The 2025 MTV VMAs: A Night of Wins, Wonders and Wardrobe Magic
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up the music world with an evening that perfectly balanced spectacle, emotion and style. It was a night where legends were honoured, new stars were crowned, and fashion reigned supreme on the red carpet.
Leading the winners was Lady Gaga, who went into the night with 12 nominations and walked away with four wins, including the coveted Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration for “Die With a Smile” with Bruno Mars. Gaga proved yet again that she is a powerhouse who continues to shape pop culture with bold artistry and vision.
Ariana Grande also stole the spotlight, taking home Video of the Year, Best Pop, and Best Long-Form Video for her ambitious short film “brighter days ahead.” Grande’s triple triumph solidified her reputation as one of pop’s most innovative storytellers. Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter had her own fairytale evening, claiming Best Album for Short n’ Sweet, alongside wins for Best Pop Artist and Best Visual Effects for her hit “Manchild.”
In a historic moment, Rosé of BLACKPINK became the first K-pop solo artist to win Song of the Year, sharing the honour with Bruno Mars for their track “APT.” Rising star Alex Warren was named Best New Artist, while Tate McRae took home both Song of the Summer and Best Editing for “Just Keep Watching.” The night also saw legends receive long-overdue recognition: Mariah Carey was presented with the Video Vanguard Award, Ricky Martin accepted the inaugural Latin Icon Award, and Busta Rhymes received the first-ever Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
The show itself was packed with unforgettable performances. Lady Gaga unveiled a pre-recorded spectacle from her Mayhem Ball Tour, blending “Abracadabra” with the debut of “The Dead Dance” in a gothic ballroom fantasy that many hailed as the performance of the night. Sabrina Carpenter turned her set into a bold celebration of inclusivity with “Tears,” while Tate McRae kept the energy sky-high with her dynamic, dance-driven numbers “Revolving Door” and “Sports Car.” Rock royalty paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, with Yungblud, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Nuno Bettencourt coming together for a heartfelt rendition of “Changes.” And newcomer sombr brought raw edge and cinematic flair with his moody performances of “back to friends” and “12 to 12.”
Of course, no VMAs would be complete without a red-carpet fashion showcase, and this year did not disappoint. Doja Cat dazzled in a pastel argyle Balmain mini dress dripping with fuchsia gems, paired with towering platforms and Chopard diamonds. Ariana Grande channeled retro glam in a custom Fendi polka-dot gown and Swarovski jewels, while Sabrina Carpenter commanded attention in a sheer red Valentino gown with a lavender fur boa. Tate McRae delivered modern chic in a custom Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown, and Conan Gray turned heads with a nautical-inspired denim creation by Erik Charlotte that could have walked straight out of a couture runway show. Ciara balanced edge and elegance in Schiaparelli, Tyla kept it fresh with a reimagined Chanel minidress layered with bold Pandora jewelry, and Lady Gaga brought the drama in a voluminous black tulle Marc Jacobs gown that perfectly closed out the night’s high-fashion narrative.
The 2025 VMAs will be remembered not only for its record-breaking wins and show-stopping performances, but also for the way it celebrated both icons and newcomers with equal measure. It was a night of music at its most powerful, fearless, inclusive, emotional and above all, unforgettable.
