The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up the UBS Arena in New York on Sunday night, celebrating the biggest names in global music. Hosted by hip-hop legend LL Cool J, the star-studded ceremony featured powerhouse performances and emotional tributes, while honoring artists across genres with the iconic Moon Person trophy.
Ariana Grande scored one of the night’s biggest victories, winning Video of the Year for her hit Brighter Days Ahead. She also took home the award for Best Pop, cementing her continued dominance in the pop landscape. Lady Gaga, who entered the night as the most-nominated artist with 12 nods, was crowned Artist of the Year and also won Best Collaboration alongside Bruno Mars for Die With A Smile. Rising star Alex Warren captured the spotlight with the Best New Artist award, marking a breakthrough moment in his career.
Other major winners included ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, who won Song of the Year for their chart-topping duet APT., while country singer Megan Moroney triumphed in the Best Country category with Am I Okay?. Global icons also received career-spanning honors: Ricky Martin was presented with the Latin Icon Award, while Mariah Carey not only won Best R&B for Type Dangerous but was also celebrated with the prestigious *Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
The night highlighted music’s diversity, with Sombr winning Best Alternative, Tyla taking home Best Afrobeats, Lisa of Blackpink securing Best K-pop, and Coldplay earning Best Rock for All My Love. Other notable wins included Shakira for Best Latin, Doechii for Best Hip-Hop, and Sabrina Carpenter, who claimed both Best Album for Short n’ Sweet and *Best Pop Artist. Blackpink also returned to the stage as winners of Best Group, underscoring the continued influence of K-pop worldwide.
The 2025 VMAs not only celebrated current chart-toppers but also paid homage to musical trailblazers. From Busta Rhymes receiving the Rock the Bells Visionary Award to Carey’s show-stopping performance of her greatest hits, the ceremony blended nostalgia with fresh talent. With standout performances and historic wins, this year’s VMAs reaffirmed its place as one of the most influential nights in music, spotlighting artists who continue to push creative boundaries on a global stage.
