2025 MTV VMAs: A Night of Nostalgia, Tributes and Milestone Victories
Star-Studded Evening at UBS Arena
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards took place at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7, 2025, with rapper and actor LL Cool J serving as host. For the first time, the ceremony was broadcast on CBS while being simulcast on MTV.
Major Winners and Breakthrough Moments
Lady Gaga, who entered the night with 18 previous VMAs, led the nominations with 12 nods and emerged as the night’s biggest winner. She claimed four awards, including Artist of the Year, best art direction, best direction, and best collaboration for “Die With a Smile” with Bruno Mars.
Ariana Grande secured three significant victories, winning Video of the Year and best long-form video for “Brighter Days Ahead,” as well as best pop. Sabrina Carpenter also impressed with three trophies: pop artist, album for Short n’ Sweet, and best visual effects for “Manchild.”
Special Honours and Memorable Performances
The ceremony was marked by millennial nostalgia, featuring medley performances from Mariah Carey, who received the Video Vanguard Award; Ricky Martin, who won the inaugural Latin Icon Award; and Busta Rhymes, who received the inaugural “Rock the Bells” Visionary Award.
A touching highlight of the evening was the tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away in July at age 76, featuring a star-studded performance by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt.
New Generation Makes Its Mark
The awards show demonstrated the growing influence of social media, as artists who gained fame through platforms like TikTok made their presence felt. Notable among these were Alex Warren, who secured the best new artist award, and Megan Moroney, who triumphed in the newly introduced best country category.
The ceremony highlighted the music industry’s continued evolution and celebrated both established and emerging talent, while honoring the best music videos and songs released between June 20, 2024, and June 18, 2025.
