorde, proving once again that female-led pop and diverse artistry dominate the charts.
The Looks? Iconic.
Fashion was front and centre on the VMAs’ pink carpet.
Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, and Charli xcx each brought signature style to the night—ranging from retro glamour to hyper-modern edge. The VMAs red carpet (or in this case, pink) continued to be a playground for bold self-expression.
Where Pop Meets Purpose
This year’s VMAs blurred the lines between celebration and cultural commentary. With a night full of visibility, genre-defying performances, and heartfelt moments, the show underscored how music continues to be a force for both change and connection.
🏆 Full List of 2025 VMA Winners
🎤 Artist of the Year
Lady Gaga — WINNER
(Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd)
🎥 Video of the Year
Nominees included:
Ariana Grande – “brighter days ahead”
Billie Eilish – “Birds of a Feather”
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With A Smile”
ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – “APT.”
Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – “Timeless”
🎶 Song of the Year
Nominees included:
Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
Billie Eilish – “Birds of a Feather”
Doechii – “Anxiety”
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With A Smile”
Tate McRae – “Sports Car”
…and more.
🌟 Best New Artist
Alex Warren — WINNER
(Finalists: sombr, The Marías)
🎵 Best R&B
Mariah Carey – “Type Dangerous” — WINNER
🎸 Best Alternative
sombr – “back to friends” — WINNER
☀️ Song of the Summer
Tate McRae – “Just Keep Watching” — WINNER
