The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards delivered spectacular performances and surprising wins on September 7th at UBS Arena in New York, with Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande emerging as the night’s biggest winners.
Lady Gaga, who led with 12 nominations heading into the show, took home the coveted Artist of the Year award. In an emotional acceptance speech, she thanked her fiancé Michael Polansky, saying “Creating this year with you was a beautiful, beautiful dream, and you have been my partner every step of the way.” The Grammy winner had to leave just 15 minutes after the show began to perform at her sold-out Madison Square Garden show as part of her Mayhem Ball tour.
Ariana Grande claimed the biggest prize of the night, winning Video of the Year for “brighter days ahead.” During her acceptance speech, Grande memorably thanked “my therapists and gay people,” drawing cheers from the audience. She also won Best Pop for the same video.
Other major winners included Sabrina Carpenter, who took home Album of the Year for “Short and Sweet” and performed her hit song “Tears” accompanied by drag queens. Alex Warren won Best New Artist, while BLACKPINK secured Best Group. ROSÉ and Bruno Mars won Song of the Year for “APT.”
The show featured memorable performances from multiple artists, with Lady Gaga delivering an over-the-top performance despite it being pre-taped due to her concert conflict. Mariah Carey received the Video Vanguard Award for lifetime achievement, marking her first VMA performance in 20 years. Ricky Martin was honored with the inaugural Latin Icon Award.
LL Cool J hosted the event, which also included a touching tribute to heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away in July. The late star’s son Jack and grandchildren presented the tribute, followed by performances of Ozzy’s greatest hits by Steven Tyler and other artists.